Did you take statistics in high school yourself? Maybe you wondered when you were ever going to use that skill, right? Well, it's now!

One step in finding a college is to take the time to compare statistics in college reference books. You want to know what percent of students graduate on time and can find a job. It's helpful to estimate the average financial aid and cost of attending, for comparison sake. You want to know how your child's test scores stack up against the average student at that college.

Comparing statistics can make a huge difference in college scholarships, so do your homework! I find that using real books is actually easier than searching online. You can compare statistics using large reference books like these.

• ​Profiles of American Colleges by Barron's
• 4 Year Colleges by Peterson's
  
• Fiske Guide to Colleges 2017
  
• College Handbook 2017 by The College Board
  
• Best Colleges 2017 by US News and World Report
  
• Ultimate College Guide by US News & World Report