College Fit Guide

How To Pick the Right College

Choosing the right college is important because this decision will impact many areas of a student’s life for at least the next four years, from academics to social activities. Therefore, it’s very important to carefully consider this decision.

Because of the importance of making the right choice, it can be stressful when it comes time to select a school. There are many factors to consider when researching the schools you're interested in attending. While affordability and location are important, you must also consider whether that campus provides the right educational opportunities to help you meet your academic goals.

Factors to Consider While Choosing

Here are just a few of the factors you should consider when choosing the right college:

Location

Sometimes, the best financial choice is to attend an in-state college, especially if the major you’re interested in is available closer to home. Decide whether you’d like to attend a campus across the country or somewhere that’s a bit more local.

Academic Quality

Some colleges offer stronger academic programs that are more comprehensive and prepare you for a future in your field of choice. Make sure you research each college’s programs and see which ones offer a more thorough learning experience.

Size

Do you prefer a smaller campus where everyone is familiar with each other? Or do you enjoy the hustle and bustle of larger universities? Campus size can play a huge role in whether a particular college is right for you.

Affordability

Although most colleges offer financial aid, you may still have to apply for student loans. Understand the cost of attending each college before making your decision.

Student Vibe

Take your time and visit each campus during an average school day. You want to feel comfortable on campus, so get to know what kind of activities and clubs students are most interested in.

Need Help Selecting the Right College?

While this time in your life might be stressful, you're not alone. We are here to help with a useful guide that you can use to help you find the right college for you.

Get the guide that is packed with tips for choosing the right college.

This guide makes it easy to find a school that fits you best. It has everything that you need —the insights, data, and more all right in one place to make your search as easy as possible. With this resource, you will feel more confident that you have made the right choice for your future.

Your Guide to Finding the Right College Fit​ has everything that you need to evaluate colleges. It covers the 5 most important things to consider when choosing a college:

Download your FREE College Fit Guide

This guide also contains lots of insider tips on how to choose a college. These are tips that you won’t find anywhere else.

Download our free guide to help you as you make this important decision for your future. By taking your time and doing your research on each campus, you're sure to find the perfect college that fits your needs.

Need More Help? Meet with an expert.

Applying for college does not have to be stressful. It can be a meaningful and enjoyable experience if you prepare yourself well. We have lots of useful resources to help you stay ahead of the game.

Schedule a complimentary 45-minute college admissions counseling to kickstart your college journey.

Explore Related Free Resources

College visits are one of the most exciting parts of figuring out which school will be the best fit for you. With so many different options and so much to explore it can be overwhelming to plan your trip, especially when there’s so much to do and so many questions to ask. Here’s a checklist to help.

With the Stand Out Factor Workbook, you’ll be able to better understand what sets you apart from other applicants—and develop a plan to broadcast those unique qualities to college admissions officers.

You’ve come to the right place if you are unsure where to get information. Download HelloCollege’s College Research Workbook for free. It’s a valuable resource packed with college research tools that will help you make the right decision when figuring out where to apply.