FAVORITE INTERNET SITES FOR COLLEGE PLANNING
These sites will help you select your college by inputting different variables (such as size, location, GPA and test scores, athletic programs, etc.). In addition, you can evaluate how others view a particular college by reading independent reviews (some by other college students). In addition, these sites have wonderful additional features to help you keep organized regarding deadline dates, tips on writing the college essay, making the most of college visits, etc.
How do you determine if you are an academic fit for a college? One strategy is to go onto a college website such as and search for colleges statistics for incoming freshman. Look for the 50% percentile numbers for GPA and SAT or ACT scores. If your GPA and test scores are above the 50% percentile, chances are stronger for admission and/or scholarship money. Remember these percentiles are based upon unweighted GPA’s.: college match, scatter grams (your chance of admission), campus visit planners, suggestions for other colleges to consider, student reviews
: Rankings on everything from toughest academics to nicest dorms.
– Detailed reviews on everything from campus food to professors to social life. Written for students by students. Slightly sarcastic and irreverent, but generally accurate.
: Get all specifics on every college and compare multiple colleges side by side on the same screen. Includes everything from all majors at that college to percentage of students admitted from out-of-state.
: This website is the old stand-by. Great resource center with lots of educational articles about the whole process as well as a solid college matching tool.
: The famous U.S. News & World rankings for those individuals who believe that rankings measure the value of an education. Not everyone believes their ranking system is valid. Some colleges don’t participate because they object to the criteria used. For extensive reports, the fee is approximately $25.
: GREAT overall tips for the whole process from essays, interview and making the most of college visits and college fairs.
– Great overall resource to learn everything about college admissions. Also, very good college search tool.
Provides an overview of the quality of Honors Colleges at state universities.
Popular Books for Independent Reviews
The College Prowler, The College Finder, The Best 371 Colleges (Princeton Review), Fiske’s Guide To Colleges, Colleges That Change Lives, Rugg’s Recommendations on Colleges