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College Zone offers the ability to find and compare colleges through several different criteria selected by students. The Compare Schools tool allows students to compare and sort Illinois colleges based on total enrollment, institution type, student to faculty ratio, or campus setting. The Matching Assistant and School Finder allow students to indicate specific requirements that they are looking for in a college and retrieve a listing of colleges that meet those requirements. Students can also use the Distance Search to display the distance colleges are from a specific zip code or city.
Once a student has decided what type of college they would like to attend, use our College Criteria List, as well as web sites and admissions brochures to help the student determine which colleges they might like to attend. A campus visit may also help them decide if a college is right for them. If they can't visit a college they are considering, many colleges now have virtual tours available online. Or, contact the Admissions Office to see if they have a video available for prospective students.
If they are able to make a campus visit, be sure to encourage them to maximize their time there. Students should call the Admissions Office at least two weeks ahead of time to schedule an appointment. By working with the Admissions Office, they may be able to sit in on a class, meet with a professor, and take a guided tour of campus. If possible, students should plan their visit for a day when classes are in session. If they visit campus when everyone is away for spring break, they won't get a true picture of the academic and social atmosphere. If they are visiting more than one college, taking notes and pictures may help them remember what they liked and didn't like about each campus.
During their visit, students should pick up copies of college and local newspapers, if they are available. This will offer them even more information about the school and surrounding community. Encourage students not to confine themselves to just the campus. Explore the neighborhood. Things like public transportation, a nearby grocery store, and safety may not seem important when they are worrying about grades, tests, and majors, but once they are away at school, a six mile walk to buy batteries or laundry detergent may become a nuisance.
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