FAQ'S

How many colleges should I apply to?

Five to eight colleges is the recommended number. They should all be colleges you’d be happy to attend. It’s good to apply to some colleges that are a bit of a stretch for you and some that you feel will likely admit you. But most should feel like good, realistic matches.

Should I apply to colleges if my admission-test scores or grades are below their published ranges?

Yes. The admission scores and grades that colleges show on their websites are averages or ranges — not cutoffs. There are students at every college who scored lower (and higher) than the numbers shown. Remember that colleges consider many factors to get a more complete picture of you. Colleges are looking for all kinds of students with different talents, abilities and backgrounds. Admission test scores and grades are just two parts of that complete picture, plus over 1000 colleges are now test-optional - leaving you with lots of options to apply without a score.

Should I even bother applying to colleges I don’t think I can afford?

Absolutely. Remember that after financial aid packages are determined, most students will pay far less than the "sticker price" listed on the college website. You don’t know if you can afford a college until after you apply and find out how much aid that college will offer you (if you’re accepted). Fill out the FAFSA as early as possible after Oct. 1 to qualify for the most aid.

When should I begin my applications?

The more time you leave yourself to complete your applications, the better. We think it’s preferable to begin filling them out, or at least reviewing them, in late summer (even if you haven’t fully finalized your list of schools). And you can certainly start thinking about topics for your personal statement and perhaps even compose a first draft. Some applications are quite complex, involving multiple essays and letters of recommendations, etc. Once the school year begins, you’ll be grateful that you’re ahead of the game. We host a College Boot Camp in August which we highly recommend attending as it makes the application process much easier.

How do colleges really choose their students?

Colleges choose students based on their own institutional needs. First and foremost, colleges must select students who are academically qualified, but from that point, the process is about class-building and adding a variety of individuals who will further the college’s mission and enrich its campus.