Tips for Selecting a University

The college search doesn't have to begin and end with the Ivy schools and name-brand schools. There are many schools to choose from— some known and some less known, all worthy of your attention.  Remember that your college list should include anywhere between 5-10 schools. If you get free/reduced lunch, you will qualify for fee waivers. (3 UC waivers, 3 CSU waivers, 3 Common App schools). Otherwise, note that the fee tends to be anywhere between $60-95$. If you want to find schools that fit your needs, click here for a great tool!

Colleges on your list should be categorized in these areas:

Safety Schools: Schools where you meet the requirements and have an extremely high chance of getting in (roughly 60%). CSULB is one of the schools we place as a safety due to proximity. They utilize a formula. See your counselor for more info.

Reach Schools: These are schools were you meet the requirements but there is a ton of applicants and the pool may be competitive but you meet the average GPA, SAT/ACT scores. These are schools that you could say you have a 30-60% chance of getting in. (For example, liberal arts schools, UC Merced, UC Riverside).

Dream Schools: These are schools were you not only meet the requirements but  are above and beyond. Typically these type of schools receive a ton of applicants and the school is highly selective. (For example, Ivy leagues, UCLA, UC Berkeley).

YOU SHOULD HAVE AT LEAST ONE IN EACH CATEGORY. DO NOT SELL YOURSELF SHORT. DON'T HAVE TOO MANY SAFETY'S OR TOO MANY DREAMS. A GOOD BALANCE IS ABOUT 2-3 EACH, DEPENDING ON YOUR FINANCES, ETC.

​Below is some advice for trying to find the school that works for you.

1. Start with who you are and why you are going.

Are you self-sufficient or do you need warm, familial support? Need to be close to home, live at home, or perhaps far away from home but close enough to come home over a weekend. Maybe you are ready to venture out and want to leave the state. Talk with your family, friends and high-school counselor as you ask these questions. The people who know you best can help you the most with these important points.

2. Consider size.

Most good liberal arts colleges have a population of fewer than 4,000 for a reason; college is a time to explore, and a smaller community is more conducive to internal exploration. It is not the number of people, but the people themselves and the kind of community in which you will learn that really matters. Many large universities have established “honors colleges” within the larger university for these same reasons. But perhaps you are seeking a larger school, that is okay! Find what fits you and your personality best. :)

3. You don’t need to pick a major to pick a college.

Very few high-school students have enough information or experience to choose a major. Most college students change their minds two or three times before they choose a major, and they can still graduate in four years! Being undecided gives you a chance to explore. For exploration of majors, consider volunteering or If you are not sure, don't feel pressured.

4. You can afford to go to college.

If you make the assumption that you cannot afford college based on the “sticker price” of tuition, you will miss out. It is difficult to talk about money, but if you investigate all the options and ask for help and advice, you will find affordable choices. Online resources, as well as financial aid workshops sponsored by high schools, are widely available to get you started. College and university financial aid Web sites offer useful information and links as well. Investigate early and ask for help.

5. Ensure this is a good fit for you

Choosing a college because your friends are going there or because of rank on a national college list does not take into account who you are and who you will become. College is a match to be made, not a prize to be won. Finding a good fit requires time and thoughtfulness.

It will be great help if you visit the college website, attend to guest speaker presentations at your school or simply find the admissions officer assigned to your area. Send them an e-mail to ask questions, let them get familiar with you (for private schools, they are more likely going to be in charge of reviewing your application).