How to pick a college? Data crunchers hope to help

WASHINGTON (AP) — For many high school seniors, fall means deciding where to apply for college and maybe visiting a guidance counselor.

Data crunchers are hoping to help.

Think about the popularity of social media sites and advancements in the ability to analyze the vast amounts of data we put online.

It's all giving the class of 2015 has more tools than ever to help decide its next step, even if finding the right college is an inexact science.

Parchment.com pools student data to predict an individual's college admission prospects.

Admitted.ly pairs students with colleges based on such as factors as body piercings and whether applicants go to church.

Such sites are yet another factor in the game of college rankings that has some education experts excited — and others rolling their eyes.