Lesson Plan
College Quest Lesson Plan
Students will explore and compare key factors—academic programs, campus culture, location, and cost—to identify colleges that best match their interests and needs, and practice initial research skills.
Early exposure to college selection criteria builds self-awareness, informs future planning, and develops research and decision-making skills crucial for academic success.
Audience
8th Grade
Time
30 minutes
Approach
Interactive discussion and guided research
Prep
Teacher Preparation
10 minutes
- Review the full Slide Deck: Choosing the Right College.
- Print one set of Warm-Up Prompt Cards per small group.
- Make copies of the College Quest Activity Packet and College Research Worksheet for each student.
- Print the Cool-Down Reflection Sheet for each student.
Step 1
Warm-Up
5 minutes
- Divide students into small groups of 3–4.
- Distribute Warm-Up Prompt Cards to each group.
- Instruct groups to take turns reading prompts (e.g., “Name one thing you value in a school’s campus culture”) and share quick answers.
- Briefly debrief by asking one group to share a highlight.
Step 2
Introduction & Guided Discussion
5 minutes
- Display first slides of the Slide Deck: Choosing the Right College.
- Define and discuss four key factors: Academic Programs, Campus Culture, Location, Cost.
- Ask volunteers to give examples or personal preferences for each factor.
Step 3
Research Activity
15 minutes
- Hand out the College Quest Activity Packet and College Research Worksheet.
- Explain that each student will choose one college or university to research online or using provided materials.
- Students complete sections:
- College Overview (location, size)
- Academic Strengths (top programs)
- Campus Life (clubs, culture)
- Cost Estimate (tuition, financial aid options)
- Circulate and support students who need help navigating research or understanding terms.
Step 4
Cool-Down Reflection
5 minutes
- Distribute the Cool-Down Reflection Sheet.
- Students individually answer:
- “Which factor was most important to you and why?”
- “What is one question you still have about choosing a college?”
- Invite a few students to share their reflections with the class.
Slide Deck
College Quest: Choosing the Right College
Exploring Academic Programs, Campus Culture, Location, and Cost
Welcome students to the College Quest session. Introduce yourself and explain that today they’ll explore four key factors for choosing a college and practice a mini research activity.
Today's Agenda
• Warm-Up Discussion (5 min)
• Key Factors Overview (10 min)
• Research Activity (15 min)
• Reflection & Next Steps (5 min)
Review today’s agenda quickly so students know what to expect. Emphasize the interactive parts.
Factor #1: Academic Programs
• What it is: The subjects, majors, and special programs a college offers
• Think about: Which fields match your passions and future goals?
Define Academic Programs. Ask students: “What subjects or majors interest you right now?” Highlight how program offerings shape their college experience.
Factor #2: Campus Culture
• What it is: Student life, clubs, traditions, and community values
• Think about: What type of environment will help you thrive?
Explain Campus Culture: the social vibe, clubs, and values. Prompt: “Would you prefer a big sports scene or a close-knit community?”
Factor #3: Location
• What it is: City, suburb, or rural setting; distance from home; climate
• Think about: Do you want a campus in a busy city or a quiet town?
Discuss Location. Show examples of urban vs. rural campuses. Ask: “How far from home would you like to be?”
Factor #4: Cost
• What it is: Sticker price, room & board, and available financial aid
• Think about: What budget do you have? What scholarships can you pursue?
Cover Cost basics: tuition, fees, and financial aid. Emphasize net cost and scholarships. Ask: “How will you pay for college?”
Putting It All Together
Use your College Research Worksheet to compare colleges based on programs, culture, location, and cost.
Summarize how the four factors work together. Show students their worksheet to illustrate where to record information.
Research Activity Instructions
- Choose one college or university.
- Fill out: Overview • Academic Strengths • Campus Life • Cost Estimate
- Pair up to share one interesting fact.
Explain the research activity step by step. Make sure each student knows how to use the worksheet. Set a clear time limit.
Cool-Down Reflection
• Which factor mattered most to you and why?
• What is one question you still have about choosing a college?
Guide students through the reflection prompts. Encourage honest answers and open sharing.
Next Steps
• Continue exploring colleges online or with family.
• Talk to your school counselor about planning high school courses.
Wrap up the session by encouraging students to continue their research at home and talk with parents or counselors.
Activity
College Quest Activity Packet
Introduction
In this packet, you’ll research one college or university of your choice (or pick from the sample list below). Fill out each section with what you find online or in printed materials.
Sample Colleges (or choose your own)
- North State University
- Coastal Arts College
- Tech Valley Institute
- Green Valley Community College
Research Template
College Name: _________________________
1. College Overview (Location, Campus Size, Type)
2. Academic Strengths (Top majors, special programs)
3. Campus Life (Clubs, culture, community vibe)
4. Cost Estimate (Tuition, fees, and financial aid options)
5. Interesting Fact or Unique Feature
Pair-Share Prompt
Write one thing you’d tell a classmate when you share about this college:
Warm Up
Warm-Up Prompt Cards
Use these cards to spark quick group discussions. Shuffle and distribute one card to each small group. Take turns reading the prompt aloud and sharing your response.
- Name one thing you value in a school’s campus culture.
- What’s a subject or major you’re excited to study, and why?
- Describe your ideal campus setting (city, suburb, or rural).
- What’s one activity or club you’d love to join in college?
- How far from home would you like your college to be, and why?
- Name one factor (program, culture, cost, location) you think is most important and explain.
- What’s one question you have about college life?
- Share an interesting fact about a college you’ve heard of.
Worksheet
College Research Worksheet
Use this worksheet to record your findings about a college or university of your choice.
College Name & Overview
College Name: ________________________________
Location (City, State): ________________________
Campus Size (Undergraduate Population): ________
1. Academic Programs
Top Majors / Special Programs:
Why these programs interest me:
2. Campus Culture & Student Life
Clubs, Organizations & Traditions:
Social Vibe (sports, arts, research, etc.):
3. Location & Environment
Setting (urban/suburban/rural):
Distance from Home (miles):
Nearby Amenities (city life, parks, etc.):
4. Cost Estimate
Annual Tuition & Fees: _______________________
Room & Board Estimate: ______________________
Financial Aid & Scholarships Available:
5. Final Reflection
Which factor (programs, culture, location, cost) matters most to me and why?
One question I still have about this college:
Cool Down
Cool-Down Reflection Sheet
Use this sheet to reflect on what you’ve learned today and capture any final thoughts.
1. Which factor (academic programs, campus culture, location, cost) was most important to you and why?
2. What is one question you still have about choosing a college or university?