College Selection Tips & Advice for Students

Positioned in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains, Clemson University is much more than just a powerhouse for college football — it’s a public research institution where academic rigor meets a fiercely loyal community. With its championship athletics, highly ranked agricultural and sports management programs, and the undeniable pull of the “Solid Orange” family, it’s no wonder that a record number of students are vying for a spot at Clemson each year.

Founded in 1883, UT Austin is the flagship university of Texas and consistently ranks as a top public research university in the U.S. — in fact, it’s often referred to as the “Harvard of the South.”

A highly selective institution that’s known for its engineering, education, music, and humanities programs, Vanderbilt University is a top choice for many students. The institution attracts applicants from around the world due to its stellar academic reputation, beautiful campus, and location in the heart of Nashville, Tennessee.

The University of Virginia is one of the most competitive and exclusive public universities in the country. It was famously founded by one of the Founding Fathers, Thomas Jefferson, in 1819 in the beautiful city of Charlottesville, Virginia. UVA boasts a beautiful and sprawling campus that those in the know lovingly call “Grounds.” A campus quad is located within Grounds, known as “the Lawn,” where students attend classes, participate in student activities, and keep UVA traditions alive.

The University of Southern California — or USC, as it’s best known — is a top research university and one of the most selective schools in the country. Located in sunny Los Angeles, California, it’s been a pioneer in academic and research initiatives since its beginnings in 1880.

Mechanical engineering involves the study of machines, materials, and mechanisms — that is, how things work. If you have a genuine interest in understanding how mechanical systems function and enjoy working with tools and machinery, this field may be a good fit. To be successful, you should enjoy tackling challenges, thinking critically, and finding creative ways to solve problems.

As a member of the Ivy League, Columbia University is known as one of the best colleges in the U.S. and one of the most highly selective institutions in the country — and that selectivity shows no sign of easing.

Princeton tops is a dream school for many students. Like most other Ivy League colleges, the university is known for its rigor and increasingly competitive applicant pool.

The University of Pennsylvania is an Ivy League university located in Philadelphia. “Penn,” as it’s colloquially known, was the first university in the U.S. to offer both undergraduate and graduate studies. Originally founded in 1740 as a charity school and church, Benjamin Franklin proposed in 1749 to turn it into an institution of higher education after publishing his famous essay, Proposal Relating to the Education of Youth. The university has come a long way since then, becoming one of the most prestigious universities in the country.  

Known for its rigorous academic programs, particularly in engineering and technology, the Georgia Institute of Technology — better known as Georgia Tech — attracts applicants from around the globe. Located in the bustling city of Atlanta, Georgia Tech is one of the top public research universities in the U.S. Admission is highly competitive, so prospective students need to start early to build a strong applicant profile.