{"id":2397,"date":"2014-07-29t09:00:04","date_gmt":"2014-07-29t16:00:04","guid":{"rendered":"\/\/www.catharsisit.com\/sat\/?p=2397"},"modified":"2021-01-06t14:24:26","modified_gmt":"2021-01-06t22:24:26","slug":"top-college-research-engines","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"\/\/www.catharsisit.com\/hs\/college-admissions\/top-college-research-engines\/","title":{"rendered":"top college research engines"},"content":{"rendered":"

college research engines are the best-kept secret of the 21st century college applicant. virtually no one i know used one, yet they are incredible tools that can help guide you through the massive labyrinth that is university research. the only problem is\u2014which one? this post was created to help you figure out just that.<\/p>\n

keep in mind, however, that many of these websites have functions beyond simply matching students to colleges (like scholarship research, essay review services) and this post is focused only on the match and comparison functions. also, no one paid me to place their website higher on the list (ha, i wish #collegestudent).<\/p>\n

without further ado, here is an infographic of my top 7 picks for best college research engines, including descriptions of each of the characteristics i rated them on, and followed by a more detailed list of their best attributes.<\/p>\n

(click the infographic to enlarge.)<\/p>\n

\"cse_full_infographic_landscape\"<\/a><\/p>\n

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top recommended college search engines & why<\/h2>\n

1.\u00a0cappex<\/a><\/strong>: let me be very candid for a moment and say if i were doing my college research again i would use cappex. it\u2019s easy to use, and worth wading through the constant promo ads because it has the best financial aid calculator, admissions chances calculator, and % match functions that allow a non-math-savant like me understand the numbers.<\/p>\n

2.\u00a0college board\u2019s big future<\/a><\/strong>: if you are completely new the college research process and have no idea where to start, this is the engine for you. it\u2019s probably the best at creating a small (but still broad enough) range of schools based on your sat\/act scores. additionally, it has video explanations for every step of the process, which can help a lot if you aren\u2019t sure how filters affect your search. plus, because college board (despite popular belief) has a soul, it\u2019s all free.<\/p>\n

3.\u00a0college confidential\u2019s supermatch<\/a><\/strong>: this site is the best known among high school students, and for good reason. it has, by far, the best specific match criteria unavailable on other sites\u2014everything from a conservative\/liberal, greek life, lgbt-friendliness, the party scene, and disability access. it also is one of the few sites that allows students to ask questions, and actually get answers.<\/p>\n

4.\u00a0niche college prowler<\/a><\/strong>: on a related note, college prowler is the best for candid student reviews on every aspect of the school. the at-a-glance college comparison screen is actually a letter-grade report card on the school generated by students. it\u2019s a by-the-students-for-the-students experience.<\/p>\n

5.\u00a0college insight<\/a><\/strong>: this site is all about the numbers. it gives you great at-a-glance comparisons, and allows you to create custom charts of statistics you hand-select. however, its not designed to be a home base of college research and doesn\u2019t allow you to create an account, or save any of your searches.<\/p>\n

6.\u00a0college data<\/a><\/strong>: a good all-around site to use, you can go to this site if none of the other caught your fancy. its main attraction is that it\u2019s great at ordering your research from your desires in a college, to your chances of getting in, and the prices. the other unique aspect of this site is that the admissions chances calculator includes extracurricular activities (whereas most are either just sat\/act, or a combination sat\/act and gpa).<\/p>\n

7.\u00a0zinch<\/a><\/strong>: as with the others, zinch is a great home-base site, but make sure you change your email’s settings because they are a major spammer. the special amazing super power of zinch is that with a click of a button it can connect you directly with colleges. it allows you to indicate your interest quickly, and request information (note: cappex also has similar functions).
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honorable mentions<\/h2>\n