Tips for students entering the college search process.

The college search process is often met with unnecessary confusion and anxiety. However, this process is extremely manageable and one that is exciting! In the beginning, it is important for students to determine their optimal college environment. Consider the size of enrollment, geographic location, type of institution (liberal arts or specialized; public, private, or denominational), and the personality of the campus. Nothing can substitute for a campus visit where college brochures and Web sites come to life. A student-led tour of the campus, a meal in the dining hail, and observing classes and campus activity can be extremely revealing. Ask a lot of questions. Students are generally proud of their institutions and eager to talk to prospective families. Stop several students to ask questions about student life, campus safety, faculty accessibility, and extracurricular opportunities. Ask even more basic questions such as, "What do you like about this college?" or, "What don't you like about this university?" College students will provide very candid and invaluable responses that are not published any where. The following are five additional tips to assist families with the college search process:

Understand that colleges are not perfect.

It is important to realize that there is no one perfect college for every student. With approximately 2,500 four-year institutions in this country, only a few hundred of which are considered "highly competitive," there will be dozens of colleges that will be great matches for students when they determine the criteria that are important to them. All too often, families focus only on the elite colleges. By focusing on the small group of the most competitive colleges in the nation, students may be disappointed in their acceptances, to colleges and their ultimate college experiences.

Look beyond "name brand" colleges.x

Unfortunately, our society is enamored with brands and ratings. Most families begin the college search process with a limited vocabulary of college names. Just because an institution's name is not recognizable does not mean the college should be automatically discounted. It is only natural to have a limited knowledge of what is available during the initial stages of the college search. However, keep an open mind and focus on the colleges that offer the quality and kind of education, opportunities for academic and social enhancement, and philosophy in which students will most thrive. By doing so, students will naturally excel and be more successful in life. Remember that there are many successful people world who graduated from lesser-known colleges.

Dedicate time on a regular basis to the research process.

Students should consider the college search process as an additional class in which they are automatically enrolled. The majority of the work is required in the junior and senior years. They should spend time on a weekly basis researching their options, visiting campuses, applying to colleges, and staying organized. By tackling small chunks of the process on a regular basis, students will feel a strong sense of accomplishment and less anxiety. The student who commits time on a regular basis to a major research paper will earn a more successful grade than the student who waits until the night before it is due to cram in all of the work. The same wisdom applies to a student's search for a college.

Seek reliable sources for information.

Students should eliminate from their language, "I heard that ..., " "People say ..., " "Colleges never.... " Families should seek reliable sources to answer questions and to confirm or dispel rumors. Much of the anxiety that families experience in this process results directly from listening to or contributing to a rumor mill that is frequently inaccurate.

Don't compare yourself to anyone else who previously pursued the admission process.

Every student is unique. It is virtually impossible to compare one student to another in the hope of any reasonable projection of what will result with their applications. Even when a family thinks they know the whole scenario surrounding another student's admission acceptance, deferral, or denial, it is only a fraction of the actual picture. Instead of expending energy on comparisons, focus on your family's individual process. Your time and energy will translate into more successful results.

Embrace this exciting time in your family's life. While there may be times of confusion, disappointment, and frustration, it is important to maintain a healthy perspective about the college process. Communicate on a regular basis among family members, college counselors, teachers, and other advisors. Understand that it is normal for students to be undecided about their academic majors and career plans. The purpose of college is to explore a wide array of disciplines to determine what makes a good fit. Utilize resources available at your high school and community to assist your family with this process. Be assured that there are many wonderful college options for every student.

Best wishes and enjoy the journey!

Amy Calvert is Director of College Counseling at Viewpoint School in Calabasas. For more information, please visit www.viewpoint.org.