College Search Fundamentals

This session introduces students and families to the foundational aspects of searching for the right college. Participants will learn how to identify the key factors that matter most, such as location, size, academic programs, and extracurricular opportunities. The session will provide an overview of online search tools, college rankings, and how to interpret them effectively. Attendees will also learn how to differentiate between reach, target, and safety schools and how to use this framework to create a balanced list of potential colleges. By the end of the session, students will have a strong starting point for their college search, equipped with the knowledge to navigate the process confidently.