College is likely the first experience in which students get to choose their learning environment. Teens typically don’t choose their high school, their teachers or even most of their courses. Making this choice is exciting, but with over 4000 colleges and universities in the United States, starting a college search can be a daunting task for high school juniors and their parents. Many families begin their search by focusing on the colleges themselves. I suggest you begin by having your student turn his/her attention inward. Your student’s answers to the following three questions will reveal key aspects of their college preferences. Use this information to choose which colleges to research and visit.

1. Who do you want to learn with and from in college?

College isn’t a place as much as it is a community. Before you begin your college search, think about who you want to spend time with in college. For example, are you looking for a group of likeminded individuals where you can be assured immediate connections and a sense of security and belonging? Will you feel most comfortable and easily learn in an environment where the other students are the same gender, race or socioeconomic status as you? Alternatively, do you prefer to surround yourself with diversity and spend time with people who are different from you, allowing you the opportunity to broaden your world view?

Also, consider what kind of professors you would like to learn from. Colleges hire professors with varying attributes such as academic experts in their fields, industry professionals who can share real world experience or graduate students. Some professors are focused on high level academic research in their field while others are focused on teaching and mentoring undergraduate students. Graduate students may lack teaching experience but can be the most enthusiastic about their chosen field and actively involved in research.

2. What learning environment brings out your personal best?

College bound students should spend time reflecting on their academic journey thus far and be very clear about what type of classroom best matches their learning style. Colleges have a broad range of classroom environments including small classes, seminars, discussion classes, project-based classes, hands-on learning, fieldwork, lectures, and lectures that break into discussion groups. Decide which environment will be most beneficial for you and seek it out in your college search.

For students who do not have an obvious preference because they perform well in all classroom environments, I urge you to dig deep and consider what learning environment is most enjoyable to you. Choosing to “make do” with whatever is offered will not result in you making the most out of your college experience. Decide what you like and seek it out.

3. Why do you (really) want to go to college?

If you know why you want to attend college and what you hope to gain from the experience, then you are well on your way to choosing a college that best meets your needs and preferences. Many high school students struggle to answer this question fully. They know that the “right” answer to this question is: To get a good job. Beyond gainful employment, many teens are unsure of what they want from their college experience. Some reasons to attend college that students might consider before embarking on their college search are:

• You want to explore new academic subjects that you have not been exposed to yet.

• You want to meet new people, make friends and have fun.

• You value education and you want to continue expanding your knowledge.

• You enjoy learning in a classroom environment.

• You want to take the first step towards independence from your parents.

To help our clients better understand their preferences in connection with the college search, The College Spy offers the Myers-Briggs Type Indicator. The MBTI provides a framework for understanding core preferences as they relate to the large and small decisions that are part of the college selection process. This framework helps students rigorously analyze their options and make intentional choices that best fit their unique personality, priorities and values. Click here for more information on how the MBTI can help your college bound student choose the right college.

Need help getting started with your college search?

Often the hardest part of the college search is getting started. The College Spy’s Building a College List Package is for students and parents who need assistance choosing the right colleges to put on their college list. We will help you identify the factors most important to you in your college search and then suggest colleges that meet your criteria. You will also learn the most effective ways to research colleges and get your questions answered regarding standardized testing, extracurricular activities, college visits and senior year course selection. Click here for more information.

The College Spy is a full service independent educational consulting firm that assists students and families across the US and internationally with the college selection and application process. Follow The College Spy on Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, Instagram, LinkedIn and on The College Spy Podcast.