The key to an effective college search is to use multiple resources for your research whenever possible.  Just as you would not want to be judged on the basis of one person's brief impression of you, so too your colleges deserve a thorough investigation. 

The intelligent researcher of colleges will:

• Use more than one source
• Read about the author and the author's credentials
• Understand the methodology used in evaluating or ranking the colleges
• Not take rankings too seriously
• Note the difference between objective (SAT ranges) and anecdotal data ("One English major said....")
• Be wary of the objectivity of even "objective" data

Direct contact with real people is an especially powerful channel of information about colleges.  Read the section on People Resources for some ideas about valuable word-of-mouth sources to consult, including those you might encounter at a regional College Fair. 

Print Resources have proliferated in recent years, and cover every aspect of the college application process, from college guides and test preparation to application strategies and financial aid advice.

College guides, thick volumes crammed full of information about colleges, are a great way to survey the possibilities. Specialized guides are also available to assist students interested in particular careers or types of colleges (for example, engineering schools or visual and performing arts programs). Some magazines also publish annual guides with up-to-date admissions information.

College and university brochures and catalogs are a good place to start your paper search. Request these materials by mail or e-mail as soon as you know you are interested in a particular college.

Internet access to college information is expanding at a rapid rate. Students can learn a great deal about a college or university by exploring its web site. Increasingly, colleges are encouraging students to request information, ask questions, and even complete their applications online. Valuable generic college search web sites have links to individual college homepages, testing and test preparation sites, and financial aid/scholarship sites, as well as other helpful features. Click here for a list of useful Web Resources.

Can't afford to drive or fly to campus for a tour? There are lots of ways to get a feel for a college without traveling to see it, including videotaped and online college walking tours, videos, panoramic views, and photo galleries. Click here for more details on DVD Resources!