How to Best Utilize the Internet for Finding the Right University

It has been seen that more and more students are using the Internet for finding the right university program and for their research assignments. However, one has to keep in mind that utilizing the internet for academia is very different from traditional method of library research. Internet is a huge resource, so a particular care has to be taken in this regard.

The printed material which you find in the library is thoroughly reviewed by experts before they are sent for publishing. This process is called ‘peer review.’ Also the books and materials found in the university library system are carefully and analytically catalogued and cross checked through appropriate cross references, in accordance to the procedure followed by libraries globally.

On the basis of these processes the material is organized in the library and various search functions of the web catalogued are performed.

‘Everything goes,’ on internet and anyone can put it, there is no screening or review system and no standard way of identifying subjects or making cross-references and this can go both in your favor or against.  Numerous online journals and sites are developed by universities, scientific or scholarly organizations and hence you need to handle them in a cautious manner.

Following practices can help you to best utilize the internet for finding the university, you are looking for:

Don’t Focus on Net Resource Specifically:  

Try not to rely on the Internet only, cross checking from the library is a reliable and authoritative way to make sure that information found is correct. 

Narrow down the University Research: 

Make a list of the universities and formulate important questions to limit your search. Use the internet to find out which courses and universities are particularly well-respected by employers in that specific field.

Browse through Search Engine:  

There are excellent ways to start your university research on the internet beginning from Google, Bing, Yahoo and other search engines which can help you in finding the desired institution. You need to spend some time with the search engine to know how it will benefit you, in order to save time. It is always a good option to study more than one search engine for instance Beau coup which includes 2,500 + search engines and directories etc.  

Maintaining Record:  

It is important that you keep the record of university sites that you have visited. Do not rely on your browser’s history function, as it contains the web addresses as well as URLs of all the university sites that you have visited, whether good or bad. If you are not using your own computer, there are high chances that the history file will be erased at any time.  

Another viable option is to bookmark the website, you have found useful for a permanent record. Also check again the URLs and pen them down for your convenience.

University Sites Should be Clearly Updated: 

Keep in mind if the sponsored institution or organization is not clearly mentioned on the site, check URL. It may contain the name of university or extension which is used by numerous educational institution.  

While browsing through the university site, make sure that it is updated, after all, finding information about well reputed institution is the main reason for using the net for research in the first place. 

Check out the Rankings:  

While researching online, make sure that you look at the overall ranking of the universities you are selecting and how well they are in relation to the courses you wish to enroll in and how you can utilize them in best possible manner. Best universities have tougher entry criteria and excellent teaching standards for producing smart graduates.

The key to the whole process is to think critically and analyze the information that can help you achieve success in future. You are responsible to ensure that the information is reliable and accurate, as it is bound to influence your life.