Students have many choices when selecting college

For high school students seeking the perfect collegiate fit, the process of narrowing college choices is not a one-size-fits-all proposition.

BestColleges estimated that for the 2024-25 school year, 8 million college applications were processed on behalf of 1.3 million applicants, meaning that each student applied to about six schools.

Cristan Harris, director of college counseling at the Hawken School in Chester Township, and Andrew Cruse, director of college guidance at the Laurel School in Shaker Heights, shared tips for prospective college students.

“It’s important for students and families to recognize just how many colleges and universities there are across the country and across the world that might be a great fit,” Cruse said. “We encourage students to begin by exploring a large