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There are hundreds of colleges in the U.S. to choose from, but you're a busy high school student with limited time for conducting a college search. So how should you go about your research? Before you consider schools across the entire United States or universities across the ocean, begin researching colleges by state.

By first concentrating on colleges in your state, you'll be able to get an idea of what you're looking for in a college, while also narrowing down your choices in the process. Start by considering what your state has to offer in terms of private, public, and community colleges, and see which category of school best fits your needs.

By keeping your focus on universities by state, you'll be able to make important decisions earlier. For example, during the initial days of your search you may decide that you definitely wish to attend a religiously affiliated college or that a college with a small campus is for you. After you decide what you like and don't like about the colleges at your local level, make a list and keep it in mind as you expand your universities by state search.

Slowly increase your search range of colleges by state, first with those states closest to you and then expanding outwards as you get a better idea of your interests. You may even decide on a few schools that appeal to you from each state. You can then pit them against each other in a college showdown to see which one most caters to your needs.

The important thing is to never let yourself become overwhelmed during your college search. By looking first at universities by state, you'll be able to keep your search focused and manageable. Plus, you'll be able to rule out right away colleges that are in states you wouldn't want to live in.

Whether you want to stick to the state you live in, or nearby states that allow for a quick drive home when dorm life becomes too much, searching for colleges by state is a unique way to keep you focused when college surfing.


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Genevieve M. Blaber is a staff writer for The CollegeBound Network. Learn more about finding a school that's right for you.

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