For Students

Where do I start?

The college search process should be one of the most exciting times of a student’s life.   This is a time for a young person to really get to know him or herself.  What does he or she value?  What does he or she enjoy doing?  What kind of people does the student enjoy hanging out with?  What does the student want to get out of college?  What kind of person does the student want to become?

The college search process is not solely based on finding a college; it’s based on the student doing some soul searching about who he or she really is.  If the student can look at their college search as a match to be made, rather than a competition to be won, they usually take a much healthier approach to this process.  That said, here are some suggestions:

• Consult your high school counselor or graduation coach counselor.   You high school's guidance office can assist you with information on college preparation, career options and making your final school decision. 

• Come to the College and Career Center in your high school.  You can find college books and college guides that offer detailed school profiles, programs offered, tuition costs, campus culture and more.  Centers also have lists of good websites to search.  Staff will help you with resources, checklists, and common sense advice.

• Visit the universities’ web sites. This will allow you to learn more about a prospective school’s location, size, admission and financial aid information.

• Attend a college visit at your high school.  Every year, a large number of colleges and universities from all over the country visit your high school.  One benefit of attending these college visits is that, generally, the college rep is the person assigned to high schools in metro Atlanta, and very likely will be reviewing your application once it is submitted.  Meeting with a college rep is a great way to make a positive first impression. 

Prepare in Advance

Before the college rep arrives, research that college or university and come prepared with questions not easily answered by looking at the college's website.  Examples include:  the amount of interaction between students and professors, whether it is difficult for students to find research opportunities, and how the student advising system works. 

Procedure for Attending

It is the student's responsibility to become aware of the dates of the college visits to your high school.  Your high school’s webpage, newspaper, the CCC bulletin board, junior/senior homeroom posts, and other sources should share college visit dates.  Be sure to sign up in the CCC at least one day in advance.  The student will need a pass which they may get from their homeroom teacher or the CCC.  Make sure to arrive at the visit on time, be courteous, and thank the rep for coming. 

• Surf the Internet.   The following websites www.collegeboard.com and www.gacollege411.org are good places to begin.  Internet sites such as www.fastweb.com  provide a free college search.  You can also find college blogs online to give you an inside look at campus life and activities.  

• Call the college's alumni association.   Schedule an interview with an alumnus of the school who can offer advice and share his/her collegiate experience, including activities.