College websites can be invaluable sources of information about colleges once you know how to get the most from them.
Website search tool – The most important part of any college website is its search tool. Search tools will help you find what you’re looking for quickly and efficiently. Most colleges place their search tool on the home page of their website. Find it and use it!
Admissions page – Most students turn to this page first. It is usually tagged “admissions” or “prospective students.” On the admissions page, look for the following important information:
Freshman profile – The freshman profile provides data about the acceptance rate, average GPA, and average test scores for the most recent freshman class. This can help you get a sense of how your GPA, test scores, and personal characteristics stack up.
Application requirements – The “how to apply” section explains exactly what you need to do to apply, including which applications are accepted, whether the college offers Early Decision or Early Action, and the college’s requirements for recommendations and standardized testing. Although your student portal and other online sites provide some of this information, college policies do change. You should check the application requirements for every college on the college’s own website before you apply.
Financial aid and scholarships – If you need financial aid to attend, or are hoping to be considered for merit scholarships, a stop at the financial aid section is a must. Here you’ll find information about the cost of attending that college, including tuition and campus living expenses. Every college also offers a Net Price Calculator in the financial aid section, which can help your family get an early estimate of how much financial aid you may receive. The financial aid section also explains which forms are required and provides deadlines. If the college offers scholarships, usually scholarship information will be included in the financial aid section as well.
The college’s key selling points – Colleges use the admissions section of their websites as a marketing tool to lure prospective students. The admissions section will give you a sense of how the college sees itself – what does the college think makes it unique? You’ll often be able to find a list of undergraduate majors here as well. The admissions section usually includes glossy photos and videos designed to put the college in the most attractive light. All of this information is helpful, but keep in mind that it is designed to convince you to apply. To make an informed decision about whether a college is right for you, you’ll need to go beyond the admissions website once you’ve decided that a school is a possibility.
Academics –Hopefully, you’re going to college to get an education, so, once you’ve perused the pretty pictures in the admissions section, it’s time to dig down into the information about academic programs. Look for a tab or link on the college’s homepage (not the admissions page) labeled Academics. This usually will take you to a list of the departments in that college, as well as a list of majors.
Department academics: Pick at least two departments in subjects that interest you as possible majors and head to their department websites. Things to look for on department websites:
Requirements for the major – What courses does this school require you to take if you decide to major in this subject?
Faculty bios – How many faculty teach in this department? How many are full Professors? What are the research interests of the faculty in this department?
Department unique features—How does this department describe itself? Are special opportunities available to students, such as internships, research projects, and study abroad?
General academics—You won’t be taking all of your courses in the same department, so take a look at general academics. Use the search tool to find the college’s catalog. The catalogue will describe that institution’s graduation requirements. Do they have a core set of classes that all students must take, or a more flexible approach? What other things are required for graduation such as an internship or capstone project?
Other academic information—Are you interested in applying to graduate school? Law school? Medical school? Use the search tool to search for information on graduate school advising, pre-law advising, or pre-health/pre-med advising. Worried about finding a job after graduation? Search for “career center” or “career advising” to learn how the college helps their graduates. Want to study abroad in college? Search for “study abroad” or “international programs” to learn what programs the college offers.
Student life—You’re not going to be studying 24 hours a day, so while you’re on the website learn about what it’s like to be a student at this college. Many colleges have sections of their website that are tagged “student life” while others have sections for “current students.” Here’s some information to look for:
Student newspaper—Use the search tool to find the student newspaper. Don’t just read the current issue; most sites also have online archives. Look for information about events on campus, the hot issues that students are talking about, complaints about campus life and classes, safety in the local community, and any other information that provides a sense of what it’s really like to go to this college.
Campus clubs and organizations—How can you get involved? Are there clubs or organizations that interest you? What about groups that relate to your intended major or career?
Residential life—What type of on-campus housing is offered? A search for residential life will tell you about campus options.
Athletics—If you’d like to play or watch a particular sport in college, be sure to check out the athletics section of the website.
Specialized information—Before leaving the website, consider looking for:
Campus learning center—What tutoring and other support services are available to help you succeed?
Office of Disability Services—If you have a learning disability, a physical disability, or other health issues, find the Office of Disability Services section to learn about the process of requesting accommodations and support resources.
International Students Office—If you’re coming from abroad, check out the International Students Office web pages to learn about special programs, housing, and events for international students.
