CREATING a College LIST

THE COLLEGE LIST AND FINALIZING IT

By the fall, seniors and their family should be completing the process of selecting colleges to which applications should be made. The college list should consist of schools that meet an honest set of objectives and specific criteria defined by the student and their family. With thoughtful investigation and consideration, the final list can usually be limited to five to eight schools, but students may choose to apply to more.

Do Research. Spend time reflecting on what matters most to you in a college. Once you know what you want, or even more importantly, what you don’t want in a college, you will be able to honestly approach the college search process. Use this guide to help narrow down your search. Your Scoir account features powerful search tools such as College Search and YouScience Career Interests Tracker. These tools will allow you to compare your academic profile with those of recent SJV applicants admitted by each college. Place your personal profile alongside your list of colleges and see how you match.

Balance your list. It is important to challenge yourself and set high goals, but it is equally as important to maintain a college list that will leave you with options. A list with acceptance rates in the single digits will limit you come enrollment time, as will a list of colleges that you really don’t like. Your list should include colleges that you would be happy to attend and are great fits for you both academically and socially.