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There are over 4,500 colleges and universities in the United States. The good news is, most of them accept most students, with the national average over 66%. The challenge is choosing the right ones for you.
Here is a great place to start:
Click the "5 Steps" then build a list of 15-50 schools which you will research in-depth and narrow to 8-12 to which you will apply (list size will depend on a few different factors)
Explore each school's website
Visit in-person
Speak to alumni
Attend a College Rep visit on your campus
Talk to your parents
Talk to an Advisor or Counselor
College List Jumpstart Tools
To get started on building your college list, watch this 2-minute Jumpstart Video
Build and organize using the Master College List Manager (directions)
Master College List Manager spreadsheet link (via Google)
Other Great College
Search Tools
When thinking about where you will spend 4 years of your life, consider your preferences in each area below. Selecting the college that is right for you can be an overwhelming task unless you study the differences between colleges and establish your personal priorities in regards to your college experience.
Size – Colleges range in size from very small (500 students) to very large (35,000+)
Location – Do you prefer to attend college close to home, or do you want to experience a new environment? Would you be able to adjust and function as well, or better, farther from home.
Type – Colleges are either private or public.
Cost – Tuition, fees, room and board, and travel expenses...
Tuition at state-supported schools is substantially lower than that of private schools. Students who wish to attend out-of-state, public schools pay out-of-state tuition fees, which in most cases equate with tuition at a private institution. However, private institutions often provide significantly more financial aid.
Financial Aid- Along with federal and state aid, many colleges offer institutional aid to bridge the gap. Some private colleges even offer financial aid that places the cost in line with that of public colleges.
Admission Requirements – In addition to presenting acceptable scores on entrance exams, some colleges require a certain number of units in high school preparatory courses, as well as essays, recommendations, or interviews.
Curriculum and Degrees Offered – Consider the availability of adequate academic programs in the area you intend to study, as well as the requirements for achieving a degree in your major at that particular college.
Honors – Distinctive academic programs may be available to students who meet requirements.
Facilities – Are you interested in the quality of the facilities, including classrooms, laboratories, libraries, residence halls, etc?
Extra-Curricular Activities – The colleges you add to your list should offer a variety of activities which are of interest to you, e.g., student government, social organizations, athletic or intramural activities, etc.
Family Tradition – Your family may have strong ties to a particular college. Consider if this school should be on your list if it's specifications align with your needs/desires in the categories above.
*There are more criteria you can use to evaluate a school. This list should get you started.
When adding schools to your list, you will put each school into 1 of 3 categories - Reach, Target/Match or Safety - based on the school's acceptance rate, your academic criteria (GPA, SAT or ACT test scores, course rigor), the school's incoming admissions data and your chance of acceptance.
· SAFETY school: academic credentials exceed mid-50% profile of admitted students. High chance (likely) to be admitted (>75% acceptance rate).
· TARGET/MATCH school: academic credentials fall within middle 50% profile of admitted students. Realistic chance (possible) to be admitted (35-70% acceptance rate).
· REACH school: academic credentials meet or fall below (or even exceed) mid-50% profile of admitted students. Low chance (longer–shot) but should still be possible (<35% acceptance rate; <10% dream)
PRO TIP: Ivy League schools and the most competitive schools are a reach for anyone (under 15% acceptance rate). These should all be in your Reach Category.
PRO TIP: We recommend a college list ratio of 1:2:1, so if you eventually apply to 12 schools, it would look like this:
• 3 Reach
• 6 Target/Match
• 3 Safety
Keep searching and researching until you’re in love with all – yes, even the “safety” schools where you’ll likely get in. (Bonus Tip: If you’re applying UC schools, count them as one, since the application and essays will be the same for all of them).
PRO TIP: For a school to make it on your list, make sure:
You want to attend
You meet all the requirements for the required coursework
The major or interest you want is available and you have checked the graduation requirements
You meet every requirement for admission
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