How to Create Your List of Target Colleges

With over 4,360 higher education institutions in the U.S alone, creating the perfect list of colleges to apply to can seem like a daunting task. While brainstorming your goals and values, researching schools, talking to alumni, and preparing your applications, it's important to keep a few factors in mind:

Academics 

Does the school offer the major you're interested in? Do they have a strong reputation in your desired field of study? Take some time to review the course catalogs and speak with current students or professors to get a better sense of the academic rigor at the school.

Also, research the average GPA and SAT/ACT score for college students who are admitted to your target. This will give you a better understanding of what numbers you should aim for, how your profile will compare to your competition, and whether your target is considered a safety, match, or reach school. 

Size

Do you enjoy the hustle and bustle of a larger campus? Or do you thrive in intimate environments? Smaller schools often offer smaller class sizes, which presents a greater opportunity for getting to know your classmates and professors. For example, at Brown, almost 70% of undergraduate classes have fewer than 20 students. On the other hand, at NYU, all classes vary from 45 to 100 students. It's important to determine what size school will be the most conducive to your learning style. 

Culture and Atmosphere 

Every college has a distinct personality, which is shaped by a variety of factors such as history, student body, and traditions. Do you want to attend a school known for being highly competitive and rigorous like Harvard? Or more laid-back and collaborative like Northwestern? Do you want to be surrounded by students who are politically active, like at UC Berkeley? Or students who are passionate about athletics, like at Duke? Research the school's values and priorities to determine whether they align with your own.

Location

Consider how far away from home you are willing to move. Also, ask yourself if you are looking for a more urban or rural environment. Beach or Mountain? Sunny or Snowy? Cornell University gets an average of 63 inches of snowfall per year, while UCLA gets 275 days of sunshine per year! All of these factors will impact your college experience, so choose a location that aligns with your preferences. 

Career Development Opportunities

Most colleges have robust career centers that offer a range of services, such as resume building, job search assistance, and interview preparation. Does the school offer co-op programs specific to your industry? Do they offer credits for internships? Do they have a strong alumni network? Note that a college with a large and active alumni network can provide a sense of community and support for students long after they graduate. Make sure you’re searching for schools providing resources that will propel you towards your career goals. 

Financial Aid

In most cases, out-of-state college students pay higher tuition fees than in-state college students. Does the school provide enough aid to make attending affordable for you and your family? Look into the scholarships, grants, and loans available to students to determine the financial feasibility of attending the school.

While it's important to keep these factors in mind, it's equally important to keep an open mind. Sometimes, students find themselves pleasantly surprised by a school that didn't seem like the right fit at first glance. 

Once you've researched the colleges, it’s time to refine your list and organize the schools into three categories: safeties, matches, and reaches (based on the school’s selectivity and your academic credentials). Although there is no magic number for the number of applications you should submit, College Board notes that “five to eight applications are usually enough to ensure that a student is accepted into a suitable institution.” 

If you have been accepted into two programs and can’t decide which to attend, trust your gut! Often, students will have a feeling of excitement or a sense of belonging when they visit a college that is the right fit for them. You know yourself better than anyone else, and your instincts will lead you to a college where you will thrive.