How to Research Your University
Choosing a university is not just about rankings but finding a good fit. If you’re feeling overwhelmed and don’t know where to start, follow our three-point plan to build a truly balanced shortlist.
1. Define Your Core Criteria
On top of what subject you want to study, consider these other key criteria that will enable you to truly thrive:
Academic Fit: while university ranking is important, research the specific department's reputation, whether you satisfy the grade requirement, courses offered, professors' expertise, and opportunities for undergraduate research or internships.
Campus Culture: Consider whether you prefer a large campus in a university town or a more integrated, urban setting, the size of the student body, and the sports, activities and social clubs that match your interests.
Practicalities: location is a key consideration that is often overlooked. Be realistic about logistics, such as total cost (including tuition, housing, and living expenses), financial aid, distance from your home and location (city vs countryside).
2. Use a Multi-Source Research Strategy
Consult a variety of sources to get a clearer objective picture:
Primary Source: the official university websites is a great place to start for course details, cost, deadlines. Student news websites may have additional information about the faculty you’re interested in.
Secondary Sources: refer to reputable ranking sites (like QS World University Rankings, Times Higher Education) for comparative data, conduct comprehensive background searches on forums like Reddit (eg the subreddit with university name) or student-run newsletters or blogs.
Direct Engagement: live interaction will give you authentic engagement ie via virtual or in-person open days. Ask current students and professors questions directly. Contact admissions teams with your specific enquiries.
3. Organize Your Findings Systematically
Create a system to track and compare your options to turn this information into a clear decision-making matrix.
Comparison Spreadsheet: create a spreadsheet listing out the university names against key criteria, such as university ranking, program strength, cost, location, campus vibe, etc. Rank the items such as high, medium or low.
Flag Pros and Cons: add a column in your notes about pros/cons about each university, adding specific details from your further research (in person, student forums, news articles ie new building, extra funding for research, housing options etc.
Shortlist: the final spreadsheet will help to compare which universities meet your interest and key criteria. Create a shortlist of 6 universities, with 2 reach schools, 2 target schools and 2 safety schools.
This structured approach will help you find a university that aligns with your academic goals, personal needs, and future aspirations. Good luck researching!
Please contact us for advice on the university application process!
University campus scenes
标题：如何有效进行大学调研
选择大学不能只看排名，适合自己的才是最好的。如果你感到无从下手，不妨参考以下三步法，制定一份真正均衡的候选名单。
1. 明确核心筛选标准
除了专业方向，还需考虑这些能让你获得良好体验的关键因素：
学术匹配度：大学排名固然重要，但更要了解目标院系的具体声誉、录取成绩要求、课程设置、教授研究方向以及本科科研或实习机会。
校园文化：思考你更喜欢大学城的广阔校园，还是与城市融为一体的环境？关注学生规模，以及体育、社团活动是否与你的兴趣匹配。
现实条件：地理位置常被忽略，却至关重要。务必现实地考量总花费（学费、住宿、生活费）、奖学金机会、与家乡的距离，以及城市与乡村的环境偏好。
2. 采用多渠道调研策略
综合多方信息，才能获得清晰、客观的全貌：
官方渠道：大学官网是了解课程详情、费用和截止日期的起点。不妨也看看学生新闻网，获取你感兴趣院系的更多信息。
第三方信息：参考QS世界大学排名、泰晤士高等教育等权威排名进行数据对比。并在如Reddit（搜索特定大学版块）、学生自运营的博客或简讯等论坛进行全面的背景调查。
直接交流：参与线上或线下的开放日活动，能与在校生和教授直接沟通，获得最真实的感受。你也可以就具体问题直接联系招生团队进行咨询。
3. 系统化整理调研结果
建立一个信息追踪和对比系统，将繁杂的信息转化为清晰的决策依据：
制表对比：创建一个表格，将大学名称与关键标准（如：大学排名、专业实力、费用、地理位置、校园氛围等）逐一对照。可用高、中、低等层级进行标注。
列出利弊：在笔记中为每所大学添加“优势/劣势”栏，填入你从深入调研（如：访校、学生论坛、新闻报道）中获取的具体细节（例如：新落成的教学楼、雄厚的研究经费、住宿条件等）。
最终候选名单：完成的表格将帮助你清晰对比出哪些大学最符合你的需求和标准。最终确定一份包含6所大学的名单，遵循“2所冲刺院校、2所目标院校、2所保底院校”的原则。
这套系统化的方法能帮助你找到一所与你的学术目标、个人需求和未来抱负都相匹配的大学。祝你的调研之旅顺利！
如果您在大学申请过程中需要建议，欢迎联系我们。