Keeping track of all the information you gather can be a big challenge. It’s not as hard as it seems! You could mark file folders or large envelopes with the names of each college in which you are interested. Put any information you get in these files.
Organize them alphabetically or by state; then keep them in a handy place. As you start narrowing your choices, you can keep the most important files in front and remove the others. You can also use your computer, a notebook, or index cards to keep track of additional information.
A Chart Can Really Help!
Comparing colleges is more challenging than collecting information. Charts can help you bring together a lot of information about each college.
For example, make a list of all the criteria that matter to you most (overall size, availability of major, class size, competitiveness, and so forth). Include important points from the “Know Yourself” discussion earlier in this chapter (goals, likes and dislikes, abilities, and resources). Next, rearrange the list in order of importance to you. Now you are ready to make a chart.
Write your most important factors down one side of the chart. List the colleges you are considering across the top. Draw lines separating the rows and columns so that you have individual boxes. You can then mark in the boxes how each college rates for each characteristic.
Your chart can be as general or specific as you would like. You can revise it as well, making it more specific or changing your priorities. When your chart is complete, your planning work is done. You’re now ready to apply to college!
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