How To Build Your College List

Creating an Effective College List

Making a college list that works includes selecting schools reflecting the categories listed below. Learning the differences between each category can help you organize your college list accordingly: 

• Safety Schools: These are schools most likely to accept you. Your GPA and test scores exceed those of an average applicant, above the 75th percentile. You should apply to two or three of these schools.

• Match Schools: Colleges are likely to accept you, but there’s a chance they might not. Your grades and scores are at or above their averages, between the 50th and 75th percentiles. You should apply to three to five of these schools. 

• Reach Schools: Colleges where you have a slimmer chance of acceptance. Your GPA and scores are lower than the averages they usually accept, between the 25th and 50th percentiles. You should apply to two to three of these schools.

• Far-Reach Schools: Colleges where it’s unlikely you’ll be accepted based on your stats (below the 25th percentile). This category includes schools where acceptances are selective and unpredictable, like the Ivy League. 

If you’re not sure where to get started, try these simple steps:

1. Self-Assessment: Before you even start looking at schools, take the time to consider your own interests, hobbies, and career goals. Think about where you would like to live while you study. Additionally, consider your own academic record and test scores. 
2. Research: Using what you know about yourself, you can start researching schools that meet your criteria. A great place to start is by looking at schools that match your academic interest, and then consider other factors such as geographic location, costs,campus culture, and ranking. 
3. Create Initial List: This list does not need to be set in stone or perfect. You can start sorting them by safety/match/reach schools now. 
4. Visit Campus (If Possible): With your initial list in hand, it’s time to start deep-diving into your research. If possible, this is the time to start visiting schools. If that’s not possible for any reason, you could instead reach out to faculty and staff online. ‍
5. Narrow Down the List: Once you have gotten a better idea of campus life, you can further narrow down your list to the schools you want to apply for.

When considering your list, start by finding schools in each category. However, this is just a guideline; you can apply to more schools in each category if you want to! 

For example, if you stick to safe schools, you might miss your chance at a world-renowned university. If you only list reach schools, it’s possible that you might not be accepted at all. Finding the right colleges for your list means adding a balance of top colleges and other universities with higher acceptance rates. 

Building Your College List: Factors to Consider

Organizing your college list means deciding which factors are most important to you. A balanced list should be a good fit for you in academics, social life, post-graduation plans, and finances. Here are several factors to consider as you get started.

1. Academics

Academic factors include class offerings/style and opportunities. Even if you haven’t decided on a major, course offerings and instruction quality are important! You can consider these factors: 

• What you want to study in college
• Which colleges have programs related to your interest areas/major
• Your class size preferences/learning style

In terms of opportunities, you can consider internships, research projects, and study-abroad offerings, among others! If you want more flexibility with your courses, you can also consider adding schools with open curriculums to your list. 

2. The “Fit Factor”

When considering how you’ll fit into a school’s culture, you should think about your life on campus. Make a list of what you want out of your college experience. Factors related to fit include: 

• Location: Do you want to attend school in a bustling city? Do you want to stay close to home or attend school across the country? Even climate can factor into your decision! 

• Student Body: Do you want to attend a small or large campus? Are you looking for a more intimate class setting? How important is student body diversity to you? 

• Extracurriculars: Extracurriculars encompass club offerings, athletics, and student organizations you’d like to join. 

Other factors to consider include what you’re looking for in terms of housing, food, and anything else that would appeal to you! 

3. After School 

The next step in building your college list is to consider your future after graduation and whether or not a school can help you achieve your goals. For example, you can consider if there are enough research and work experience opportunities available and whether or not a school has an effective career center. 

You can also consider: 

• Graduation rates 
• Employment rates of students post-graduation 
• Whether you want to work or continue studying after graduation
• Alumni salaries/signing bonuses 
• The expanse of the school’s alumni network

It’s best to consider your future when crafting a college list; thinking ahead can set you up to forge your path post-graduation! 

4. Finances

Another important factor to consider is the financial fit of each school with your and your family’s circumstances. For instance, it’s crucial to consider the cost of tuition, room and board, and other expenses. Asking yourself these questions can help you narrow down your school list: 

1. What is your budget? 
2. Are you applying for financial aid/scholarships? What does the school’s financial aid package look like? 
3. Do you have savings or a plan to work while in school? 

You’ll also need to consider your Estimated Family Contribution (EFC) and whether or not the schools on your list can meet your demonstrated financial need (if necessary). Remember, there are ways to work around your budget to make it less of a barrier—loans, grants, and scholarships can help you! 

It’s important to consider these factors thoroughly when building your college list! Talking to a college admissions counselor at Quad can help you think through all of these factors and make informed college list decisions.