HOW TO BUILD A GOOD COLLEGE LIST

Every student's academic profile and career aspirations are unique, so too are their college lists. It is very important that a student's list be appropriate for their needs, and not influenced by peer pressure or made by following a generic example. A list can take months to develop, so be patient. As you do more research and visit colleges, the list will naturally whittle down to a manageable level. We recommend the two most important factors to consider are FIT and FINANCES. By FIT we mean how well do you match the academic profile of students accepted to that school AND how well does that college offer what you are looking for. By FINANCES we mean how well can you afford that school without taking on large debt.

COLLEGE SPREADSHEET: Use this spreadsheet to track the information below to analyze the colleges. Then use the spreadsheet on the second tab to manage each application as you apply. Click the image to make a copy.

Where to start:

MAJOR: Determine which major you'd like to apply to. (If you cannot decide by Senior year, many colleges allow you to apply as an "undeclared" major, and figure it out in college.)

A Match school is one where you align within a reasonable range within accepted GPA. A Safety school is one where you far exceed that GPA. And a Reach school is one where you fall well below that GPA. (More on this below.) NOTE: There are other factors taken into consideration in the admissions decision than GPA including: major applied to, number of Honors/AP/College classes taken, and extracurricular activities.

DIG DEEPER: After you've made your lists, dig deeper on the colleges' websites. Look at their sample curriculum for that major and ask yourself if you would enjoy those classes. Compare that curriculum from school to school. What subspecialties for that major are offered, and what other majors might interest you in case you change your mind? Go to the department website and learn about their focus, what special projects, research or internship opportunities may be available. See if they have any connections in that industry. Read about some of these professors: their experience, what work they are currently doing, and how this may align with your interests. (All of this information can be used on "Supplemental Essays" if a college asks "Why are you applying to our school?” It demonstrates that you've done your homework.)

SPECIAL NEEDS: If you have special needs such as learning, medical, mental health or other issues that require attention, be sure to research the breadth and depth of a school's Disability Services (aka Access Center). Make note of these on the College Spreadsheet so that you can compare important features that meet your needs.

FAR FROM HOME: Be honest with yourself about moving far from home. What is the time difference? How long is the travel time? How expensive are the travel costs? Will you get homesick if you can return home only on school breaks? Will it be difficult if you do not have a car on campus?

CAMPUS TOURS: Take virtual campus tours and if possible, visit in person. If visiting in person, ask a lot of questions about the campus and your major. Regardless of virtual or in-person, you can ask a department head to connect you with an undergraduate student in that major to get their feedback about that program.

COSTS: What will your cost of attendance be? No two students pay the same amount; it depends on personal finances. Be sure to calculate your costs using tools like these. College costs are larger than ever and are increasing year to year, so don't overlook this criteria. Costs vary by school, but the average yearly cost is: CSU $25,000, UC $35,000, private and out-of-state colleges $65,000+. Add travel expenses throughout the year for a more accurate total. Attend the one-hour April webinar on "Understanding Financial Aid", even if you don't think you'll qualify. There is much to be learned! On the college websites look for any scholarships that you may qualify for and note it on the College Spreadsheet.

APPLICATION REQUIREMENTS: Make note of requirements for sending test scores, letter of recommendation, scholarships, and deadlines for application and financial aid.

SPREADSHEET: Complete the columns in the College Spreadsheet to compare colleges. When done, rank the colleges in order of how well they fit all of these criteria. Remember, this is a process. After you apply and receive your acceptances, you'll have more information to help you choose the right one.

Find colleges in each of these categories:

SAFETY: Include 3+ colleges that you have a high probability of acceptance based upon your academic profile AND are affordable AND you are willing to attend.

MATCH: Include 5+ colleges where you meet the average acceptance criteria.

REACH: These are schools where you fall below the average GPA and test score accepted. It is optional to include any of these schools. Regardless of your GPA and test score, these schools also include elite colleges and the UC's. (Both of these receive far more applications than they have spots for.) Be aware that your chances of acceptance are low at Reach schools.

The average number of schools our students apply to is 10-12. With a very strong list, you can apply to fewer.

Other things to consider:

Honors Programs: If you are academically strong, be open to considering colleges that are not as competitive to get into, but offer an Honors Program where you will get the academic rigor, as well as special opportunities such as early registration, classes offered only to Honors students, guest speakers, unique projects, etc. Frequently these students are offered scholarships as an enticement to attend; this is one of the biggest and easiest ways to reduce your college costs. Search a college website for their Honors Programs for more information.

WUE Schools: Look into Western Undergraduate Exchange (WUE) schools. WUE is an agreement among 16 members, through which 160+ public colleges and universities provide steep nonresident tuition savings for Western students. Eligible students pay no more than 150 percent of that institution’s resident tuition rate. Be sure to check their eligibility requirements.

Community College: Be open to attending community college for your first two years, then applying to the schools of your choice. In California, community college is free for the first two years if you take a full course load. That could save you tens of thousands of dollars. More information here.

Colleges That Change Lives: Consider this list of schools that offer a personalized, student-centered education, very different from large public universities. These are great schools for any student and especially for those who feel they might feel lost in a large university or need a little extra help and encouragement to achieve their best.

Read Reviews: With over 4,000 colleges in America alone, many fabulous schools are not well known. Don't let that deter you. Part of your research should include reading online student reviews to hear firsthand what it's like.