Starting with self: how to identify your values, wants, and non-negotiables before diving into the search.

Moving from prestige to purpose: using rankings as a doorway, not a destination, and translating vague “vibes” into concrete, researchable criteria.

Measuring outcomes: beyond salaries, what data really reflects academic quality, program strength, and student success.

Assessing campus climate: questions and strategies to evaluate belonging, support, mental health services, and academic culture.

College research in 2025: smart ways to use AI, social media, and online forums without falling for bad info.

Building and refining your list: balanced list architecture, when to cut schools, and how to know you’re “done.”

Making the most of visits: crafting on-campus and virtual experiences that reveal fit, and the green/red flags to watch for.