Start early enough that it feels productive, but not so early you panic every time you hear the word “college.” Sophomore year is a great time to dip your toes in. You’re not locking anything in, just getting a sense of what’s out there. Junior year is when research should kick into high gear. You’ll […]

Short answer? No. Unless your list has, like, three schools and you love airports. Visiting every college in person is ideal in theory but tough in practice. Focus on schools you’re seriously considering, especially your top choices. For the rest, take advantage of virtual tours, info sessions, and student panels. They can give you a […]

Trust them the same way you trust movie reviews: helpful for narrowing things down, but not the whole story. Rankings can give you a general sense of a school’s reputation, but they often rely on data that may not align with what you value, like faculty salaries or endowment size. Plus, what’s “best” for one […]

If a school’s website feels like a marketing ad with zero substance, that’s a red flag. You want clear info on academics, student life, and outcomes—not just drone footage and “We’re the best!” slogans. If course catalogs are outdated, or you can’t find real details on programs and faculty, be wary. Look out for vague […]