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Which college(s) FIT YOU WELL?
This guide is an excellent starting resource, from College Essay Guy, Ethan Sawyer!
Utilize the wealth of knowledge in this post to jumpstart your college research and list building!
Juniors will notice that we will utilize some of the resources that Mr. Sawyer names in this article, so they will be able to refer back to their results and answers from those activities as they establish their personal criteria, preferences, needs, and priorities. Keep reading on to see the next steps -- how to use your top criteria as filters for narrowing your list.Â
CLICK TO READ THE WHOLE ARTICLE.Â
Utilize the wealth of knowledge in this post to jumpstart your college research and list building!
Juniors will notice that we will utilize some of the resources that Mr. Sawyer names in this article, so they will be able to refer back to their results and answers from those activities as they establish their personal criteria, preferences, needs, and priorities. Keep reading on to see the next steps -- how to use your top criteria as filters for narrowing your list.Â
- Use your search criteria in college search engines and lists to find names of schools that fit your criteria.
- Aim to FIND AND FOLLOW (on SCOIR) around 15-20 colleges that best fit your criteria (preferences, needs, priorities) by the end of junior year.
- Do deeper research to start filtering and narrowing the list, but being sure to find at least a few options where you are very likely to get in.Â
- GOAL: By fall of senior year, narrow list to approximately 8-10 colleges that FIT YOUR CRITERIA (preferences, needs, priorities) and THAT YOU'D BE WILLING TO GO TO!
CLICK TO READ THE WHOLE ARTICLE.Â
COLLEGE SEARCH ENGINES
COLLEGE SEARCH ENGINES
Use these to quickly generate lists of colleges that meet your unique combination of preferential criteria. These are meant as a starting point and springboard for your research! You should plan to research each college more in-depth!Â
CURATED LISTS
CURATED LISTS
Use these only as a starting point for deeper research, but not the final word on whether a college is right for YOU.
Many curated lists center on one specific key characteristic, and are based, typically, on the research (and perhaps even opinion) of the list creator. Presence on a list will NEVER replace your own personal research!Â
Here are two trusted resources of curated lists from the pros -- college counselors! (Check your sources!)
Many curated lists center on one specific key characteristic, and are based, typically, on the research (and perhaps even opinion) of the list creator. Presence on a list will NEVER replace your own personal research!Â
Here are two trusted resources of curated lists from the pros -- college counselors! (Check your sources!)
How To Create A Great College List - College Essay Guy.pdfRANKINGS SITES (DISCLAIMER)
RANKINGS SITES (DISCLAIMER)
IMPORTANT: USE RANKING SITES WISELY.
Each site that presents college rankings uses their own methodology for using self-reported college data, surveys, reviews, and other information.Â
Use these only as a starting point for generating a list, but not the final word on whether a college is right for YOU or not. Your priorities may not be the list's priorities. Presence on a list (or its absence!) will NEVER replace your own personal research. Any college name you find on a list needs further investigation to determine if and how it may fit you well!Â
Each site that presents college rankings uses their own methodology for using self-reported college data, surveys, reviews, and other information.Â
Use these only as a starting point for generating a list, but not the final word on whether a college is right for YOU or not. Your priorities may not be the list's priorities. Presence on a list (or its absence!) will NEVER replace your own personal research. Any college name you find on a list needs further investigation to determine if and how it may fit you well!Â
US News + World Report Best Colleges
Forbes Top 100 Colleges
Niche Lists
Princeton Review - Best 390 Colleges
In-Depth Research
In-Depth Research
Once you have your initial list, you will want to dig deeply to narrow your list to colleges that not only fit your desired criteria well but are also likely to admit you! We're looking for BEST FIT on all fronts. Each individual college publishes information on their website and beyond that can help you compare and contrast your colleges, so start digging! What you find will help you determine whether a college stays on your list or not, how early you apply, and/or what important elements of your application you should be planning for!Â
- COLLEGE WEBSITES: Scour the individual college websites for information and insight on how this institution may (or may not!) fit YOU well! Record anything and everything you find of note in a central location so you can keep your options straight! (Trust me, it gets harder and harder the more you look!)
- COMMON DATA SET: Most colleges publish a standardized data set every year that provides invaluable insight that can be compared against the other colleges on your list. (TIP SHEET: How to Use the Common Data Set for College Research)
- INFO SESSIONS: Attend virtual and/or in-person admissions information sessions for each of the colleges on your list. See below for more information!
- VISIT: Nothing compares to visiting your colleges in person and getting a first-hand look at your potential collegiate home! This requires time, energy, and sometimes even travel costs, so be strategic in how you do this! (TIP: TCS allows for up to (2) excused absences for college visits during both your junior and senior year!)
Virtual and In-Person College Info Sessions
Virtual and In-Person College Info Sessions
To help you narrow or expand your list, you should plan to attend individual admission information sessions for each of your colleges on your list! Colleges regularly host in-person (and sometimes, virtual) options for an admissions presentation and tour. Most require some level of pre-registration, so be sure to look early and often so that you can plan for them, especially if they involve travel!
Check out the Starter Guide tip sheet to help you find the admissions info sessions you need!Â
Virtual 360 Tours/Videosđź’Ž
Virtual 360 Tours/Videosđź’Ž
Use these to get to know colleges individually, to peer into life on campus from the perspectives of real students. If you can't get on campus (or at least not yet), this is a passable alternative in the mean time!Â
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