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1. Research your college options: Start by researching what colleges are out there and what kinds of programs they offer. Visit websites, read online reviews, and talk to current students or alums from the schools you’re interested in. Attend College Fairs and high school information sessions. This will give you an understanding of each school’s strengths and weaknesses.

2. Make a list of your must-haves: Consider what factors are important to you in college. This might include location, cost, size, academic programs, extracurricular activities, or other criteria. List out all the things that are non-negotiable for you when choosing the right school.

3. Consider the range of schools: Based on your research, start narrowing down your list to a range of colleges that fit your criteria. Make sure you have at least a few schools you like and are a sure bet (75% admit rate or higher).

4. Take campus visits (in-person and virtual): If possible, arrange for campus visits to schools on your narrowed-down list. This will allow you to see these places and get a better feel for them. For

virtual tours, I love YouVisit.com

5. Make your final decision: Once you’ve done your research and taken your campus visits, it’s time to decide where to go for college. Consider all the essential factors and determine what school best meets those needs. Good luck!



  1. Expertise: We are experts in the college admission process and provide valuable guidance and support. We spend hours learning, researching schools, attending webinars, and visiting colleges and universities to support students efficiently and effectively.

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  3. Personalized Advice: Get personalized advice and recommendations based on your individual needs, goals, and academic background. We help you identify colleges that are a good fit for you and provide guidance on how to make your application stand out.

  4. Access to Resources: Educational consultants have access to resources and networks not available to the general public. They can connect you with college representatives, test prep specialists, and others who can help you achieve your goals.

  5. Increased Chances of Success: An educational consultant can help you identify and showcase your strengths and help you avoid common mistakes to present a strong application.


The Colleges That Change Lives (CTCL) is a non-profit organization that aims to promote the value of liberal arts education at colleges and universities across the United States. CTCL's "44 Colleges That Change Lives" is a list of colleges and universities known for their commitment to undergraduate education and their ability to provide students with a transformative college experience.




What defines a CTCL school:

  • Committed to Students graduating on time (4 years)

  • A holistic approach to admissions

  • @ 1500 student enrollment

  • Liberal arts curriculum

  • Experiential learning

  • Faculty focused and committed to teaching (not looking for research/funding)

  • Residential communities

  • Small Classs= access to opportunity and being recognized and seen

  • Test optional

Here is a list of the 44 colleges and universities that are included on the CTCL list:

  1. Agnes Scott College

  2. Antioch College

  3. Alleghany College

  4. Austin College

  5. Bard College

  6. Beloit College

  7. Birmingham- Southern College

  8. Centre College

  9. Clark College

  10. Denison College

  11. Earlham College (IN)

  12. Eckerd College (FL)

  13. Emory & HenryCollege

  14. Evergreen College

  15. Goucher College

  16. Guilford College

  17. Goshen College (IN)

  18. Guilford College (NC)

  19. Hampshire College

  20. Hendrix College

  21. Hillsdale College

  22. Hiram College

  23. Hope College (MI)

  24. Juanita College

  25. Kalamazoo College (MI)

  26. Knox College

  27. Lawrence University (WI)

  28. McDaniel College

  29. Millsaps College

  30. New Colege of Flroida

  31. Ohio Wesleyan University

  32. Reed College

  33. RhodesCollege

  34. Southwestern University

  35. St. John's College (MD)

  36. St. Olaf College (MN)

  37. University of Lynchburg

  38. University of Puget Sound

  39. Ursinus College

  40. Wabash College (IN)

  41. Wheaton College (IL)

  42. Whitman College

  43. Willamette University

  44. College of Wooster


This is not an exhaustive list of colleges that offer a transformative college experience, but it is a good starting point for students who are looking for colleges that focus on undergraduate education and that offer a supportive and engaging environment.


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