Taking the first step towards choosing a college is intimidating. From looking at majors to location, there are a lot of factors involved. Luckily, there are many free and easy ways to narrow down your search. 

1. Decide if you want to stay in state or if you are open to leaving. 

There are plenty of amazing schools in Colorado, but that doesn’t mean there aren’t colleges right for you in other states. 

1. Consider tuition costs.

Tuition varies from college to college. Schools out of state will likely be more expensive to go to. However, Hawaii, which is Colorado’s sister state, offers Colorado residents in-state tuition. Of course, there are hundreds of scholarships available to apply for. 

1. Look at schools with Majors that align with what you want to study.

You don’t need to have a set major when going into college, but you can definitely rule some out. For example, if you know you don’t want to go into an arts major, rule out all colleges focused on that. However, if you know for sure that you want to be an engineer, School of Mines would probably be on your list.

1. Determine what size school would suit you best. 

Some people prefer large schools and others go for smaller schools. They both have pros and cons to them, but it ultimately depends on the individual’s priorities. Class size and student to faculty ratios should give you a good idea of what class would feel like. 

1. Tour colleges you’re interested in.

Touring colleges can be hard during a pandemic, but many (if not all) schools are offering virtual tours for free. Going to a school where you can see yourself feeling at home is crucial to how happy you will be there. 

1. Check out the student community.

Different colleges will have different atmospheres, and it’s important to find one that will suit you well. Look at school clubs and organizations, as well as the town it is in.