College Selection Tips & Advice for Students

The business world is moving at a breakneck pace, reshaped by generative AI, a heightened focus on sustainable growth, and a global economy that is more interconnected than ever. However, the “best” school isn’t a universal constant — it is a deeply personal alignment between what the institution offers and your academic and career goals. With the average cost of attendance now reflecting a significant investment, your goal is to find a school where the curriculum, culture, and alumni network combine to form an effective launchpad for your future.

The Hidden Ivies schools are becoming an attractive opportunity for college-bound students, due to their academic rigor, collaborative environment, and holistic approach to education.

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.”

The University of Georgia and Georgia Tech have a famous rivalry — known as “Clean, Old-Fashioned Hate” — that was established before their first football game in 1893.

It’s one of the most common — and most stressful — questions students ask during the college search process: What if I don’t know what I want in a college?

Every college visit is a crucial part of the college search process and gets you one step closer to figuring out your college list. After all, the best way to learn about a college and its campus is to experience it firsthand. Spring semester is a great time to start planning college visits, since you can use your spring break to explore different campuses.

Students who plan to go to medical school generally spend their undergraduate years pursuing a pre-med course of study to prepare them for a career in medicine or other health fields. But what exactly is pre-med, and what courses are you expected to take? If you’re thinking of attending medical school, keep reading to learn more about pre-med requirements and which schools in the U.S. offer the best programs. 

As a member of the Ivy League and an institution known for its academic rigor and impressive alumni network, it is easy to understand why Princeton University earns a spot on many students’ best-fit lists. Every year, the school receives tens of thousands of applications from high school seniors and current college students interested in transferring.

While many schools have since reinstated testing requirements, thousands of schools remain test-optional or test-blind — some have even made it permanent. Learn more about test-blind and test-optional policies and how they may impact your admissions strategy.

Applying to an Ivy League institution like Cornell University is a highly competitive undertaking, and the acceptance rate for each incoming class reflects the intensity of the admissions process.