01
How do you learn best?
Think about when you're most engaged in school. Not what sounds good â what actually works for you.
ð
Lectures & note-taking
I absorb information best by listening to experts explain it
ðŽ
Discussion & debate
I learn by talking through ideas with others and challenging them
ð§
Hands-on projects & labs
I need to build, create, or experiment to really understand
ð
Independent study & research
Give me the resources and let me go deep on my own
02
What campus size feels right?
This affects everything â class sizes, community feel, number of clubs, and how anonymous you want to be.
ðĄ
Small (under 3,000)
Know everyone, professors know your name, tight community
ð
Medium (3,000 â 15,000)
Best of both worlds â enough people to find your tribe, small enough to matter
ð
Large (15,000+)
Endless clubs, game days, research labs â a city within a city
03
Where do you want to be?
Your campus setting shapes your daily life more than you think.
ð
Big city
Museums, restaurants, internships, nightlife â the city is your campus
ðŠ
College town
Campus is the center of everything â walkable, spirited, focused
ð
Suburban
Close enough to a city, quiet enough to focus
ðŋ
Rural
Nature, open space, tight-knit community, no distractions
04
What part of the country?
Each region has its own culture, weather, and opportunities.
ð―
Northeast
NY, Boston, DC corridor â history, seasons, fast pace
ðī
Southeast
Southern hospitality, warm weather, school spirit
ðū
Midwest
Friendly people, strong communities, affordable living
âïļ
West Coast / Southwest
California sun, tech hubs, outdoor lifestyle, innovation
ð
No preference
I'd go anywhere for the right school
05
What campus vibe fits you?
Picture your ideal Saturday on campus. What's happening?
ð§
Intellectual
Deep conversations, study groups, academic passion everywhere
ð
Social & spirited
Game days, Greek life, campus events, always something happening
ðĻ
Creative & expressive
Art, music, performances, self-expression is the norm
âĄ
Athletic & active
Sports culture, fitness, outdoor adventure, team energy
âïļ
Balanced
A little of everything â I want options, not one dominant culture
06
What do you want to study?
Even if you're undecided, your general direction matters for finding the right school.
ð
Liberal arts & humanities
Writing, history, philosophy, languages, social sciences
ðŽ
STEM
Science, tech, engineering, math â labs and problem-solving
ðž
Business & entrepreneurship
Marketing, finance, startups, leadership
ð
Arts & design
Visual arts, music, film, design, performance
ð§
I'm not sure yet
I want a school with lots of options to explore
07
How big should your classes be?
This determines how much individual attention you'll get from professors.
ðĪ
Tiny (under 20 students)
Professor knows my name, seminar-style, can't hide
ðĨ
Medium (20â50 students)
Good discussion size, some lecture, some interaction
ðĪ·
Doesn't matter to me
I'll make it work either way
08
What can you spend per year?
Be honest â this is about finding schools you can actually afford, not dream about.
ð°
Under $15,000
Need generous financial aid or very affordable tuition
ðģ
$15,000 â $30,000
Moderate budget, some aid expected
ðĶ
$30,000 â $50,000
Comfortable range, most schools are in play
ð
Over $50,000
Price isn't the deciding factor for me
09
How important is campus diversity?
Diversity of backgrounds, perspectives, and identities on campus.
ð
Very important
I want to be surrounded by people from many different backgrounds
ðĪ
Somewhat important
I'd like some diversity but it's not my top priority
ð
Not a priority
Other factors matter more to me
10
What's your ideal weekend?
No wrong answer. Just be honest about what actually sounds fun to you.
ð
Greek party or big campus event
Big social scene, tailgates, dances, meeting new people
ðŊ
Club meeting or campus org
Debate team, student government, volunteering, meaningful activities
ð
Hiking or outdoor adventure
Get off campus, explore nature, stay active outside
ðĩ
Art show, concert, or creative event
Live music, gallery openings, film screenings, open mics
ðŪ
Studying, gaming, or relaxing
Low-key vibes â I'm not trying to party every weekend
11
What weather do you prefer?
You'll live here for 4 years. Weather affects your mood more than you expect.
âïļ
Four seasons (including cold winters)
Fall leaves, snow days, cozy campus vibes
ðĪ
Mild year-round
Not too hot, not too cold â moderate is perfect
ð
Warm and sunny
Sunshine, outdoor studying, flip-flop weather
ð
I don't care about weather
I'll adapt â other things matter more
12
What political climate feels right?
Campuses have distinct political cultures. Where would you feel most at home?
â
Progressive & activist
Social justice focus, activism encouraged, politically engaged campus
ðĪ
Moderate & balanced
Mix of viewpoints, centrist culture, respectful debate
ð
Conservative & traditional
Traditional values, patriotic culture, faith-friendly environment
ð
No preference
Politics won't drive my college choice
13
Does religious affiliation matter to you?
