With nearly 3,500 universities and colleges to choose from, any student who takes the time to thoroughly explore his or her educational options should have no problem gaining admission to several which meet their needs. In fact, if students realize there are many colleges, not just a few, in which they can be both happy and successful, if they get started on their college search no later than the fall of their junior year of high school, and if they use the informational resources available to them, their college search can be almost anxiety free. Remember that fewer than ten percent of the colleges and universities in the United are highly selective. So, unless you apply to a highly selective college or university, your chances for admission to the institutions you have chosen are probably pretty high if you have been realistic in your choices. Conversely, if your grades and standardized test scores are high enough so that highly selective colleges are a reasonable option for you, you should be a lock for admission to one of the many excellent but slightly less competitive institutions.
A few colleges and universities, places like Harvard, Stanford, and MIT, receive so many applications from top students that they can be incredibly selective, admitting just fifteen percent of their applicants (sometimes fewer). But, many good colleges, some with pretty high profiles, admit forty to sixty percents. And, nationally, the acceptance rate is close to seventy-five percent (75%).
Keeping in mind what we have just discussed, you are now ready to begin your college search. Your first and most important step to identify at least a half dozen institutions which offer the academic programs and co-curricular activities of interest to you, provide a campus environment in which you will feel comfortable, and are likely to offer you admission. Begin by meeting with your school counselor to:
1. ask for his/her college recommendations.
2. discuss the courses you plan to take in future years.
3. sign up for the SAT and ACT.
4. find out which college admissions counselors will be visiting your high school.
5. register for the college night programs in your region.
Don't overlook all the great college, scholarship, financial aid, and career information available on the web. Just do a few searches and you'll be amazed at what you'll find.
After completing the above steps, you're off to a good start. Enjoy your search!
Dan Kane has counseled hundreds of students on admission to traditional colleges and online degree programs. Click here to get your own unique version of this article.
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