You've done a whole lot of research. You've studied those glossy college brochures, spent time at the websites of your favorite schools, and armed yourself with all the facts and stats. You've had many conversations about your search with your parents and your guidance counselor. You may have even spent some time visiting a few campuses. And although the colleges aren't all the same, they're all … well, good. How do you go from several good choices to the one that's right for you?

To help you answer this important question, we talked to these admissions experts: Keyla Butts, enrollment counselor, Trinity Bible College, Ellendale, North Dakota; R. Philip Kimrey, dean of admissions and financial aid, Samford University, Birmingham, Alabama; Matt Reitnour, director of admissions, Houghton College, Houghton, New York; Erin Spivey, director of undergraduate admissions, Dallas Baptist University, Dallas, Texas; Andre Stephens, director of undergraduate admissions, Biola University, La Mirada, California.

What important factors do students tend to overlook during the college search?

Mr. Stephens: Many students think about cost first. This is obviously an important factor to consider. But you shouldn't let cost outweigh all the other factors you need to think through, like the college's facilities. What's the library like? Is the campus wireless? Also, know the college's requirements and make sure you can comply. At Biola, for example, students are required to be Christians.

Mr. Reitnour: Look at opportunities to get involved beyond the campus—like studying abroad. Not every student plans to study abroad, but we think that's an important part of your educational experience.

Mr. Kimrey: Don't forget to consider academic programs you might be interested in. If you're interested in a business degree, you might want to be close to an urban center where there are a good number of internship opportunities. If you're interested in animal science, you'll want a campus with easy access to the animals you'll be studying. Also, if you have special needs, whether it's learning accommodations or medical services, make sure the colleges on your short list have those services available on campus.

Ms. Butts: Also keep in mind factors like the size of the student population and the student-faculty ratio. Think about how big the classes are and the number and variety of extracurricular activities that will be available. This information will help you figure out if you'll be comfortable with the size of the campus.

What is the one thing students absolutely need to do when making the final college choice?

Ms. Spivey: Pray. You should be in constant communication with the Lord about your decision. As you pray, keep in mind that God is in control. And I definitely think you need to visit your top three to five choices.

Mr. Stephens: The campus visit is the number one thing. You can't get the feel of a school from a brochure or by looking at its website. You have to see if you can picture yourself there, because if you can't, it's not the place for you.

Mr. Kimrey: Campus visits are crucial. You shouldn't buy a car without driving it, and it's the same with choosing a college: You shouldn't invest in a school without getting a feel for it. The whole search begins as an emotional adventure; then it becomes more about statistics and dollars and cents. As decision time nears, you should not fail to go back to that emotional side and think about how you felt while at a college.

Is there anything a student absolutely shouldn't do when heading toward the final choice?

Mr. Reitnour: Don't make a decision based on any single factor. For example, if you only think about cost, you might fail to consider a school that you really should consider. Your choice should be based on several important factors.

Mr. Kimrey: You also shouldn't over-emphasize where your friends are going. God may not necessarily want you to be where all of your friends are.

Ms. Spivey: Don't stress out. If you're communicating with your admissions counselor, that person can make sure you're doing everything you need to get done. Starting the process early will also keep your stress down. It will keep you from rushing frantically through the final stages of the process.

Ms. Butts: Don't settle for a school that won't give you what you need to fulfill your goals and dreams.

Earlier, we talked about the importance of spending time on campus. How can students plan a visit that will be worthwhile?

Mr. Stephens: You can visit schools anytime, and we welcome drop-ins, but it is best to plan ahead. Many schools have big preview events in the fall and spring with set programs that provide a lot of information. Most have guided tours that will help you get a feel for the entire campus. But if you just show up some weekend, you probably won't have a very well-rounded or thorough experience.

Ms. Spivey: Start by getting in touch with an admissions counselor. You can either e-mail us or call our admissions office. An admissions counselor can set up appointments with people you'd like to meet.

Mr. Kimrey: You should know what you plan to accomplish during a visit. If you want to sit in on a certain class or meet with certain professors, it can be arranged.

Mr. Reitnour: While on campus, spend a lot of time talking with current students. The admissions department shouldn't be your only resource for information about a school. Also, keep in mind that you may need to visit a school more than once to get all the information you want.

What are some other essential areas to keep in mind?

Ms. Spivey: There's an academic side and a community side to every school. You have to have a sense you belong in the community, that you can get involved and make friends there.

Ms. Butts: If you have special interests, those can play a large role. What has been important to you in the past may continue to be important, so let the school know if you are interested in a particular area, like participating in athletics or studying fine arts like music or painting.

Mr. Reitnour: Students should think about why they're going to college. At Houghton, we talk about the education of the whole person: intellectual, spiritual, social and physical. The college experience shouldn't just be about getting a ticket to a good job.

Mr. Stephens: You've got to consider the school's environment. Ask whether you can flourish there and be stretched—not just academically, but spiritually, too.

Mr. Kimrey: Ask yourself, "What will be the impact on my spiritual growth if I attend this school? Do I fit in with this school's Christian mission?"

Anything else?

Mr. Stephens: You can't just expect things to fall into place. Work through the process with your parents and other adults you trust. You have to do the work to figure out what God has in store for you.

Ms. Spivey: Sit down some afternoon and put it all on paper. Write down the pros and cons of each school. Ask for your parents' opinions. Talk to your high school counselor about each of the schools you're considering.

Ms. Butts: Talk to people who know you well and who know about the schools you're interested in. You need to discuss your decision with people who will give honest answers to your questions. Your parents, youth pastor and teachers will all have insights.

Mr. Reitnour: Pray. Commit the decision to God. More than anything, desire to honor him with the decision.

Mr. Kimrey: Ask God to help you understand your strengths and abilities. Knowing that can help you find the right place.

Mr. Stephens: Remember that God wants to see us grow and develop. Sometimes that means trusting our ability to make decisions. And never forget that God is going to be with you wherever you go.

Copyright © 2007 by the author or Christianity Today International/Campus Life magazine.
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