Five Factors to Consider When Creating Your College Short List  

You’ve probably hit the part of high school where you are receiving endless texts, emails, brochures, and social media posts with the message, “Visit XYZ College, you will fit right in.” 

While there are endless choices when it comes to picking the right college for you, it can become quite overwhelming. 

At the end of the day, it comes down to what feels right and what school shares the same values as you do. To help make the search easier, we put together a list of five factors to consider when making your college short list. 

This one is short and easy. Does the school you are looking at offer the program you are interested in? If the answer is no, then remove that school from your list! If the answer is yes, start exploring. 

Deciding where you want to live for the next four years of your life is hard! Do you want to stay close to family? Or maybe a few hours away is your sweet spot (easy for a day trip home). What’s the weather like? How close is it to the airport, train station, etc. so you can get home easily? 

Whatever you decide, make sure things that are important to you are in that area. Job opportunities, internships, museums, Target, Starbucks…the list goes on. 

Whatever your interests are, make sure you find a college that has clubs and activities around it. Maybe that’s theater, working at a radio station, attending a soccer game (or playing one)! When you visit a college, keep an eye out for what students are doing. Are they around and having fun? Or are they nowhere to be seen? It makes a difference.   

Making sure you can afford college is important. Don’t let the sticker price of your dream school fool you. Ask about financial aid opportunities and scholarships, and be sure to wait until you receive your financial aid/scholarship package to make decisions. You will be surprised how much the cost can decrease. 

It is important to keep in mind that the cost of a college education does not demonstrate its quality or value. Russell Sage is among the most affordable private colleges in New York state, and U.S. News & World Report has ranked us 15th among national universities for Social Mobility and 35th for Best Value.

Growing as an individual and discovering your true passion is what college is about. Visiting campus can give you a good sense of whether you will feel comfortable there. Everyone can ask questions about programs, class sizes, or where to find the closest grocery store, but make sure to  ask about career development, leadership opportunities, alumni stories, community service, and how you will be supported throughout your college experience. At Russell Sage College, we created The Gator Gateway – the undergraduate experience you deserve. This guided pathway to success includes a built-in support system, service learning opportunities, a one-stop shop for all your questions, wellness courses, and events to ensure your well-being, and more. 

Now that you have a plan to create your short list, it is time to start exploring schools. Schedule your visit to Russell Sage College today to learn more about The Gator Gateway.