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Which Schools Fit Your Profile?

Rank your priorities before deciding where to apply.

Once you know what you want from your college or university and what types of schools are actually available, it’s time to put the two together. Now it’s time to start comparing US schools to determine which ones fit your profile.

Begin by truthfully completing the following sentence: In my search for a college …

… academics are most important.

… the college’s location and social activities are most important.

… the cost of tuition is most important.

No choice is right or wrong, but by honestly assessing your priorities you can whittle down thousands of US colleges and universities to the handful where you should apply.

What next?

Browse the course catalogs and application materials to better compare the schools the spark your interest. This often can be done online, but you also can request materials by phone or mail.

Depending on what you have decided is important, you may want to learn more about a school’s:

• Admission requirements
• Financial aid options
• Student housing
• Health care and health insurance options
• On-campus student life activities
• Cafeterias and meal plans

If the college still interests you, schedule a campus visit. If distance or time constraints make this difficult, find out if the college has a virtual college tour online.

Are you an international student?

After you have familiarized yourself with the application materials, course catalogs and other materials, you still may have some important questions. If so, you can call or email the international student services office at the institutions that interest you.

Be sure you can meet the international student admission requirements, especially those concerning English language fluency and academic preparedness. For example, you may have to take the TOEFL or another English proficiency test.

In addition to questions about admissions, you also might ask:

• What are the financial aid options for international students?
• What financial information does the US government require in order to issue a student visa?
• Is campus employment available for international students?
• Are year-round college dorms provided for international students? At what cost?

The sooner you collect materials and information, the more informed you will be. This will help you not only compare US schools, but also complete your university application.

Admissions committees in the United States often look favorably on students who have done their “homework” and demonstrate knowledge of their school in the application. In order to improve your chances of getting a college acceptance letter from the school of your choice, it is vital to compare colleges to understand what makes one a better fit for you over another.

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