Make a list of no more than 15 universities that you are interested in based on your initial research and rudimentary knowledge. Compile the list based on what you have read on the university's website, what you have heard about it from others and your basic gut instinct.
Write down what you're looking for from a university in regard to academics, social activities and location. For example, would you prefer a small, private liberal arts college or a larger, state university? Write down the academic field you wish to study. Include any extracurricular interests you wish to pursue, such as going to football games or participating in intramural sports. Think about the overall environment you wish to enter into as you continue your education. For example, do you seek an environment that is dedicated to the pursuit of social justice? Or do you want to be part of a community devoted to academic discovery? Or would you prefer a university that inspires individual creativity? Consider the amount you can or wish to spend on university and whether you might be eligible for need-based or merit-based scholarships.
Narrow the list of universities down to seven. Go through your list and eliminate universities that, based on your initial research and knowledge, do not fulfill what you are looking for from a university. Based on the universities' acceptance requirements, make one of the seven universities a safe choice and one of the seven a slight long-shot.
Conduct more extensive research on the seven remaining universities. Ask the university to send you more information, such as a pamphlet for prospective students. Speak to the universities' alumni about their experiences. Use the universities' websites to gather more information. Read the universities' mission statements. Look at the various courses the universities offer. Check what extracurricular activities are offered at the universities.
Visit the universities if at all possible. If you do not have the budget to visit all of the universities, visit as many as you can. Take a campus tour. Sit in on classes. Eat in the dining facilities. If the university offers a retreat for prospective students, sign up for it to get a true feel for campus life.
Apply to at least three but no more than five universities from your top seven list. Include at least one university that is a safe option.