How do I make a college list? Where should I begin my college search?

The college search can feel overwhelming when there are so many excellent options available. It might feel easier just going with what you know—what’s local, where your family or friends went, the big names you hear in the news. But if you take this route, you could miss out on amazing schools that are perfect for you.

So here are a few resources you can use in your college search:

• Use College Vizzy!
• College consultants who’ve spent years researching and visiting colleges
• Online communities of students sharing their college admissions experience, like the subreddit r/ApplyingToCollege
• College search engines, like CollegeBoard, The Princeton Review, or Niche.com
• Books like Colleges That Change Lives or Fiske Guide to Colleges

As your list grows, you’ll want to visit the colleges you’re considering. But sometimes, due to time, resources, or distance — or a global pandemic!, you can’t complete all the college visits you’d like. I have good news!

I’ve created a website that allows other students to mindfully share their college visit experiences with students who couldn’t visit campus themselves. You’ll receive a more authentic “feel” for the college atmosphere from another high school student than from the admissions website. So check out College Vizzy and start exploring your college list.