Start your College Search

Tip #1: Consider yourself

Think about your goals and personality. It’s important to remember that not all career paths are linear — students who studied different majors in college may find themselves in the same or similar job positions afterwards. While earning a large salary is great, working in a career field you’re passionate about is even better. Ask yourself:

• What are my dreams?
• What are my likes, dislikes, or phobias?
• What are you most proud of? This can be actions or personality traits.
• What does a good work-life balance mean to you?

Tip #2: Consider your desired qualities of a post-secondary institution

Finding the right school is just as important as finding the right program. The right school for you will engage, challenge and entertain you and your interests inside and outside the classroom. Rank the qualities that mean the most to you and add other items if you wish.

• Size of school (physically and population-wise)
• Atmosphere
• Student life and other social factors
• Location (this can be distance from home, proximity to a major city, or distance from downtown life)
• Reputation/academic recognition
• Cost/aid availability
• Major offerings
• Necessities and conveniences for everyday life

Tip #3: Begin the Search

Once you know what matters to you, it’s time to start finding colleges or universities that can fit the profile. Use everything that is available to you — college search boards, Google, friends, and even social media. Nothing can be better than hearing from another student’s first-hand experience at their institution.

This typically includes the application, high school transcript, admission test (ACT/SAT), letters of recommendation and an essay. Our Columbus campus has a very similar requirement of items, but for students applying for 2025-2026, test scores are optional. The Mansfield campus will never require test scores, letters of recommendation, or an essay. And no hs transcripts for Mansfield.

Some students start visiting in their junior year but it’s important to visit as many colleges as you can before accepting admission! A good visit can completely change your stance on attended one institution over another and it gives you the opportunity to speak with current students, staff, and faculty. Take advantage of trips your school may offer but also reach out to college if you cannot visit due to finances, some many offer travel grants to help reduce the burden. 

Narrow your list down and apply to several different colleges or universities that you can consider safety, match or reach schools. Always have a backup plan if you aren’t accepted into your dream school or are offered less financial aid than you would need. A dream school can fall into any one of the categories below, it is entirely up to you!

• Safety schools are schools you have a high chance to be accepted into.
• Match schools offer a good chance of admission because your student profile aligns closely to the school’s average.
• Reach school are schools you have a lower chance of admission due to low acceptance rates or high competitiveness.

Be mindful of early action or priority deadlines for applications and scholarships and ask questions if you are unsure at any stage of the application process! 

Remember that you have people in your life that are here to help you succeed. Ask for opinions, ask about their own experiences, and ask for help but remember to be respectful of their time. If you need to have a talk or ask for a letter of recommendation, don’t wait until the last minute. The odds are that others have asked them for letters as well or for help reviewing a college essay. Plan accordingly!