Some campuses have strong faith communities. Others are proudly secular. What fits you?
ðŽ
Secular environment
Non-religious, academic-focused atmosphere
âïļ
Christian community
Protestant or evangelical campus culture and fellowship
âŠ
Catholic tradition
Jesuit, Catholic heritage, service-oriented values
ð
Other faith tradition
Jewish, Muslim, Buddhist, Hindu, or another spiritual community
ðĪ·
Doesn't matter to me
Religion isn't a factor in my decision
14
How important is sustainability?
Some schools are leaders in environmental action. Does that matter to you?
ðą
Very important
I want a school that actively prioritizes climate action and sustainability
âŧïļ
Nice to have
I'd appreciate it but it's not a dealbreaker
ð
Not a priority
Other things matter more to me right now
15
How about community service?
Some campuses have a deep culture of giving back. Is that your thing?
ð
Very important
I want a campus where volunteering and service are part of the culture
ðĪē
Nice to have
I'd like opportunities to give back but don't need it everywhere
ð
Not a priority
I'm focused on other things right now
16
Diversity of thought â how important?
Being around people who think differently from you can be challenging and rewarding. What's your take?
ðĄ
Very important
I want to be challenged by people with different perspectives and beliefs
ðŽ
Somewhat important
Some diversity is good, but I also want to find my people
ð
Not a priority
I'd rather be around people who share my values
17
What kind of creators do you follow?
Think TikTok, YouTube, podcasts â the content you actually consume, not what you'd admit to your parents.
ðą
Comedy & entertainment
Sketch comedy, reaction videos, storytelling, drama channels
ðŪ
Gaming & tech
Streamers, tech reviews, coding tutorials, gadget unboxings
ð
Beauty, fashion & lifestyle
GRWM, hauls, outfit inspo, day-in-my-life vlogs
â―
Sports & fitness
Athletes, workout routines, sports highlights, gym culture
ð
Education, science & news
Explainer videos, documentary channels, study tips, current events
18
Which aesthetic is most you?
If your life had an Instagram feed, what would the vibe be?
ðĪ
Clean girl / minimalist
Neutral tones, organized spaces, simple and polished everything
ð
Dark academia
Old libraries, tweed jackets, coffee shops, handwritten notes
ðŋ
Cottagecore / nature
Wildflowers, farmers markets, cozy blankets, fresh air
ðĨ
Streetwear / urban
City vibes, sneaker culture, graffiti art, rooftop hangouts
ðļ
Indie / eclectic
Thrift finds, vinyl records, art house films, one-of-a-kind everything
19
What would your finsta bio say?
The real you. Not the one college admissions sees.
ð
"Professionally unhinged"
Self-aware humor, laughing at your own chaos
ð
Just memes, no words needed
Your personality is basically a group chat
ð
A deep quote no one asked for
Philosophical, introspective, slightly dramatic
âĄ
"Chaos coordinator"
Always doing too much, but somehow it works
âĻ
Aesthetic emoji wall
Your feed IS the personality â curated, intentional, beautiful
20
Which memes actually make you laugh?
Not "haha" â actual tears-laughing, screenshot-and-send-to-the-group-chat funny.
ðĪŠ
Absurd & surreal
Makes zero sense, that's the point, deep-fried chaos
ð
Relatable everyday moments
"Why is this literally me" content, daily life observations
ðĪ
Niche & intellectual
Only 12 people get it, and you're one of them
ðĨ°
Wholesome & uplifting
Faith in humanity restored, animals being cute, good news
ðŋ
Pop culture & celebrity
Reality TV reactions, celeb drama, trending moments
21
Pick the playlist that covers your weekend
The soundtrack tells us more about you than any essay question ever could.
ð
Hype / party anthems
Pre-game energy, bass drops, everyone's singing along
ð§
Lo-fi / chill beats
Study vibes, rainy day energy, coffee shop background music
ðļ
Indie / alternative
Deep cuts, nobody's heard of them yet, festival energy
ðĪ
Country / folk / acoustic
Campfire vibes, truck rides, storytelling, twang
ðĪ
R&B / hip-hop
Smooth vibes, lyrical depth, culture-defining beats
22
What matters most to you?
If you could optimize for just one thing in your college experience, what would it be?
ð
Academic quality
Intellectual culture, great professors, challenging coursework
âĪïļ
Social life & community
Finding my people, campus culture, sense of belonging
ð
Location & environment
Where I live and the world around campus matter most
ðĩ
Affordability
Graduating without crushing debt is my priority
ð
Career outcomes
Job placement, internships, alumni network, ROI