Choosing a College - Which School is Right for You?

Trying to decide where to apply? Browse our rankings, college lists, and articles about researching and visiting schools. This is your first step on the road to college admissions.

College Profiles (24)

Important Questions to Ask Yourself Before Choosing a College
Choosing a college is the toughest decision many high school students have ever faced. It helps to ask yourself some basic questions.

2007 College Rankings from U.S. News and World Report
College rankings in different areas from the leader in the field.

Best Colleges Lists - Lists of the Best Colleges by Category
By starting their college search with lists of the best U.S. colleges in a variety of categories, applicants can get a better understanding of the admissions landscape and why certain schools command such attention and respect.

Top Colleges
10 of the best colleges in the United States.

The Best Public Universities in the United States
Those looking for great value, large student bodies, and the most options should check out these best public universities. These best public universities are state-run colleges that have prestige and academic resources that in some ways rival the nation's most elite colleges.

Undergraduate Business Programs
A list of the top undergraduate business programs.

Top Engineering Colleges - Top Engineering Colleges for Undergraduates
Those college applicants interested in engineering might want to check out these top engineering colleges. While there are literally hundreds of engineering programs for undergraduates, these are the top engineering colleges.

The Best Liberal Arts Colleges in U.S., Based on Prestige
Those seeking small classes and more personal attention will want to seek out the best liberal arts colleges. The best liberal arts colleges are devoted more to undergraduate education and less to research, sports, and graduate study.

50 Top Colleges Prestige Ranking - A Ranking of 50 Top Colleges by Prestige
Ranking colleges with any kind of precision is impossible, but rankings can still be one useful tool for students trying to choose a college. This ranking of 50 top colleges includes both universities and liberal arts programs.

Best Colleges in the Midwest
A lot of attention is typically paid to colleges on the coasts - and particularly in the Northwest. But the Midwest has some of the nation's best schools, including several top public universities.

Best West Coast Colleges
West Coast colleges traditionally get less attention than their counterparts on the other side of the country. Yet the West Coast is home to some of nation's very best colleges and universities.

Picks for the Best Colleges in the South
In addition to being the home of a number of great colleges and universities, the South has some of America's best bargains in higher education.

Tips for Visiting Colleges
Visiting colleges is an important part of college admissions. Here are some important things to remember when visiting colleges.

College Guide Book Review: Fiske Guide to Colleges 2006
A review of Fiske Guide to Colleges 2006, the leading comprehensive college guide authored by the former education editor of the New York Times.

TheU College Videos
A review of theU, which sells detailed college videos.

Collegiate Choice Video Walking Tours
A review of Collegiate Choice Walking Tours, which uses a simple home camcorder to record actual college walking tours given by student volunteers.

The Overachievers: The Secret Lives of Driven Kids by Alexandra Robbins
A review of the book The Overachievers by Alexandra Robbins, which follows the lives and college admissions journeys of students from a competitive East Coast high school.

How Important are the U.S. News College Rankings?
The U.S. News and World Report College Rankings are cited everywhere, but what do these rankings mean? How important is it to your educational experience and career prospects to attend a "highly-ranked" college?

Should Study Abroad Programs be a Factor in My Admissions Decision?
If going abroad during college is important to you, you may want to investigate programs at the colleges you're considering.

Which Colleges Provide the Best Preparation for Law School?
For college applicants who eventually want to go to law school, which colleges provide the best preparation?