
A Simple Guide to Researching Colleges and Majors
- Posted by Kathleen
- Categories College Admissions, High School
- Date January 22, 2025
Choosing a college and major from all the options out there can feel incredibly overwhelming at first. However, breaking it down into a few key tasks can make the process not only manageable, but even exciting!
Start with Self-Reflection
It’s best to begin with what you know best: yourself. Seriously! Often, our best realizations come when we give ourselves the space to dream. Take time to think about…
- Your Interests:
- What subjects or activities bring you the most joy? What have you always loved doing? What sounds exciting to learn more about?
- Your Strengths:
- What do you excel at in school or extracurriculars? Think about those times when you have felt truly proud to be you.
- Your Values:
- What is important to you? Are you driven to make the world a better/more beautiful/more efficient place?
- Your Goals:
- Do you have a dream job, career field, or lifestyle in mind? The key word here is DREAM. Don’t be afraid to dream big, you can always edit later.
Understanding these personal factors will help guide your decisions and ensure you’re looking at options that fit your unique needs and aspirations. But, let us be very clear. This self reflection is one of the most challenging parts of college applications. You may not know the answers to these questions right away, or even feel that the answers change. That is 100% OK.
Research Efficiently & Stay Organized!
For the research lovers out there, this is your time to shine. It’s time to dive into the research process. To avoid feeling scattered with information overload, stay focused on these key strategies:
- Use Search Tools:
Platforms like College Xpress or Niche allow you to filter schools by size, location, programs, and more. This is a great way to start narrowing your options.
- Attend Information Sessions and College Fairs:
These are excellent opportunities to ask questions about academic programs, campus life, and unique opportunities like internships or study abroad. Ask your school counselor for more resources on upcoming dates.
- Learn from Alumni and Students:
Many schools offer ways to connect with current students or graduates who can share real-world insights about their experiences.
- Stay Organized:
Use a spreadsheet or old school notebook to track what you’ve learned about each school—important dates, standout programs, pros and cons, and financial aid details.
Even if it feels like an extra step, this last point is super important. Staying organized as you go will save you time and help you feel in control of the process.
Final Tips
As you research, keep these final thoughts in mind:
- You Don’t Have to Choose a Major Yet:
- Many colleges allow you to apply as “undeclared” or explore multiple fields before committing.
- Scholarships Are Worth the Effort:
- For this initial research, we can’t stress this enough: neither avoid nor dwell on tuition costs. Financial aid can make a big difference. We can help you navigate this process.
- Ask for Help:
- Your school counselor, teachers, or a professional college counselor (we know a few 😉) can provide valuable guidance and keep you on track.
- Stay Flexible:
- You might discover new schools, programs, or career paths that weren’t on your radar. Keeping an open mind can lead you to unexpected opportunities.
Researching colleges and majors doesn’t have to be overwhelming. With a little self-reflection, a structured approach, and expert support, you can find the best fit for your academic and career goals.
If you’re feeling stuck or want personalized guidance, our college counseling team is here to help.

About Our Counselors
At Mulholland Prep, our dedicated admissions counselors are experts in guiding students through the complex college application process. With years of experience and a personalized approach, they provide tailored advice on everything from crafting compelling personal statements to building a balanced college list. Schedule a consultation with one of our admissions counselors today to get personalized guidance on your college journey.
Kathleen is a manager at Mulholland Prep. Drawing on years of experience as an educator, she writes to provide accessible resources for students, parents, and other teachers.
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