Some students begin the college exploration with a firm idea of where they want to go and what subject they would like to major in.  Others are less sure and the college exploration process can be very over-whelming.  Here are some helpful questions to ask yourself when you begin the college search process.

1.) Location and Setting:  How far away from home would you like to go to school?  Do you prefer rural or urban setting?  What part of the country interests you most?  Can you handle the weather there?

2.) Size of College:  Would you prefer a school with a large enrollment (35,000 students - like the UofA) or a small college (1,500 students), or something in between?

3.) Environment:  Community College, Vocational School (Culinary Academy), 4 year public or private university? Are you looking for a school with a religious affiliation?  How competitive of an academic environment are you looking for?

4.) Admissions Requirements:  Does your Cumulative GPA and SAT/ACT Test scores fit in with the particular schools population?  Have you taken enough of their prerequisites?

5.) Fields of Study:  Does the school have a major or program in your career direction or interests?  Are you looking for a specialized college in art, design, engineering, or music?

6.) Finances:  How expensive of a school can you and your family afford?  consider tuition, room and board, travel, etc... How much can your parents contribute adn how much will you be responsible for?

7.) Housing & Facilities:  Do you want to live on campus?  If so, do you need to do so for all 4 years?  What type of residence halls does the school offer?

8.) Activities:  What kind of organizations and activities are available - including fraternities and sororities - does the school offer.  Do they have intramural teams?

More Questions to Ask yourself and College Reps when exploring college options
Here is a link to our website for more questions you should be asking yourself and college reps when exploring various college options.
http://www.salpointe.org/Document.Doc?id=60.   This document is also attached at the bottom of this page in a PDF.

Helpful college search websites:
                  http://www.petersons.com/ugchannel/code/searches/srchCrit1.asp?path=ug.fas.college
                  http://www.princetonreview.com/colleges-majors.aspx
                  http://www.collegeview.com/index.jsp