How To Find The Right College Match: Advice From HECA Members

With over 2,000 four-year colleges and universities in the U.S., deciding which colleges might be the right match can be a daunting task. Here are some tips from members of the Higher Education Consultants Association to help you with your college search:

Finding the perfect college match does not mean that there is only one school for you. There are several schools that are a good match for every prospective student. Think beyond looking for the one ideal place and expand your horizons and expectations. You will be pleasantly surprised at the choices that you will discover.

Bonnie Sudduth
A College Choice
Hilton Head Island, South Carolina

If you have a particular goal for your studies, and want to study a subject in depth, check out UK universities. Costs for US students are close to in-state tuition, and US citizens still qualify for the standard loans available for a US college. Many universities have courses with world ranked reputations and personalized teaching; classes are relatively small and often include tutorials. Hitches? The student really must know what he wants to learn because study at college level is very specialized. Also, students must be mature enough to learn in a style that requires independence and organization.

Charline Appleby
Best Fit College Consulting
Kirkland, Washington

Even if you think you want to go away to college, apply to at least one school within easy driving distance. Students sometimes decide at the last minute that they don’t want to go so far from home. When it’s time to make your final decision, you might be glad to have an option that doesn’t require getting on a plane.

Audrey Kahane
West Hills, California

Above all, be honest about who you are. It’s like dating. Someone will value you for who you are, so be yourself. Only apply to colleges that you would love to attend. It is okay to reach, but have several schools on your list that are likely to accept you and a “safety” or two so you and your parents may sleep at night. Choose a balanced list of attractive schools that will value you for who you are and what you have accomplished.

Jon Tarrant
Jon W. Tarrant Associates
Carlisle, Pennsylvania

The secret to getting into the right college is really quite simple: Believe in yourself; study and get involved in your school and community; follow your passions, and commit the necessary time and effort into putting together application materials that honestly reflect who you are.

Betsy Woolf
Woolf College Consulting
Mamaroneck, New York

About the Higher Education Consultants Association (HECA):  HECA is a member-run professional organization for independent college admissions consultants. HECA members are familiar with a wide range of colleges and are experts at helping students with their college searches. Find a HECA member in your area in the HECA Member Directory.