There are so many ways to do college research these days! And while online research shouldn’t replace campus visits, it can help students and families get a genuine feel for campus culture and decide which schools feel like the right fit. Check out the resources below for some ideas on how to get the most out of your online college research!

Your CounselMore College List

We’ve talked about this before, there is great information in that list, and you can add any schools you want to. I highly encourage you to scroll over to the Fiske Guide column and, if available, read the description section for a college.

College-Specific Websites

Of course, it’s always good to go to a college website to read more about their campus life and to learn about their academic programs. You can typically find some great pictures of the campuses as well.

CampusReel 

Filled with videos from students talking about their colleges and doing various tours, you’ll find this to be a great resource to get to know colleges better.

Amazon College Tours

First launched during COVID, Amazon now has 185 episodes where they explore a different college - interviewing students, walking around campus, and explaining what the school is known for. This can be a great way for the family to get involved in researching colleges!

AI Searches

While there are times in the college process where we will want to avoid all use of AI (essays!), when researching schools, it is actually the perfect time to use it! As always, you need to be careful, as not everything is 100% accurate. But by carefully crafting your prompts, you can improve its reliability, so I encourage you to read the BONUS TIPS on using AI for college research below, open up your favorite AI tool (I’m personally a big fan of Perplexity and Claude - they are great at citing their sources!) and see what you come up with.

Instagram

Social Media can be an unexpected, yet powerful tool for college research! Follow colleges you’re interested in to see what they highlight most often: student activities, diversity initiatives, campus events, or academic achievements. You’ll get a sense of what the college values and what daily life looks like. For students considering out-of-state schools, watching campus posts over time can even give you a feel for weather and seasons throughout the year.

YouTube and TikTok

Search for student-made videos about the colleges you’re considering. These often include honest “pros and cons” lists, campus tours, or “day in the life” videos that bring the student experience to life. Watching a variety of voices helps you see patterns rather than relying on one opinion.

Parent Facebook Groups

Many universities have Facebook groups for parents of current students. These communities often share insights about housing, classes, and campus life that don’t appear in brochures. Just remember to take any individual story as one perspective, not the whole picture. I’d wait to start following these until your student has it narrowed down to a few schools, as they can get overwhelming.

*BONUS: Using AI to Research College Life & Campus Culture



Pro Tips

1. Ask for student perspectives: Use phrases like "What do students say..." or "What's the student consensus on..."
2. Be specific about what matters to you:

• "I'm introverted—would I fit in at [School Name]?"
• "I love the outdoors—what opportunities exist at [School Name]?"
• "I'm interested in social justice—is there an active community at [School Name]?"

1. Ask follow-up questions: If an answer sparks more curiosity, keep digging deeper
2. Look for both positives and negatives: Ask "What do students wish was different about [School Name]?"
3. Research multiple sources: Ask AI to pull from student reviews, forums, and social media discussions

Remember

⚠️ Student experiences vary widely: One student's "perfect fit" might not match your preferences

⚠️ Visit if possible: Nothing replaces walking around campus and talking to real students

⚠️ AI summarizes trends: It can tell you what many students say, but individual experiences differ

⚠️ Trust your gut: Data is helpful, but your instinct about where you'd be happy matters most

Sample Prompts to Try

For Campus Culture:

• "What's the overall vibe at [School Name]? Is it more competitive or collaborative?"
• "How would students describe the social scene at [School Name]?"
• "What do students say they love or dislike most about [School Name]?"

For Student Life:

• "How active is Greek life at [School Name]?"
• "What are the most popular clubs and activities at [School Name]?"
• "What traditions or events are students most excited about at [School Name]?"

For Location & Surroundings:

• "What's the surrounding area like at [School Name]? Urban, suburban, or rural?"
• "How easy is it to get around without a car at [School Name]?"
• "What are popular spots students go to near [School Name]?"

For Living Experience:

• "What are the dorms like at [School Name]? Do students enjoy them?"
• "What housing options are available and what do students recommend?"
• "How's the food at [School Name]? What do students say about dining options?"

For Social Dynamics:

• "How diverse is the student body at [School Name]?"
• "Is [School Name] more cliquey or inclusive?"
• "What's the dating scene like at [School Name]?"

For Support & Resources:

• "How accessible are professors at [School Name]?"
• "What do students say about academic support and tutoring at [School Name]?"
• "How strong is the alumni network at [School Name]?"

For Comparisons:

• "Compare the campus cultures at [School A] vs [School B]"
• "What are the main differences in student life between [School A] and [School B]?"
• "Which school has a more [laid-back/intense/social/academic] vibe: [School A] or [School B]?"