Advanced Search
Look for the Advanced Search link at the top of every page, right under the orange Search box. By using the wildcard feature you can type in the first few letters of a name followed by an asterisk to search for all names that start with those letters. For instance:
- Find Mark Mil-something-or-other by searching on First Name: Mark; Last Name: Mil*.
- Not sure if your friend would be listed as Deborah, Debra, Debbie, or Debby? Just type Deb* in the First Name field—you'll hit all of those names.
- The name you remember them by may have been a nickname. Be sure to search for Jimmy by James, Christy by Christine, etc.
All in the Family
If you still can't find your friend, try using Advanced Search to look for your friend's siblings, then get in touch with them for more information. It's likely they went to the same school during different years.
- Find the class list for the school, and select a range of years wide enough to cover siblings (about 10 or 12 years).
- Find someone with the right surname? There's a good chance they're related.
- Send a quick Classmates Email and you may be one step away from connecting with your old friend.
Where'd They Go?
Many people start high school in one city, and then move by the time they enter their senior year. If you're not sure where friends lived when they graduated, Advanced Search can help.
- Don't select anything for "state."
- Remember to use a wildcard (*) if you're not sure about part of a name.
Friend Does Not Appear in the Class List
If your friend attended a different school than you did, and you know the name of the school but still don't see their name on that school's member list, try the following two options.
- Add yourself to that school as a "friend." Sign up with the years that correspond to the years when your friend attended, and your Classmates Connections® email will notify you when someone new joins.
- Double your search power by posting a message to a school's message board—there might be someone else who knows how to find your friend.
Add More to Your Profile
Sometimes the best way to find people is to let yourself be found.
- List all of your past schools, jobs, and military service on your profile.
- Write your story with as much detail as possible.
- Post more photos of yourself and increase your opportunities for friends to recognize you.
Interested in creating your own reunion? It's easy. Just select your invitees, post some details (even if they're not final), and you're off to a great start. When the time is right, Classmates will send the invitations and track the RSVPs so you can focus on the big picture: moving forward with friends who mattered in your past.
Find out about your next reunion. Get started by searching for your school »
