How and where do I start looking for colleges and scholarships?

Question

I will be a High School Senior this upcoming school year and need to start searching for colleges and looking for scholarships.

What is the best way to go about doing this? Are there any websites or resources that I can use? What did you guys do?

Any information will be very helpful! Thanks!

Answer 1

First of all, I congratulate you on your desire to go to college. It will be well-worth the stress that you're experiencing right now!

Assuming you already have an idea of what you want to do for a career, most employers don't really care where you get your undergraduate degree from, only that you got your degree from an accredited program. It does matter where you get your graduate degree from, but that's a different question! Check your in-state universities first. If they support accredited programs in your desired major, then there is absolutely no reason to shoot for out-of-state undergraduate college (....unless you just hate your state and want to get out...then by all means, look out of state). Out-of-state tuition is roughly 2-3 times as expensive as in-state tuition, and it is REALLY hard to get an undergraduate scholarship at an out-of-state school unless you are really top-of-the-line. In most cases, you'll get offered an in-state scholarship before you'll get offered an out-of-state scholarship. It never hurts to apply out of state, though. You may be pleasantly surprised!

Note that everything I just said above is void if your career goal is to be a doctor or a lawyer. It seems that those careers play by different rules, and medical/law schools do consider the reputation of your undergraduate school. But if one of these jobs is your career goal, then money should be no object and you should spend (meaning borrow....i.e. student loans) what it takes to get the best education possible so that you can set yourself apart early from your peers. Getting into medical/law school can be VERY competitive!!

For scholarships, check the financial aid websites for the schools at which you'd like to apply. Also, search for any professional organizations related to your field of interest. These organizations often offer annual scholarships for both undergraduate and graduate students. Finally, check the government FAFSA website. Government pell grants can be a great way to pay for school, though you usually need to be married to take advantage of them.

Answer 2

One of the first things you should do is make an appointment with your highschool guidance counsellor. They'll be able to give you lots of advice on schools that you might like, based on your interests, grades and test scores. They'll also have information on scholarship resources and loans.

Second, for the college search, try the Princeton Review's college search site (link below). You plug in your info (test scores, size of school, geographic region, etc.), and it will come back with a list of schools that fit those criteria.

Also, definately check out the websites for your own state's public universities (things like UMass Amherst, or U of Georgia, depending on your state.) Those can often be a huge bargain, and are usually worth a serious look.

Answer 3

You'll want to talk to your guidance counselor, I'm sure they'll have some great advice.

i would recommend this site: http://www.fastweb.com/

You just need to create your profile of what you are looking for in a school. It will then come up with a list of possible schools that might interest you. You can click on any of the schools to find out the basics and if you are still interested their is a link to the schools website to learn more. In addition the site also uses your profile to search for scholarships that you are eligible for and guide you to their sites to learn what you need to do to earn the scholarship. All of it is free and very easy. Best of luck

Answer 4

I would say keep your eyes and ears open for scholarship opportunities during your junior year, but the real push for finding them and applying for them will be in the senior year. Also, do your best in school, as many colleges will award scholarships for academic achievement, and sometimes such nice scholarships that no other scholarship is even needed. -wish you well.

Answer 5

Stay away from rankings and guidebooks - they are NOT reliable and are rarely provide a good source of information.
The best way to try to narrow down college choices is to go visit schools - and visit a diverse array of schools (some that you think you have no interest in). Also, always feel free to call admission representatives and chat with them. I worked in admission for four years at a selective liberal arts school - and I loved working with individual students because I was proud of my institution. When you talk with an admission person, in many cases they can be a good gauge for you to get a glimpse of the school.
One place to check out: www.ctcl.com

Answer 6

There are plenty of books at the book store or the library or at school that compare different colleges. Please look over one and write down the colleges that you like. Then check their web sites. But remember that their websites are like advertisements, they only tell the good things.

There is a guide published by US News & World Report, also available on the web, that rates the colleges. Not everyone agrees with the ratings, but they are helpful. If you seach on US News & World Report College ratings, you should find it.

Answer 7

i think what you should do is calm down and if you want a college close to home look around and see whats out there
on the other hand if you don't want to be close to home then
in other states other parts of your state. if you belong in college then youll find the perfect one butt if you dont belong your most likely to get the wrong one.

Answer 8

My high school had the "Career Center" where they helped students with scholarships. Ask your principal to see if your school has such services.

I also did (and still do) check fastweb.com for opportunities.

Answer 9

Your H.S. Guidance Office. Many schools also have a career night, so you can speak directly to school and business personel.

Answer 10

collegeboard.com for colleges
fastweb.com for scholarships