When developing a list of transfer schools, students are advised to consider size, location, selectivity, faculty to student ratio, majors offered, access to internships, study abroad and research opportunities, campus life, diversity, financial aid, and more. Through research students should be able to create a short list (6-8) of schools that meet the criteria outlined above. Resources exist to help facilitate the process for students including:

Personal connections: Current faculty, members of the Win Commons, Simon’s Rock alumni and transfer school admissions representatives are good resources.

Campus visits: A campus visit will enable students to evaluate the school from both an academic and social perspective. In addition to meeting with admissions counselors students should speak with students and try to sit in on a class with a faculty member of interest.

Reference books:  Reference books can provide unbiased commentary about a school’s academic and social life—often with quotes from students. They also have the most up-to-date acceptance and admissions data. Following are a few books that can help you with your college search. These and other resources can be found in the Win Commons:

• Ruggs Guide: This book is particularly useful for students who know what they want to study. Organized by major, rather than school, the book provides lists of schools, grouped by selectivity, that are known for excellence in a particular major or field.
• Fiske Guide to Colleges & The Princeton Review’s Guide to the Best 361 Colleges: Both these books are full of student quotes about campus and academic life and provide up-to-date admission statistics.
• Colleges That Change Lives: This book discusses 40 schools that are lesser known, yet provide a terrific education and college experience.

College Selection Web Resources:

1) www.collegeboard.com
2) www.princetonreview.com
3) www.collegeview.com
4) hbcuconnect.com (Historically Black College & Universities)
5) www.uncf.org (Historically Black College & Universities)
6) www.christiancolleges.com
7) www.hillel.org
8) www.womenscolleges.org
9) www.hacu.net/hacu/Default_EN.asp (Hispanic Association of Colleges and Universities)