Choosing a College
Finding your “right fit”
Academic - Your academic fit is a school that matches your academic profile - your GPA and SAT/ACT scores will be similar to those of accepted students. It will offer majors and courses that interest you and provide opportunities that are attractive to you, such as study abroad, internship and co-op programs, or research with a faculty member.
Social - Your social fit is a school that fits your personality and preferences - a school where you will feel comfortable and fulfilled. Look at the school’s culture and distinguishing characteristics, such as location, size, diversity, extracurricular and athletic offerings, inclusivity, supports, and housing.
Financial - Finding your financial fit means you will be able to afford the total cost of earning your degree.
Other factors to consider:
-Graduation rate: What % of students graduate within 6 years?
-Retention rate: What % students return after their freshman year?
Here are some websites to help you in your search:
Naviance
College Websites
Building Your College List
Be Realistic about your academic profile: your GPA, class rank, and test scores tell a school a lot about you. Schools will compare your academic profile to that of admitted students to assess your potential for success.
Aim for 10 Schools
2-3 Reach Schools: your chance of being accepted may not be as high as at other schools.
3-5 Target Schools: strong matches based on academic profile, financial aid needs, and social preferences.
2-3 Likely Schools: sometimes called “safety” schools, are colleges where your test scores and GPA meet or exceed those needed for admission.
Choosing Your College
Understand your letters of acceptance
Were you extended an offer of acceptance or were you accepted conditionally? If were accepted conditionally, you will need to meet specific criteria to be fully accepted, such as successfully completing summer coursework - called a "bridge program" - prior to your freshman year
Were you waitlisted?
If you were waitlisted, you may not r
eceive a final decision until late spring or just before the fall semester begins. If you were waitlisted at your first-choice school, contact the admissions office and send new information that will support your application, such as final grades or news about an honor you received. Talk to the admissions office about your chance of acceptance. Waitlists are unpredictable, so send a deposit to your next-choice college to ensure you have a spot in the fall.
You have until May 1 to decide where to enroll; do not feel pressured to make an immediate decision.