What factors should a student consider when choosing the "right" college? A "right" college is a college where she will fit in scholastically and socially, one that will allow her to prepare for the future she wants and at the same time to pursue other interests. You can choose from over 3400 colleges and universities in the U. S. today. Each has its own special learning environment, which can make your search for finding the "right" colleges a daunting task. If you take a self-inventory, read, and do research on the schools that you are considering, then finding the "right" colleges may seem less overwhelming.

Comprehensive Web Sites
Among the many services they provide, the following College Search Engines allow you to run a search having entered specific criteria and to research colleges/universities:

• The College Board Online
• Peterson's The College Channel
• College Net Search
• The Princeton Review Search

Visit Each College's Web Site
While College Catalogues provide a great deal of information, by visiting a college's web site, you can:

- research information on courses that are offered within your intended major
- learn about requirement for a particular major
- learn about special programs (study abroad, co-op programs, special interest groups)
- learn about financial aid and find out which forms must be submitted
- perform research about scholarships that apply to your profile
- apply on-line or download an application or contact the Admissions Office

List of Universities and Colleges Sorted by State