Finding the perfect college is one of the most significant decisions you’ll make as a student-athlete. Unfortunately, many students end up transferring after their freshman year because they didn’t take the time to evaluate their options. In fact, 40% of student-athletes transfer after their freshman year, and another 40% transfer more than once. How do you avoid being part of these statistics? The key is to know how to find a college by identifying and eliminating the ones that aren’t a good fit for you. Below, we’ve outlined five types of colleges you should avoid when narrowing down your options.

1. Colleges That Are Too Close or Too Far from Home

Location matters. Studies show that 58% of students attend colleges within 100 miles of their hometown, while only 11% venture further than 500 miles. Knowing whether you want to stay close to home or explore new regions is an important step in your college search.

How to decide:

• Are you someone who thrives when close to family and friends?
• Or are you excited to gain independence and explore a new part of the country?

Once you’ve identified your preference, eliminate schools that don’t fit your geographical comfort zone. Attending a Future 500 Summer ID Camp, where 50 college coaches from across the nation participate, gives you a wide variety of options based on your desired location.

2. Colleges That Are Too Big or Too Small

Campus size can significantly affect your college experience. Some students prefer the close-knit feel of a small college, where it’s easier to build relationships and connect with professors. Others thrive in the vibrant, diverse atmosphere of a large university.

Things to consider:

• Do you prefer smaller class sizes and a tight-knit community?
• Or are you excited by the energy and opportunities of a big campus?

Choose a size that aligns with your personality and academic needs. Cross off schools that don’t match your preference to avoid feeling out of place.

3. Colleges in the Wrong Setting for You

The environment surrounding a college can make or break your experience. Whether the campus is in a rural, urban, or suburban setting, the surrounding area plays a major role in your lifestyle for the next four years.

Ask yourself:

• Are you a city person who loves the hustle and bustle?
• Would you prefer a quiet, rural campus surrounded by nature?
• Or is a suburban mix the perfect compromise?

Avoid colleges in settings that don’t align with your preferences. For example, if you grew up in the city, a rural campus might feel isolating.

4. Colleges That Don’t Offer Your Major

Your academic future should always come first when deciding how to find a college. While some students are undecided about their major, many know exactly what they want to study.

Why this matters:
If a college doesn’t offer your desired major, attending for athletic or social reasons will likely lead to regret. Prioritize schools that align with your academic goals and offer the programs you’re passionate about.

Future 500 Summer ID Camps provide exposure to a variety of colleges, so you can explore schools that offer your preferred major while still meeting your athletic needs.

5. Colleges That Aren’t the Right Athletic Fit

For student-athletes, athletic fit is one of the most critical factors to consider. If you’re playing at a level that’s too high, you risk spending most of your time on the bench. Conversely, playing at a level that’s too low might leave you feeling unchallenged.

How to assess your athletic fit:

• Consider the level of competition (e.g., NCAA Division I, II, III, NAIA).
• Use feedback from college coaches and recruiting events, like Future 500 ID Camps, to gauge your level.

For example, if you’re receiving emails from NCAA Division II coaches after attending Future 500, that’s a strong indication that Division II programs are a good fit for you. With 94.3% of coaches contacting multiple players after Future 500 camps, these events are invaluable for evaluating where you belong athletically.

Final Thoughts on How to Find a College

Finding the right college isn’t just about choosing where to go—it’s also about knowing which schools to eliminate from your list. By narrowing down your options based on factors like location, size, setting, academic offerings, and athletic fit, you’ll avoid costly mistakes and improve your chances of finding a school that feels like home.

Future 500 Summer ID Camps provide exposure to 50 coaches from a wide variety of colleges, helping you discover the right fit for your academic, athletic, and personal goals. Don’t miss out on the opportunity to expand your options and create meaningful connections with college coaches.

Register today to secure your spot before camps fill up. Your future awaits—start building your path to the perfect college experience!

FAQs

Why is it important to eliminate colleges from my list?
Eliminating colleges that don’t fit your preferences ensures you focus on schools that align with your academic, athletic, and personal goals.

How can I decide if a college is the right distance from home?
Reflect on whether you prefer to stay close to family or explore a new region. Research travel costs and consider how often you’d want to visit home.

What if I don’t know my major yet?
If you’re undecided, consider colleges with strong programs in a variety of fields. Avoid schools that are too specialized unless you’re sure about your interests.

How do I know my athletic fit?
Attend events like Future 500 ID Camps to gain exposure and receive feedback from college coaches. Their interest in you can indicate the level you should target.

What should I prioritize when choosing a college?
Prioritize a balance of academics, athletics, location, and environment. Choosing a school that aligns with all aspects of your life increases the likelihood of success.

How can I meet college coaches?
Participate in events like Future 500 Summer ID Camps, where you’ll have the chance to showcase your skills and network with coaches from various programs.