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Preparing for College - Selecting a College or University

Deciding which colleges or universities to apply to (and go to) is a difficult task for anyone, especially if you don't know very much about the system. It can be a daunting prospect, but don't worry- it's not impossible to figure out! This page breaks down the process of choosing and applying to colleges and universities, and offers guidance through the whole process.

Ten Steps to Selecting a College or University:

  1. Establish your goals and interests.
  2. If you know what career interests you the most, find out what kind of education and training you'll need to work in that field.
  3. Make sure you are academically prepared for college and that you've taken the standardized tests that may be required for admission.
  4. Familiarize yourself with the different types of schools, and find out what characteristics (size, location, academic program, athletics, culture, environment) to look for when selecting a school.
  5. Choose characteristics that are important to you.
  6. Gather information about schools.
  7. Make a short list of the schools that have the characteristics you are looking for and that best meet your goals and needs.
  8. Request additional information from the schools on your list including: application for admission, costs, and financial aid.
  9. Apply for admission to the four to six schools that top your list.
  10. Visit Internet resources for more information.

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