CollegePoint
Spotlight Schools
Welcome to CollegePoint's Spotlight Schools website!
If you have suggestions for changes or if links aren't working email shill@collegepossible.org. This website is an ongoing process and many pages are currently being updated. This website is subject to any and all human error, and should not be used as your sole resource for schools. Be sure to confirm any application data on school websites. With many schools going test optional temporarily in 2020, we have not been able to update every page. Check each school website to see if they have gone test optional.
What's a Spotlight school?
A Spotlight school is essentially a 'match' college whose acceptance rate falls between ~25% and ~50%, that CollegePoint coaches have found to be good options for each category. While no one is guaranteed acceptance to a match school, CollegePoint students are qualified candidates. Match schools are a crucial component for rounding out a balanced list of colleges!
How is this site organized?
We have divided schools into different categories based on academics, culture, and community on campus. These categories reflect things CollegePoint students are often looking for in schools. There is also a section featuring schools in various regions.
Why 'match' schools?
They're schools that have rigorous academics, excellent financial aid, wonderful research and study abroad opportunities, and exciting campus life. They are also well-respected in the professional world and have alumni networks that can help to launch careers after graduation. While these are a crucial part of a balanced list, students often struggle to find enough matches to ensure a strong list.
*Note: While our focus is heavily on match schools, we have included a few reach and likely schools that may be a great fit. Pay close attention to ACT/SAT score ranges and acceptance rates!
How did we choose these schools?
We highlight colleges that tend to be academic matches for CollegePoint students. (That said, match schools will look a little different from student to student, depending on test scores, GPA, essays, and extracurricular involvement. Ask for your coach's advice to build a balanced list of schools, specific to YOU.) The schools featured here have high graduation rates and a reputation for providing strong financial aid to their students. Schools were selected by coaches for each category.
What criteria are we looking at for each institute?
The main criteria to be on this page is have an acceptance rate between ~25-50% and meet at least 80% of demonstrated financial need. Beyond that, schools are sorted into the categories based on coaches' experience and knowledge of the school. The knowledge represented on this website represents the collective knowledge of 6 years of CollegePoint at College Possible coaches.