Many companies featured on Money advertise with us. Opinions are our own, but compensation and
in-depth research may determine where and how companies appear. Learn more about how we make money.

Prospective college students taking campus tour with guide
Prospective college students taking campus tour with guide
Steve Debenport—Getty Images/iStockphoto

Educational consultant and author Janet Marthers provides some helpful tips on the correct way to begin your college search and research. One common misconception she touches on is not to go after the "big fish" school just because of the name.

You don't want to base your college search off by looking at the toughest school you can get into, says Marthers. It is a much better idea to start out by looking at the school that have programs in what you want to study, and the clubs and activities that best fit your interests.