Best College Guide

Higher test scores may increase your chances of gaining admission to more competitive or selective colleges. If you have excellent scores, you might aim for colleges that are more academically challenging and have a more competitive admissions process. Remember that while test scores are important, they are not the only measure of your potential success in college. Your overall academic performance, extracurricular activities, personal qualities, and fit with the college's environment should also be taken into account when making your decision.
If you took the ACT or SAT exams, enter your scores here. We will prioritize colleges with students who scored in the same range. If you took these exams, and you want them to be included in the scoring, select the "Consider" box. If you want to emphasize colleges with students with similar test scores, select the "Emphasize" box.

Consider your test scores
Emphasize your test scores
Do not consider your test scores

	ACT Scores
	Cumulative Prefer colleges that are more likely to grant you admission based on your test scores. Compares your score to the 25th and 75th percentile of admitted students. Enter your Cumulative ACT score here. English Prefer colleges that are more likely to grant you admission based on your test scores. Compares your score to the 25th and 75th percentile of admitted students. Enter your English ACT score here. Math Prefer colleges that are more likely to grant you admission based on your test scores. Compares your score to the 25th and 75th percentile of admitted students. Enter your Math ACT score here.
	SAT Scores
	Critical Reading Prefer colleges that are more likely to grant you admission based on your test scores. Compares your score to the 25th and 75th percentile of admitted students. Enter your SAT Critical Reading score here. Math Prefer colleges that are more likely to grant you admission based on your test scores. Compares your score to the 25th and 75th percentile of admitted students. Enter your SAT Critical Reading score here.

Competitive colleges often have rigorous academic programs and high standards for student achievement. This can provide a challenging and intellectually stimulating environment. Graduating from a competitive college can enhance your resume and open doors to opportunities. Employers and graduate schools may view degrees from prestigious institutions more favorably. However, a competitive atmosphere can create a high-stress environment, fostering a sense of intense competition among students. This pressure may impact your mental health and well-being.

Check this box if you want to consider the competitiveness of each school's admissions
Check this box if you want to emphasize the competitiveness of each school's admissions
Check this box if you do not want to consider the competitiveness of each school's admissions

	Some students find that a single-sex environment allows for better focus on academics without the distractions or dynamics associated with coeducation. Single-sex colleges can provide an atmosphere where students feel less constrained by traditional gender roles and stereotypes. This can create an environment that fosters greater equality and diversity.
	Check this box if you want to prioritize all male schools Check this box if you consider all male schools to be a requirement Check this box if you do not want to prioritize all male schools
	Check this box if you want to prioritize all female schools Check this box if you consider all female schools to be a requirement Check this box if you do not want to prioritize all female schools

	There are several reasons why a college applicant should take their intended major into account when selecting a college. The expertise and reputation of faculty members within a particular department can greatly influence the quality of education you receive. Look for colleges with distinguished faculty in your chosen field who can offer guidance and mentorship. Some fields require specialized equipment, laboratories, or libraries. Ensure that the college you choose has the necessary resources to support your academic and research needs. Certain colleges may have strong connections with industry partners, providing more internship and research opportunities in specific fields.
	Check this box if you want to prioritize schools that offer a specific field of study Check this box if you consider a specific field of study to be a requirement Check this box if you do not want to consider a specific field of study
	Major Prefer colleges that graduated at least one student within the given field of study.
	Exclude 2 Year Programs Exclude 2 year schools from the results

	College is not just about academics; it's also about finding a community that suits your interests and lifestyle. The school's location, setting, dormatory living vs. commuting are all important considerations.
	Check this box if you want to prioritize colleges based on their location, size and setting Check this box if you consider the college's location to be a requirement Check this box if you do not want to prioritize colleges based on their location, size and setting
	Zip Code (5 digit)Look for colleges in or near this zip code. Prefer colleges this many miles from this Zip Code
	Campus Locale Prefer colleges that are located in a city, suburb, town or urban setting.
	Student Residences Prefer colleges that primarily residential or primarily commuter.
	School Size Prefer colleges of the selected size.

	Students should consider the specific religious affiliation, denominational practices, or cultural emphasis of the institution to determine if it is the right fit for them. Many religious colleges emphasize the importance of service to others. Students may choose these institutions to actively engage in community service, outreach programs, and social justice initiatives. Historically Black Colleges and Universities provide a unique cultural community where students can connect with peers who share similar experiences and backgrounds. These institutions look to foster a sense of belonging and support. When considering an HBCU, it's important for students to research and visit these institutions to ensure that the academic programs, campus culture, and values align with their personal and educational goals. Note that if you do not want to consider schools with a religious focus, select the "Not religious" option.
	Religious Affiliation
	Check this box if you want to prioritize religion-affiliated schools Check this box if you consider religion-oriented schools to be a requirement Check this box if you do not want to prioritize religion-affiliated schools Check this box if you do not want to consider religious schools at all

	Religious Affiliation
	Preference for Historically Black Colleges and Universities
	Check this box if you want to prioritize HBCU schools Check this box if you consider HBCU schools to be a requirement Check this box if you do not want to prioritize HBCU schools

	College affordability is a significant factor that can greatly influence the college selection process for many students and their families.
	Check this box if you want to prioritize affordable schools Check this box if you consider affordable schools to be a requirement Check this box if you do not want to prioritize affordable schools
	Estimated Family Net Income Prefer colleges that are less expensive, based on the applicant's reported family net income.
	High Degree Completion Rates (within 6 years)
	Check this box if you want to prioritize schools with high degree completion rates Check this box if you consider schools with high degree completion rates to be a requirement Check this box if you do not want to prioritize schools with high degree completion rates

Best College Guide

Finding the Right College

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Test Scores

ACT Scores

SAT Scores

Admissions

Single Sex Institutions

Areas of Study

Exclude 2 Year Programs Exclude 2 year schools from the results

Location

Environment

Religious Affiliation

Preference for Historically Black Colleges and Universities

Affordability

High Degree Completion Rates (within 6 years)