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There are thousands of post-secondary schools in the U.S. alone. Choosing where to apply and ultimately what college to attend can seem like a daunting task. Fortunately, there are some excellent tools to help you decide, which are outlined on this page.
Colleges will be looking for the following information:
- Your academic record – In short, a strong level of performance in a challenging curriculum, grade point average, class rank, consistency of improvement, difficulty of classes, and the reputation of the high school.
- Testing – Standardized test results will be part of all college applications. Those tests include the ACT, SAT, SAT subject test and performance on Advanced Placement exams.
- Honors and Awards – Special recognition for a talent or some skill to showcase your creative abilities.
- Extracurricular activities – What activities did you participate in and why? What did you learn?
- Essays – Most college applications will require the "essay". The essay is the differentiator.
- Interviews – Required by some colleges. Another way to gain insight into the applicant.
- Letters of recommendation may be required as part of the admissions process.
Colleges are sifting through all of your information to identify the most qualified applicants. Keep a personal checklist handy so you don’t miss any personal or college application deadlines. Some of the items on your list should include:
- Admissions deadlines for the colleges you are interested in
- College entrance exams registration dates
- Campus visits plans
- Advice from your high school counselor
The process of getting into college spans several months. The resources below will help you learn about all the admission factors you need to consider when choosing the right college.
First Steps to Admission Readiness
Counselors
Utilizing your high school counselors to help plan your college experience.
Admission Testing Calendars
Early Decision
Some colleges and universities have an Early Decision admission policy. Students are limited to one Early Decision application and are committed to that school once they have received their letter of acceptance, usually no later than January of their senior year.
College Search Sites
Search colleges by type, location, and cost, with direct links to college Web sites.
College Opportunities online
- TargetX
- Google's University Search
Google's University Search enables you to narrow your search to a specific school Web site. Try it for things like admissions information, course schedules, or alumni news.
- ACT
- College Board
- Peterson's
Look up college information by location, major, or size. Get specific information on culinary, information technology, nursing, and visual and performing arts schools.
College/University Web sites
Quick links to Kansas State Universities
Community College
- 6 Benefits of Community Colleges
- American Association of Community Colleges
- Community Colleges-Pathways to Technology
- Technical Schools, Colleges, and Training Programs
This site can assist you in learning about degree, diploma or professional certification in a number technical fields including computers, technology, medical training, information systems, technology management, animation, computer graphics and much, much more. So get started today! Select from the technical schools and colleges listed below, fill out a personal information form for each school of interest and we will send you complimentary information on each schools and the technical programs that school offers.
- Considering a Community College
- Johnson County Community College Resources
- Technical Schools, Colleges, and Training Programs
This site can assist you in learning about degree, diploma or professional certification in a number technical fields including computers, technology, medical training, information systems, technology management, animation, computer graphics and much, much more. So get started today! Select from the technical schools and colleges listed below, fill out a personal information form for each school of interest and we will send you complimentary information on each schools and the technical programs that school offers.
- Military Careers
Every year, the Armed Services hire a combined 365,000 people in more than 4,100 different job paths. Many of these jobs are similar to those found in the civilian world. That means military service people often enter the private sector as highly experienced and sought-after candidates. Find out about careers in the military at this site.
College Fairs
College fairs are sponsored by participating colleges and universities. They are free and open to the public and allow students and parents to meet with representatives from a variety of post-secondary institutions.
Choosing a College
- Discover Your Perfect College Fit
- How to Select Colleges
- Find the Right Colleges for You
- College Matchmaker
- College Board's Advanced Search engine
It allows one to sift colleges based on numerous criteria, such as size, location, average test scores, programs available (such as debate, athletics etc.)
- Rugg's Recommendations
A printed list of colleges recommended on the basis of strength in a specific major
- Fiske Guide
A printed report on various facets of college life at most well-known colleges and universities
- Insider's Guide
Similar to Fiske's, although a bit more risqué in their assessments
- The College Finder
Sorts colleges and universities who are strong in a variety of characteristics
- U.S. News: Colleges Edition
Thoroughly researched rankings of college quality, but be aware of the criteria they use to rate schools. You may not agree that things like percentage of faculty with Ph.D.s or library holdings are important to you when finding the right school.
- Looking Beyond the Ivy League
A discussion of the merits of alternatives to the country's best-known schools
- The Templeton Guide
Profiles 405 exemplary college programs in ten categories that inspire students to lead ethical and civic-minded lives, as well as 50 college presidents selected for their leadership in this area.
NCAA Clearinghouse
Information for prospective student-athletes intending to enroll in an NCAA Division I or II college
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