Tufts Blogs

I still remember when I first visited Tufts as a junior in high school. I was drawn to the kindness of my student tour guide, the hill dotted with Adirondack chairs and diligent students, and the stories and statue of Jumbo. Location, academic offerings, and happy students were all important aspects to me as I thought about colleges. 

The beginning of the college search process is exciting but can also be overwhelming. The beauty and benefit of applying to college is that there are so many of them! But, it provokes the question, “where is the best place to start?” Here is some advice on how to begin your approach to the college search process. 

Brainstorm some ideas around the kind of school you would like to attend.
Which factors are important to you in a college? Maybe you would like smaller classes with more face time with your professors, or perhaps you prefer lecture-based learning in a larger format. In other words, does the size of the student body and of your individual classes matter a lot to you? How about location? Would you like to be in a city, suburb, or more rural area? Do you want to be close to loved ones or travel to a completely new location? Do you have specific majors, minors, and/or programs that you know you want to pursue in college? Do you prefer a college with a highly specialized academic focus or one with a wide array of options to explore? Reflect on what would be most important to you in a college and note it. 

Dive into research and create an initial college list.
After the brainstorming comes the real research and the creation of your initial, working list of colleges. Drafting your list (which does not have to be finalized yet), can provide a bit of a road map as you continue your college research. At Tufts, we have online resources like student blogs, Instagram, and virtual tours for you to learn more about our campus, culture, and opportunities. Develop a rubric or keep a list of the things you like about each school and the areas on which you need more clarification. Personally, I love using colored sticky pads for my important notes, but you should figure out a way to stay organized that’s best for you.

Plan some college campus visits. And please make it fun!
Years ago when I was visiting colleges, as often as we could, my family and I would explore the surrounding areas around campus, curious to check out the local “stomping grounds” for students. I distinctly remember a small sandwich shop where we ordered turkey sandwiches after a tour and the stationary store next to it where I browsed through ball-point pens and colorful animal-shaped erasers. This is to say that even as you are taking notes, grabbing brochures, and trying to remember all the statistics from your college visits, just remember to pause and to not forget to enjoy the experience. Go into that local bookstore, stop for a coffee nearby, and talk to students while ordering lunch. It really does make for an extra pleasant experience. And it is okay if on paper you like a school initially but, after visiting, it may not feel like the right fit for you. This is all part of the journey. 

The college process is an incredible opportunity. By thinking deeply and thoughtfully about your goals as you begin these next steps and embracing the experience with curiosity and optimism, you will be ready to navigate the college transition with confidence.