You can go to college!
Welcome to the Best College Guide! This website provides a free and easy way for high school students to construct a list of colleges and universities to consider. According to the US Department of Education's College Scorecard, there are over 6,500 colleges and universities in the United States. That is just too many to research, so you need a way to find a more manageable number to work with.
So why do you want to go to college? To get a good job? Follow a passion? While there are a lot of high school seniors who know what they want to do, most don't, and hope that they will find something in college that they will want to pursue. So, if you don't know what you want to do with a degree, how can you go about finding the best college for you?
How Our System Works
Most students take their grades and their test scores and just try to get into the highest ranked school that will have them. That's a great idea if you can get into a place like Harvard or Stanford. Companies compete for graduates from those schools, and they have very high graduation rates. You are very likely to be successful as a graduate from those places, so it's an easy choice to select those schools.
If you'd like to play men's soccer at college, this version of the form includes an additional section with questions that can help you find a men's college soccer team that's right for you.
Strategic Advice for College Applicants
Here are some important factors to consider when planning your college search:
Career Path Considerations
- Government and Public Service Careers – Many rewarding careers with government agencies (federal, state, local, and military) require a college degree but don't specify the school or major. These positions often offer job security, benefits, and the opportunity to serve your community. Consider whether investing in a less expensive degree might be just as effective for these career paths.
- Graduate School Planning – Many fields including medicine, law, psychology, and academia require graduate degrees. Graduate school admissions often focus more on your undergraduate performance than the prestige of your school. Succeeding at a less expensive undergraduate institution while maintaining high grades can position you well for competitive graduate programs.
- Financial Strategy – Consider discussing financial arrangements with your family. Some students find success completing community college courses or attending more affordable institutions, allowing family resources to be preserved for other life investments like graduate school, a first home, or starting a business.
Academic and Career Trends
- Technology and Future Skills – The job market continues to evolve with technological advances including artificial intelligence. While AI is likely to serve as a tool rather than replacement for skilled workers, it may change certain professions. Focus on developing adaptable skills and consider how your chosen field might evolve over time.
- Mathematics as a Foundation – If you're undecided about your major, mathematics provides excellent preparation for numerous career paths. A math degree qualifies you for careers in science, engineering, business, law, medicine, and many graduate programs. It develops analytical thinking, problem-solving skills, and provides a strong foundation for technical fields.
- Unique Background Advantages – Colleges value diversity in their student bodies, including students from different geographic regions, backgrounds, and experiences. Your unique perspective and background may be particularly valued by certain institutions, potentially leading to better admission chances and financial aid opportunities.
Understanding Higher Education Today
It's natural to question the current higher education system, especially given its costs and complexity. Here are some realities to consider:
Higher Education Challenges
- Cost Considerations – College tuition has increased significantly over the decades. According to the Department of Education, students face substantial costs that require careful financial planning. However, financial aid, scholarships, and different institutional options can make education more affordable.
- Institutional Selectivity – Highly selective institutions maintain small class sizes partly to preserve their educational model and campus community. While this creates competition for admission, it also means there are many excellent educational opportunities at less selective institutions.
- Educational Quality – Many institutions provide excellent education regardless of their ranking or selectivity. Large universities may have some large introductory classes, but they also offer extensive resources, research opportunities, and diverse course offerings that can enhance your education.
- The Value of a Degree – A college degree demonstrates your ability to commit to long-term goals, learn complex material, and complete challenging projects. These skills transfer to many career situations, which is why employers value college graduates across many fields.
Making College Work for You
Despite these challenges, statistics consistently show that college graduates have more opportunities and higher lifetime earnings than those without degrees. The key is to approach college strategically:
- Choose an institution that fits your budget and goals
- Select programs that align with your interests and career objectives
- Take advantage of all resources your college offers
- Build relationships with professors and peers
- Gain practical experience through internships and projects
This decision aid is designed to help you create a focused list of colleges that match your priorities and circumstances. Our tool is completely free to use, and we hope it helps you find the right educational path for your future.