As you start looking at colleges, you'll benefit greatly from the insights of those who've lived through the search process—like these six students from Geneva College in Beaver Falls, Pennsylvania.

I dropped by the guidance office at my high school regularly to dig up information on schools. But to get the real feel for campus atmosphere, I think you also have to visit any college you're interested in. Visit as many colleges as you can. Also, I don't think the college choice should be made by what's affordable. The more expensive schools might be worth the cost, so apply to them and see how the finances work out. You never know how God will provide. And that's a big key to the search. Pray for direction on what school to attend. You won't always get a "burning bush" from the Lord, but be sensitive to God's providence through things like a campus visit or the school's financial aid package.

Think through what you want most from a school—similar beliefs, majors, activities. For me, location was a big deal. I'm a country girl, so I didn't want to be in a big city. What the school offered in majors was slightly less important for me because I didn't know what I wanted. Instead, I didn't pressure myself to choose a major before coming to college and looked for a school that had several majors that interested me.

I've seen the dangers of choosing a school because of your friends. The majority of my friends who went to school together aren't there anymore because they were focused on extending high school, not on getting an education. Also, don't get discouraged by how competitive schools are academically. Don't just assume you won't get in. Apply for the more competitive schools—after all, you're not going to get accepted to schools you didn't apply to.

The college search process takes time. You definitely have to do some research—and a lot of waiting! Applying early for schools makes things a lot easier. I remember how stressed out other kids got waiting to hear back from colleges very late in our senior year. But I had no worries because I already knew where I was going. I also learned how important it is to listen to my parents! My mom suggested I consider Geneva in my college search, but I didn't want to look at it at all—partly because I didn't want to go to a Christian school, but also because my mom suggested it! Finally, my mom convinced me to visit Geneva and I loved it.

I went to college fairs my sophomore year of high school and got a rough idea of schools I was interested in that early. I narrowed my list to 10 schools during my junior year and then visited four colleges my senior year. I really learned how important it is to start early so you can have time to give each school a fair chance. I think it's important to go to college fairs, talk to representatives, and pick up and read information packets.

My parents were very helpful in my college search—helping me look at schools, giving me their opinions and letting me talk things out. And my pastor was also helpful. He prayed for my decision, brought Geneva to my attention and even had visions I would attend there! Pray, have others pray for you and allow God to give his guidance. Even though I couldn't see my future, God did. He will lead you to the right school.

Copyright © 2005 by the author or Christianity Today International/Campus Life magazine.
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