Building a college list can be daunting for a high school student or a parent of a high school student. There are many factors to consider – academics, location, cost, campus culture, etc. However, one often overlooked resource for building your college list is LinkedIn. With over seven hundred million members worldwide, LinkedIn is a professional networking site and a valuable resource for college research.
Research College Alumni
LinkedIn provides a helpful feature where you can search for alums from a specific college or university. This feature can be beneficial in determining where graduates from a particular college end up after graduation. By examining alum profiles, you can learn more about the types of jobs they have, where they work, and the skills they have developed.
Additionally, if you are interested in a particular field of study, you can search for alums who have studied that subject. If you want to learn more about different career paths and experiences, you can contact alums and request an informational interview.
Check Out College Pages
Every college and university have a LinkedIn list that provides valuable information about the school. Following a college’s LinkedIn page lets you stay current on campus news and events. You can also learn more about the school’s alum network, which can help determine career outcomes.
Moreover, by examining the profiles of current students, you can get a sense of the types of extracurricular activities and internships available at the school. It can assist you in evaluating whether the college aligns with your interests and career objectives.
Research College Faculty
LinkedIn is an excellent resource for researching college faculty members. By examining their profiles, you can learn more about their areas of expertise, research interests, and teaching style. This information can help determine if a particular school’s faculty aligns with your interests and goals.
Moreover, you can learn more about research opportunities and potential mentors by contacting faculty members. It can be beneficial if you are interested in pursuing an academic career.
Join LinkedIn Groups
Joining LinkedIn Groups is an excellent method to connect with like-minded individuals who share your interests and objectives. By joining groups in your desired field or career path, you can interact with others who share your aspirations. These groups are invaluable for seeking advice, asking questions, and networking.
Moreover, you can connect with current students, alums, and faculty members by joining groups related to a specific college or university. It can be an excellent way to learn more about the school and its culture.
Connect with Admissions Officers
LinkedIn can be a helpful tool for connecting with admissions officers. It can allow you to gain insight into the application process and understand what the school seeks in its applicants. You can also ask questions about the school’s programs and culture.
Moreover, by building a relationship with an admissions officer, you can demonstrate your interest in the school, which can be helpful in the application process. Read about 10 Useful Links for Students.
Right College Criteria
Choosing the right college list can be daunting, especially with so many available options. It’s essential to identify the criteria that are most important to you to make an informed decision. Here are some factors to consider when evaluating colleges:
1. Location: Consider the college’s location, including the city or town, the climate, and the distance from your home. Some students prefer a college close to home, while others prefer to venture further away.
2. Size: Think about the size of the college, including the number of students, the size of the campus, and the student-to-faculty ratio. Some students prefer a smaller college where they can build closer relationships with their professors, while others prefer a more prominent college with more diverse opportunities.
3. Academic programs: Look at the college’s academic programs and ensure they align with your interests and career goals. Consider the availability of majors and minors and any special programs or resources available to students.
4. Cost: Consider the cost of attending the college, including tuition, room and board, and any additional fees. Consider any financial aid or scholarships that may be available to you, as well as the overall affordability of the college.
5. Campus culture: Consider the campus culture and the types of extracurricular activities available to students. Consider the student body, including diversity and inclusivity, and any traditions or events unique to the college.
6. Resources and facilities: Look at the resources and facilities that are available to students, including libraries, laboratories, athletic facilities, and student organizations. Consider any research opportunities or internships that may be available to students, as well as the quality of the facilities.
Conclusion
LinkedIn can be a great resource if you want to build a list of potential colleges. You can gather valuable information about schools by researching their alums, checking out their college pages, looking into their faculty members, joining LinkedIn groups, and connecting with admissions officers. Using LinkedIn data, you can decide where to apply and attend college.
