Creating the “Perfect” College List
One of the first but perhaps most challenging steps of the college application process is forming the “perfect” college list. According to College Board, high school seniors should apply to an average of between 5 to 8 colleges. As you probably already know by now, you should tier these universities into reach, target, and safety schools. However, deciding which schools to actually include on your tiered list is more complicated.
There are several factors to consider when adding colleges to your list. How does the school fare with respect to your major compared to other universities? How do your GPA and SAT/ACT scores compare to the average accepted student? Does the school have early decision, early admission, or neither? Other things to keep in mind include location, school size, weather, alumni network, Division 1 sports programs, target school for big companies, campus resources, study abroad opportunities, the social scene/environment, etc. Considering your preferences for these factors will help you narrow down your list to a point where you can conduct more in-depth research to finalize your top 5–8 schools. Please take all these factors into account, don’t just look at college rankings!
Ok so you have your list of things to consider but how do you know if you want a big or small school, or if it would be cool (wait for the pun) to live on the east coast during the winter? The best way to gain a more well-formed opinion on these matters is to speak with current undergraduates at that particular university. I mean think about it, who is more qualified to speak with you about a university’s current programs, student organizations, or social environment than someone currently attending that school? And I admit that no one can tell you whether you will like a big school or actually enjoy the snow, but they may be able to give you a new perspective or ask you the right questions to ensure that you are making an informed decision about your perceived preferences.
When creating this list, be optimistic and don’t be afraid to include a few schools that, on paper, may seem a little out of reach. I have heard countless “limitation” stories of high school counselors curtailing their students’ expectations of where they can get in. FORGET THAT! This is one of the only chances you will have in your entire life to go to college, so why not at least apply to your dream school(s)? You have nothing to lose! I would argue that it is better to go to community college for a year or two and transfer to your dream school, than settle on a mediocre safety school you aren’t passionate about. And yes, if you have a 2.5 GPA and no extracurricular activities don’t only apply to Ivy League schools, but if you feel that you would thrive at a certain “reach” school then you should at least apply. There is no worse feeling than looking back with regret, asking yourself “I wonder if I could have gotten in.”
The most frustrating part of the “limitation” stories I have seen with counselors is that many times these students get into the colleges they were told to not even apply to because they “didn’t have a chance.” In fact, according to a dean of admissions I recently spoke with, the more selective the university the greater chance that they will look at the “whole” applicant. That is, these universities don’t just look at your GPA and test scores, but take the time to look at and consider every aspect of your application. You may be a little skeptical about this but allow me to walk you through it. University A is going to accept 70% of its applicants. University B only accepts 10% of its applicants. Hiring an expansive and veteran team of admissions officers is expensive. If University A is going to accept most of the students that apply anyway, there is no need for them to dedicate the resources to take a holistic approach when reviewing applications. They can simply just look at an applicant’s test scores and GPA. University B, on the other hand, is very selective about who they admit, they must dedicate the time and resources to take a holistic approach and ensure that the students they accept truly are the best representations of their university.
Before I let you go a word of caution. DO NOT include schools on your list that you wouldn’t be happy attending for the next four years.
At its core, college is about growth, not just academically but personally, socially, spiritually, etc.
College pushes you past your comfort zone by exposing you to new people from around the world, introducing you to revolutionary ideas, and forcing you to seriously think about what you want to do with the rest of your life. Understand that college is not the end goal, it is a tool to help you achieve your end goal of living a happy and fulfilling life. Be mindful of college’s true purpose when putting together your list and ask yourself, “Is this where I will grow the most?”
So, to build a “perfect” college list you must: segment your schools, consider the factors you are looking for in your dream school, speak with current students at various universities, not limit yourself, and understand that most selective universities look at the whole applicant. Remember that college is an extraordinary and unique opportunity designed to help you grow, be conscious of this when going through this early step in the process. Now that you have these tools in your back pocket, go out and create your college list. You are one step closer to finding your dream school!
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I hope this article gave you some valuable insight into how to create your college list! If you have any questions or comments please write a response or contact me directly at franco@nearpeermentors.com.
I’m passionate about guiding students through this process. This passion has led me to create an innovative and unique college counseling platform that connects high school students with current college students studying at the universities to which they are applying. We recognize the importance college applications can have on the trajectory of your future, and we want to ensure that you are given the tools to succeed. Interested in learning more? Check us out at nearpeermentors.com!
