Factor Data In Your College Search
When it comes to settling on a college out of the more than 4,000 degree-granting U.S. institutions, the task may seem impossible. But students “are no longer tied to informational pamphlets like their parents and grandparents were,” said Suzanne Sanders, director of marketing for college tour tool YouVisit, in an email.
College hopefuls can work with these nine pieces of technology to make a personalized college short list, explore a campus and connect with students, all without leaving the couch.
Tune Into the Netflix of College Matching
Described as Netflix for college by its CEO, Parchment’s College Match Tool recommends schools based on a student’s academic history and interests. That’s similar to how Netflix suggests film and television titles based on what a user watches. Student interested in, say, Yale University may also find that they’re a good match for Princeton University and the University of Pennsylvania. Inputting their academic information can give the tool the details it needs to reveal their chance of admission.
Earn Cash While Exploring Schools
Raise.me works with universities to award high schoolers small scholarships for tasks, such as earning an A in a class. Students who get in and attend one of the schools can cash in on the aid.
The tool also uses these micro-scholarships as a way to introduce students to a range of schools, says co-founder and CEO Preston Silverman. Students “might not know about a certain school that would offer them a compelling (aid) package,” he says. Earning money through Raise can facilitate the introduction.
Find the Right Financial Match
For many students, the financial fit of a college is as important as any intellectual, social or cultural factor. For a sense of how much a college might award them, students can check out a net price calculator, which each college is required to house on its Web site.
The calculator only paints a partial financial picture. It typically shows one year of costs when most students take several to earn a degree. But it can give students a place to start.
Flirt With the OkCupid Approach
If Parchment is like Netflix, then admittedly is like online dating. Students respond to a series of personality questions, from “Does your music collection contain more independent artists or big name chart hits?” to “Agree or Disagree: Class size doesn’t really matter to me.”
Admittedly then matches students with schools that meet their academic and cultural interests. When students input their grade-point averages and test scores, the program tells them if a school is a reach, target or safety school.
Take the Virtual Tour
Embark on a college tour without setting foot on campus. Many universities house virtual tours on their Web sites. Or check out YouVisit, which provides more than 1,000 college tours, some with their own virtual student tour guides.
Students can take a virtual tour, clicking their way around various buildings and off-campus destinations. Virtual reality tours are also available — for anyone with their own virtual reality headset.
Tap Federal Data
The U.S. Department of Education’s College Scorecard is designed to help students find a good college match. Students can search schools based on size, zip code, campus setting and other criteria.
After entering their selected preferences, they can hit “Search Institution” for a list of the schools that meet their needs. Clicking on a college will bring up a host of financial information about the institution, including costs, borrowing data and graduation rates.
Find Your Fit
U.S. News’s My Fit tool lets students input their academic stats and note their preferences about Greek life, academic environment and other criteria to get a list of schools tailored to their interests.
Once they’ve narrowed down their schools, they can explore their place in U.S. News’ rankings and other academic and cost data. Students must have access to U.S. News College Compass to use the tool.
Map Out the Path to a Dream Job
After students input their chosen career, favorite employers and other information, LinkedIn’s University Finder tells them which schools have produced alumni on that career track.
Click on the school to learn about — and even connect with — current or former professionals in a field who graduated from that institution.
Don’t Forget Telephone and Email
Students don’t have to leave their rooms to meet students or professors at a college that intrigues them. Schools may list tour guides’ contact information on their Web sites. Professors and other students may be an email away.
Students can make a call or tap out a quick email asking about the quality of life, kinds of extracurricular activities and any other questions about a campus.
Stay Up to Date on the College Search
Make sure to continue the college research by preparing for the in-person campus tour and checking out U.S. News’ college rankings and short lists.
You can also connect with U.S. News Education on Facebook, Twitter and Google+.
More from U.S. News
How to Contact Alumni to Deepen Your College Research
Weigh Passion, Practicality to Narrow Your College Search
Students, Graduates Share Why They Picked Their Colleges
Plug Into Technology to Find the Best College Match originally appeared on usnews.com
