Is your major offered at the college(s) you are considering? Not all colleges offer all majors. In addition, some colleges are better known for certain programs of study than others.

While cost is certainly a primary consideration, don't automatically eliminate a college without talking to one of the admissions counselors at your intended transfer institution. You may get a better picture about scholarships and other sources of financial aid.

Do you prefer a small college, or can you fit in comfortably at a large university?

If you will be a commuter student, your choices are narrowed to one of the many local colleges. College of Southern Maryland students have the opportunity to continue their bachelor's degree study on one of its local campuses. The college has articulation agreements with Bowie State University, Capitol College, John Hopkins University, Towson University, University of Baltimore and University of Maryland College Park. For more information about these opportunities, please see an academic advisor.

Also, in close proximity to the College of Southern Maryland is the Southern Maryland Higher Education Center in Hollywood, Maryland. The Center houses Bowie State University, Catholic University of America, College of Notre Dame of Maryland, Johns Hopkins University, Towson University, University of Maryland College Park, University of Maryland University College and Washington Theological Union. For more information, you can call them at (310) 737-2500 or visit their web site at www.smhec.org.

If you plan to move away from home, you have a wider range of options. What region of the country do you prefer? Would you like to live in a city or in the country? This is your chance to consider many options. Don't let apprehension about an unknown area stop you from investigating.

Other factors may be important to you as well: religious affiliation, special services, sports, clubs and activities, and/or cultural/entertainment attractions.

Start your college search in the Career Center: Peterson's Guide to College and Schools, ARTSYS, and MarylandMentor are bookmarked on Career Center computers and Career Center staff has the information you need to help you prioritize preferences such as cost and location.

The Advisement Office has catalogs from Maryland, Pennsylvania, Virginia, and West Virginia as well as selections from other states. Many other guides on choosing a college are also available in the Career Center.

Catalogs from colleges and universities in the United States are available on computers in the Reference area of the Library located in the LR Building. Most colleges supply brochures that explain their financial aid, housing, student life, majors, services, or transferring information. Read what colleges say about themselves.

Every September and February, representatives from more than 50 colleges and universities are available to meet with students in the BI Building. For more information, contact the Advising Office or visit the college's main web site, www.csmd.edu.

Some colleges make special visits to College of Southern Maryland to meet with groups of interested students. Contact Advisement and Career Services for dates and times.