How to Start Researching Colleges | A Step-by-Step Guide for Parents and Students

Not sure where to begin with the college search process? You’re not alone. In this video, I guide you and your family through the first essential steps to take when researching colleges — whether you’re just starting high school planning or gearing up for junior year. As a former admissions director and admissions officer, I’ll show you how to begin the college search in a clear, organized, and stress-free way. You’ll learn how to create a dedicated college admissions email, how to research different types of colleges (public universities, liberal arts colleges, and specialized programs), and how to help your student identify what truly matters in a school — from academics and campus environment to financial aid and scholarships. This is the foundation for building a strong college list and understanding how to support your student through the admissions journey with confidence. 🎓 Topics Covered in This Video ➤ How to create a college-specific email system for admissions ➤ How to research and compare different types of colleges ➤ Key criteria your student should consider (location, majors, campus life, financial aid) ➤ Best tools and websites for researching colleges (BigFuture, Niche, College Scorecard) ➤ How to work effectively with your school counselor ➤ How to have honest family conversations about goals, expectations, and cost 📘 Want a complete roadmap to college admissions? Visit https://www.askdrhoffman.com/parents to explore my course: The Parent’s Ultimate Course on College Admissions — 9 units, 96 lessons, and 6+ hours of insider advice on college search, list-building, financial aid, the Common App, scholarships, and more. 👍 Like this video? Subscribe for weekly guidance on college research, list building, financial aid, the Common App, and step-by-step support from a former admissions director. #CollegeSearch #CollegeAdmissions #CollegeResearch #CollegePlanning #ParentGuide #HighSchoolStudents #EducationConsultant #CollegePrep #ChoosingACollege Have questions about college admissions? Let me know in the comments! ⁉️ Have suggestions for new videos? Let me know! https://www.askdrhoffman.com/subscrib... 🌎 https://www.askdrhoffman.com 🔎 Seniors! Families of seniors! Want your application reviewed by me? Sign up for my Application Review service... I'll go line by line through your application with edits and advice, before submitting your application: https://www.askdrhoffman.com/applicat... 📚 Two Parent Courses: Parent's Introductory College Admissions Course AND the Parent’s Ultimate College Admissions Course: https://www.askdrhoffman.com/parent-c... (use code: SITELAUNCH20 for 20% your first month/year) 💲 I offer course fee waiver to those who qualify - submit here: https://www.askdrhoffman.com/feewaivers 💌 Join our mailing list and receive periodic admissions tips: https://www.askdrhoffman.com/mailinglist 👉 Follow me on socials:   / askdrhoffman     / askdrhoffman     / askdrhoffman-com-llc   📥 Contact me: https://www.askdrhoffman.com/contact