As you begin envisioning your university life, take the time to paint a picture of what happiness at university looks like for you, and then use this to help guide you through the process of finding your ideal academic home.

1. Picture Your Happy Place

Close your eyes and envision yourself at university: what does that look like? Visualize the atmosphere, the people, and the activities that bring you joy. This mental image will serve as your compass throughout your university research journey.

2. Define Your University Goals

Now, let’s dissect what you want from your university experience. Consider the size of the university – would you thrive in a smaller, close-knit community with a focus on teaching, or do you see yourself in a larger institution, delving into cutting-edge research? Define your goals, so you know what you’re looking for.

3. Pin Down the Location

Where you study matters. Do you thrive on vibrant city life, or the tranquil charm of the suburbs? Think about the environment that suits your lifestyle. City hustle and bustle, or suburban peace? Even weather can have an impact – I have had students feel fully committed to a given school, only to find out that it’s in a city with snow in the winter, and that sometimes starts the research process all over again!

4. Define your Budget

Money matters, and it’s essential to have an open discussion with your parents, or whoever will be helping you with tuition, about your budget. Quality education is available at various price points, and unlike buying a house or car, a more expensive education does not mean it will be better, so finding the right balance is key. Don’t shy away from this conversation; it sets the foundation for your university journey.

5. Narrow Down Your Options

In the US alone, there are nearly 4,500 universities and colleges, making the decision sometimes overwhelming. Utilize databases with filters to narrow down your options based on your preferences. Whether you’re looking for a private school, one with a smaller student body, or financial aid for international students – filters are your friend. Two key examples that students often use are the Big Future search tool on the College Board website, and the search tool on the Common Application website.

6. Be Honest with Yourself

Be honest with yourself. Don’t focus on what you think you “should” want or what other people suggest to you; instead, reflect on what truly aligns with your preferences. Ask yourself questions like: Will a big school overwhelm me? Will I feel limited in a small city? Am I comfortable being on the other side of the world away from my family? When I applied to engineering programs, it wasn’t until I was on the verge of accepting one of the offers that I realized I actually wasn’t interested in becoming an engineer. I had applied only to please my relatives. Being honest with myself helped me avoid a program and career that likely wouldn’t have suited me. I can’t stress to you how important being honest with yourself is!

7. Learn the Tools of the Trade

I also encourage you to look at some books (I know, actual books!) like ‘The Hidden Ivies’, ‘Fiske Guide to Colleges’, ‘College Match’ by S. Antonoff, and L. Pope’s ‘Colleges that Change Lives’. These books are all great places to start. Another key source of information that often goes under-utilized is university representatives who visit your school – seize the opportunity to ask them questions about cost, your program of interest, and the type of students who thrive at their institution. It is absolutely worth your time and effort to have a conversation with them as these representatives will be your advocate in a competitive application process! One other tip is that if you’re at a fair that is quite busy with line ups at some of the schools you’d like to speak with, take the time to just listen to the ongoing conversations the other students are having with the reps, and you may get your questions answered in the process!

You can also have a look at the Big Future search engine. This, along with the books mentioned above, are great places to start and will get you thinking deeply about where you want to study when you move on from high school.

8. Take Advantage of Alumni Insights

If your high school has an alumni group, tap into their experiences. Connect with alumni who attended the universities you’re considering and ask about their journey, the university’s environment, the diversity of the community, and if they would do things differently if they were applying to universities all over again – you may get some surprising information and insights!