Narrow Your Search

The following is a list of factors to consider when choosing a college/university: 

• Program of study

• School size

• Class size

• Support programs

• City and neighborhood

• Campus culture

• Distance from home

• Extracurricular activities

• Religious affiliation

• Cost of attendance

• Financial aid options

• Outside learning options/Study abroad opportunities

After considering factors that are important to you, it is now time to decide where you plan to apply. Your selections should include the following:

• A "safety school" or a college that you feel sure will accept you and which you would attend if others are not an option. 

• One or two "mid range" colleges, or schools that you would be happy to attend and fit comfortably within their selection criteria.

• A "reach school" or school that you do not fit into their selection criteria - you never know, you just might be accepted! 

Colleges are not necessarily looking for the "well-rounded" student, but they are looking to make a well-rounded class. While this does mean that they are likely to accept a student with a 4.2 GPA, high test scores, and school and community involvement; this also means that the same school may accept a student with a 3.5 GPA who has created his/her own volunteer organization to raise money for a group in need, or someone who has a uniquely trained skill that has taken years of dedication to master. What they need to compile this well-rounded class will change from year to year, so don't compare your resume to a friend's resume that applied in a previous year.

NOTE: Do not choose not to apply to a school solely based on the cost of attendance. Many private schools can offer rates comparable to in-state tuition depending on your academic record. If you are interested in a school, apply, and wait for the award letter before making a final decision. Be sure to have a back-up financial plan in case you first choice school is not able to give you a financial aid package that best suits your needs.