One of the most crucial tasks in the college application process is finalising your list of the best-suited colleges. There are a myriad of variables that students need to consider, including drafting supplemental essays, polishing personal statements, and letters of recommendation. Often, they put off the challenging chore of selecting the best colleges from their lengthy list. Continue reading to find out more about the things you should keep in mind so that you may shortlist the number of colleges on your list and submit all of your applications on time.
How many colleges should you include in your college list?
There isn’t a specific number of schools that all applicants should try to apply to, but there is a range that will probably be suitable for the majority of them. We frequently advise students to think about submitting applications to a diverse range of 10–12 universities. Instead of targeting only “name brand” schools, such as Ivy League colleges, try to choose the options that best suit your needs and objectives.
A lot of universities will want their own set of supplemental essays, so keep that in mind. You’ll also need to make a strong application for each college on your list. The most effective applications are customised for each institution and demonstrate a student’s research and dedication to attending the college.
Target, Reach, and Safety Schools
Your college list shouldn’t merely consist of the schools you admire. In order to apply strategically, you must have a clear understanding of your application profile and your chances of acceptance. The concepts of “reach,” “target,” and “safety” colleges are pertinent here.
- “Safety” schools: the academic record of the applicant is much better than that of the middle 50% of applicants.
- “Target” schools: student’s academic profile is comparable to that middle 50 percent.
- Schools with a high “Reach”: student’s academic profiles are not as solid as the middle 50%.
To determine where your academic profile stands in comparison to that of students who have already been admitted, you can find data on median grades and test results on university websites.
There is a fourth category of universities that you should avoid while classifying institutions as reaches, targets, and possibilities: backups. Every college you decide to apply to should feel like your first choice when you are making your balanced college list. Students also frequently include “backup” schools on their applications because they believe they will be accepted if their other college plans don’t work out. This is a bad strategy since you should be excited to attend every school you apply to. This can result in a bad college experience.
Questions to consider as you narrow down your college list
Prospective applicants should have the answers to a set of questions about each school in their best-fit list in order to feel secure in their selections. The following questions should be answered before making your college application decisions:
1. How do I compare against other candidates?
It’s critical to be realistic about your chances of acceptance. Students should have a variety of colleges to choose from that include reaches, targets, and possibilities in order to create a balanced college list. If you’re unsure of where a potential college fits within this spectrum, conduct some research to gain a better picture of the makeup of the average candidate pool. The majority of colleges release data on their entering class, such as the median SAT/ACT results, and average GPA from Common Data Sets available on the websites.
2. What majors or courses do I want to pursue?
College is a great place to expand your knowledge in the subjects you are most interested in. The best candidates will come prepared with well-honed passions and interests that they can develop throughout their college careers. Be sure to thoroughly study the courses, programmes, and majors that each potential college offers and to identify the options that most closely match your interests. Research course offerings to find out more about particular classes you might be interested in taking and the professors who will be teaching them.
3. What kind of atmosphere can I anticipate on campus?
Each student has their own idea of what they want from a college setting. While some students might prefer a smaller, more intimate school setting, others might be ready to begin their careers in a major metropolis. The ideal option depends on your needs and goals; there is no optimal option that applies to everyone. Try to take a few tours of various campuses (either in person or electronically) if you’re unsure about the environment you prefer. This will help you determine what you naturally lean toward.
4. Which extracurricular activities will I be looking into?
How do you expect to spend your college years, besides going to classes and studying for exams? Think about the things you value most, whether it’s writing for the school newspaper or participating in varsity athletics, and make sure each of your potential universities provides possibilities in those areas. Do your homework to find out what’s available because many institutions publish listings of their organisations, sports teams, and other extracurricular options.
5. Is this school a good financial fit?
Every college decision is influenced by a variety of circumstances, and for the majority of students, financial aid will have an impact on their decisions. Make sure to research the financial aid options offered by each institution on your potential best-fit list. To get a better idea of what your family could be expected to pay, have a look at the net pricing calculator on each college’s website. Contact the college’s financial assistance office if you have any inquiries for more detailed information.
Take your college search to the next level with personalized assistance-Rostrum Education
Even while compiling a balanced list of the finest colleges for you might seem difficult at first, it will get easier if you start your research process early and allow yourself enough time to consider all of your possibilities. At Rostrum, our team of college admissions specialists can help you if you’re preparing to apply to colleges and want personalised advice.
