Remember, researching a college does not mean a student has to apply to it, just as applying to a college doesn’t require students to attend. By broadening their college research and approaching it with a curious attitude, students are much more likely to expand their options and find colleges that are great fits.

Here are 6 factors to consider when creating an initial college list: 

1. Major and academic interests 

If your student already knows what they want to study, they should make sure the colleges on their list offer that major and also be sure to research those specific programs at each school. If they're still relatively undecided—and

that's okay!—they can take some time to be sure the colleges on their list have a wide enough variety of offerings that they're not pigeonholed into a major they don't love.

2. Geographic location 

Where in the country—or world—does your student want to be? Do they want to live close to home or far away? Do they want to be in the hustle and bustle of an urban setting, or do they prefer a more rural area? They should remember to distinguish between what they're used to and what they want for the next four years. While it's absolutely okay for them to stay within their comfort zone if they love the environment they grew up in, they shouldn't let that be the default—it should be an active decision.

3. Size of Campus and student body 
Does your student want to be a large fish in a small pond? Or do they love big communities where they never stop meeting new people? There are advantages to both a large and a small campus, and what might be an advantage for some could be a disadvantage for others. For example, at a small college, a student may know nearly everyone in their graduating class. For some students, that's a great thing: a sense of community. For others, it might be 

overwhelming. Each student needs to think about what works best for them. 

4. Off-campus community 
The college experience doesn't end at the edge of campus, and it's important to think about the surrounding community. For example, if your student is an aspiring artist or music producer, it makes sense to consider colleges in areas that are rich with the arts. If they're interested in politics, maybe they can expand their options to Washington, D.C. Not only will location affect their broader college experience, but it will also affect their opportunities to find internships or part-time jobs that are aligned with their academic major. 

5. Culture and values fit
Since they'll be spending four years of their life at the college they choose, students will want to make sure the school's mission, values, and culture align with what's important to them. When students feel comfortable at—and proud of—the school they attend, it typically leads to a more engaging and robust college experience. 

6. Affordability 

Given the already high cost of a college education, families should consider the differences between the sticker price and the actual net price of any school. The sticker price is the advertised cost of attendance, whereas the net price is the final cost after scholarships, grants, and other financial aid sources have been deducted. As students make their college lists, they should consider the historical data for financial aid to each school, and be sure they're only including schools that might offer what they need. 

As your student begins researching and visiting colleges, it’s likely that some of their initial criteria may change. This is completely normal! Your student’s final list may look nothing like their initial list. This is part of the journey to college as your teen learns more about themselves and what’s important to them in a college setting. Two resources that may be helpful are our Guide to Researching Colleges and our Guide to Highly Selective Colleges.