1) Read about them in one or more of these guides:
-- The Fiske Guide to Colleges
-- Barron’s Guide to the Most Competitive Colleges
-- Barron’s Best Buys in Higher Education.
2) Read some issues of the college newspaper—often available at the college’s website or at http://dir.yahoo.com/News_and_Media/College_and_University/Newspapers/
3) Ask the college to send you a copy of their most recent student satisfaction survey and visiting team accreditation report (My favorite tools for evaluating a college).
4) When visiting to check out a prospective college, never leave a campus without talking with at least seven students that the admissions office did not put in front of you.
5) A good way to assess the quality of teaching at a college is to walk down the halls of a busy classroom building and stop in front of five or ten open doors. Would you like to be in that class?
In making your final choice, yes, a brand-name college offers advantages, but lesser known colleges also have advantages. Pick the college that is right for you. Ultimately, you will be happier and more successful.
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