January 24, 2025
Lake Forest College
Map your future: a junior’s guide to the college search
Congratulations! Your college search starts now, and as a high school junior (or maybe even a sophomore), you're ahead of the game—and that's something to be proud of.
Taking this first step early gives you plenty of time to explore your options, reflect on your priorities, and build a college list that aligns with your academic, personal, and financial goals.
Importantly, remember to be flexible through your college search process. Be okay with changes happening in your college search! That's what exploring the college search as a Junior (or Sophomore) can be about. As your interests develop and change overtime, so can your search.
In this article, we'll walk you through the key considerations for starting your college search and offer practical tips for building a well-rounded list of schools.
Why even go to college?
Before diving into the details of selecting a college, it's helpful to first reflect on why you want to pursue higher education. College is more than just a place to earn a degree—it's a time for personal growth, academic challenge, discovering your passions, and deeping your connection to areas of interest. Beyond the immediate benefits, a college education can significantly impact your long-term future.
College isn’t just about books and lectures, it’s where you:
- Build a professional network
- Develop critical-thinking skills
- Discover your passions
- Deepen your interests
- Forge bonds with peers and mentors
- Grow into an independent adult
- Prepare for your future career
- Increase your earning potential with a degree
Here is how you can start brainstorming your strategic mindset for success in your college list:
Outline your goals, strengths, and interests
To start, spend some time reflecting on your personal and academic goals. What are you passionate about? Do you have a specific major or career path in mind, or are you still figuring that out?
Consider your strengths and what you want from your college experience. Ask yourself questions like:
- What subjects do I enjoy most in school?
- What kind of campus environment do I envision myself thriving in (large, small, urban, rural)?
- How important is extracurricular involvement to me?
- What factors are most important in my college search: academic rigor, social life, financial aid, or location?
By identifying your goals early on, you'll have a clearer sense of what you're looking for in a college and can begin narrowing down your options.
Build your college list
One of the most important steps in your college search is building a well-rounded list of schools to apply to. It’s crucial to have a variety of schools on your list to give yourself plenty of options and increase your chances of finding the right fit.
Your list should reflect your academic interests, personal preferences, academic history, and financial considerations.
- If you're interested in a particular major (like teaching, business, or the arts), make sure to include schools that have strong programs in that field.
- Think about your financial situation. Some schools may be more generous with financial aid than others.
- Explore the various on-campus resources available to students such as mental health services as well as academic, social, and extracurricular support.
- Consider your personal preferences in terms of campus culture and extracurricular opportunities.
Academic fit
While campus life and location are important, academics should always factor heavily into your decision-making process. Make sure to explore schools that offer strong programs in your areas of interest.
- Program offerings: While you may be sure you're going to major in biology, you may fine-tune your interests while you're in college and change your major to biochemistry and molecular biology or neuroscience. You may even decide to pivot entirely and pursue international relations and theater. This is why it is important to consider a college's full list of academic offerings.
- Curricular flexibility: Some schools have flexible, interdisciplinary programs, while others may be more rigid in their academic requirements. For example, Lake Forest College offers students the opportunity to choose up to two majors and one minor or one major and two minors, opening the path to interdisciplinary learning.
- Plus, with a liberal arts curriculum, students can create distinct major/minor combinations, such as English and biology or psychology and music, to suit their unique ambitions.
- Lake Forest College's Forester Fundamental Curriculm, for example, encourages students to explore various disciplines and create major/minor combinations that help them grow into outstanding graduates.
- Faculty and resources: Research the faculty and academic resources at each school on your list. Do they offer research opportunities, internships, or other hands-on experiences? Experiential learning can make a big difference in the job search and applications to graduate programs.
Social fit
College is also about finding a community where you feel comfortable, supported, and engaged. Think about the type of campus environment that best fits your personality.
- Urban, suburban, or rural: Do you want to be in a bustling city, a quieter suburban area, or a more rural setting? Each type of environment has its own advantages and drawbacks. However, being close to a big city can provide ample opportunities for internships, networking, and adventures.
- Campus diversity and inclusivity: What kind of student body are you hoping to be a part of? Consider the diversity of the campus in terms of race, socioeconomic background, and interests.
- Extracurricular activities: Think about what kinds of clubs, organizations, or sports you're interested in and whether the schools on your list offer these opportunities.
Financial fit
Finances are one of the most critical aspects of your college search. While it’s tempting to focus only on the sticker price, it’s essential to understand the resources available to you at each school you're considering. You should look into:
- What scholarships does the school offer?
- How many students receive financial aid at each school?
- How does the school rank for best value, social mobility, or other relevant rankings that consider career outcomes.
Paying for college becomes much more manageable when you realize that many schools offer ample scholarship opportunities and generous financial aid.
“Many families mistakenly think they won’t qualify for aid simply because of their income when in fact so many other variables come into play such as household expenses or other special circumstances,” Lake Forest College Associate Vice President for Financial Aid Jerry Cebrzynski said. “When all is said and done, so many families are pleasantly surprised by the outcomes of their aid packages.”
“When all is said and done, so many families are pleasantly surprised by the outcomes of their aid packages.”
Visit campuses and get a feel for life at college
Once you’ve narrowed down your list of schools, visiting campuses is one of the best ways to understand what life is really like at each school. At a campus visit, you can:
- Attend information sessions
- Tour the campus
- Ask questions about academic programs, campus culture, and student life
- Sit in on class discussions
- Meet current students and professors
As you visit, compare and contrast the different campuses:
- Where did you feel most at home?
- Where did you feel energized and excited?
- Where do you see yourself growing as a student and person?
While it is important to consider academics and extracurriculars, your emotional connection can often be the deciding factor in choosing the right college for you.
Ask questions
Talking to people who have firsthand experience with the school can offer valuable insight. Here are a few questions you can ask:
- Current students: Ask students about their experiences—academically, socially, and personally. What do they love about the school? What challenges do they face?
- Admissions counselors: At most colleges, you will find that you're already assigned a personal guide who will help you navigate the application process. Reach out to your counselor with any questions you may have.
- Alumni: Alumni can provide insight into how well the school prepared them for their careers and what they wish they'd known during their time there.
- Professors: Faculty are usually willing to respond to prospective students' questions and help them understand whether or not a program is a good fit.
- Teachers and counselors: Your high school teachers and counselors can help guide your decision-making process. They can offer advice based on your strengths, weaknesses, and goals.
Conclusion: the college search takes time
The college search is a process that requires patience and thoughtfulness. By starting early, you have given yourself the opportunity to explore a variety of options and make an informed decision. Remember that the college you choose should be a place that challenges you academically, supports your personal growth, and fits your financial needs.
Take the time to research, reflect, and visit campuses. The right college is out there—one that will provide you with the experiences and opportunities to help you achieve your goals and prepare for a successful future. Good luck as you embark on this exciting journey!