#90 TRENDING IN Student Life 🔥

7 Tips to Build a Perfect College List All High School Seniors Need to Hear

Student Life

July 15, 2024

For a rising senior, the summer before your last year in high school is the most essential period in preparing for college applications. One of the first things that must be done, and usually most, is creating a list of colleges. This can sound overwhelming, mainly if you have no idea what type of school you would like to study at.

Not to worry! Here are some practical tips help make formulating your college list smooth and simple.

Image Credit: Roman G. from Pexels

Let us slide into your dms 🥰

Get notified of top trending articles like this one every week! (we won't spam you)

1. Consider Your Priorities

Spend a little time thinking about what matters to you before diving into the nitty-gritty of your college search. So, think about factors like:

Location: Do you want a school nearby, or are you in for a new adventure across cities or states? For instance, if you are used to living on the East Coast and feel like you need some change, you may look at schools on the West Coast for a different experience.

Size: Are you more comfortable in a smaller, cozier setting, or do you go wild in bigger settings? While some students do well in a large, busy environment like UCLA, others prefer the comfort of a close-knit community in a small liberal arts college like Amherst College, with a student body of less than 2,000 students.

Programs: What majors or special programs interest you? If it is engineering, then places like MIT and Caltech should be on your list due to their prestigious reputations in STEM programs.

Campus Culture: Is there a particular set of clubs, sports, or activities you wish to participate in? If you are into journalism, you may consider colleges with reputable student-run newspapers. And if you're into social events, consider looking into the Greek life at these schools.

Image Credit: Piacquadio from Pexels

Take the Quiz: What Type of Notes Should I Take?

Discover the best note-taking method for your learning style!

2. Research, Research, Research

Research colleges that align with your priorities. Look for various resources of information:

College Websites: An official website will provide valuable information about programs, campus life, and admission requirements. For an expansive view, you can explore detailed course catalogs, faculty bios, and student testimonials.

College Fairs: Both virtual and in-person events present an opportunity for students to ask questions and get a feel for various schools. Often, one gets personal contact with admission representatives to field specific questions.

Online Forums: Students pursuing studies can provide you with constructive insights in forums like Reddit and College Confidential. First-hand experiences, when read and discussed, can put forward views that you wouldn't come across on the institutionalized website.

College Rankings: These are beneficial as general guides, not to compel you in their entirety. You can begin your search at places like U.S. News & World Report and The Princeton Review, which have rankings to help you get started and then dive deeper beyond the surface of the numbers. As U.S. News & World Report says,

"...the rankings should be used as a tool for discovering the best fit schools; combined with personal considerations and additional resources."

3. Virtually or Physically See Campuses

If possible, visit the campuses of the schools in which you are interested. Nothing serves better than an in-person experience to learn about a college's environment and culture. Walking across the campus, attending a class, and chatting with current students can shape your perspective on a university.

Virtual Tours: If you cannot visit physically, most colleges have virtual tours and information sessions. These could be a fantastic way to get an idea about how a campus is set up, what facilities are available, and the general feel. Most virtual tours include 360-degree views of dorms, classrooms, and common areas, and some even include interviews with faculty and students.

Information Sessions: Attend information sessions either in person or virtually that many colleges provide. Normally, this consists of admission officer presentations with question periods about academics, student life, and the application process itself.

Open Houses: Many colleges and universities offer open houses, where students can sit in on mock classes, meet with professors, and check out the various resources available on campus. These events are informative and give a well-rounded idea of what it would be like to attend college.

Sacha Thieme, executive director of admissions at Indiana University, said:

"This doesn't mean you have to attend that school, but you will start to learn what you like. Use this experience and information to begin to craft better questions and broaden your research."

Image Credit: Pak from Pexels

4. Your List Should Balance

In its list, there needs to be a mix of schools that balance the chances of getting admitted into at least one. A balance should aim for:

Safety Schools: If a student's academic credentials are considered way above the average entering freshman, count that as one of your safety schools.

Target Schools: These colleges represent those institutions where your academic credentials closely align with the school's average admitted student. These are schools where, based upon your academic profile, you have a good shot at getting in.

Reach Schools: These are schools where your academic credentials put you below their average admitted student. These are your dream schools where admission may be less accessible but possible.

A balanced list maximizes your chance of admission and offers you ranges upon selection, which means not only just applying to reach schools. Best said by the college admissions expert Jeff Selingo,

"As families put together their college lists, it seems they have "reaches" and "safeties," but they're almost skipping over target schools in their quest for merit."

5. Factor in the Cost

The financial reality of attending college is critical. Herein, consider:

Tuition Costs: Consider the total cost of attending college beyond tuition. This includes fees, room and board, books, and personal expenses. Websites like College Board's Net Price Calculator will help estimate how much it really costs to attend each school.

Financial Aid: Consider various types of aid, such as scholarships, grants, and loans. One may begin at the Federal Student Aid website to get information about the different types of aid and how to apply for each one.

Return on investment: Keep in mind the ROI, which helps you understand the most likely quantity in terms of graduate wages from your area of interest through listings. You can get such data from PayScale and the U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard to evaluate some financial benefits attached to attending certain schools.

Image Credit: Studio from Pexels

6. Seek Advice from Trusted Sources

Do not hesitate to ask for advice from your teachers, counselors, family members, or friends who have gone through the process. Remember - you don't have to go through this alone!

Teachers and Counselors: They will guide you through the application process, recommend schools according to your academic profile, and write recommendation letters.

Family Members and Friends: They can also share their past experiences, offer emotional support, and help you in decision-making. This will present a realistic view of what to expect if you discuss with siblings or friends currently in college.

Admissions Officers: Do not feel afraid to call admissions officers at the schools that interest you. They can provide specific details about admission, financial aid processes, and general college life.

Image Credit: Studio from Pexels

7. Keeping Organized

Keep track of all the research and application deadlines using spreadsheets, planners, or apps. The better organized you are, the greater the control over these many moving parts of the college application process will be.

Tool Suggestion: Apps like Trello or Google Sheets may be good for keeping your college list and dates straight. Such tools will help one keep on track with the deadlines and follow progress, ensuring not to miss any of the steps.

Conclusion

Making a college list doesn't have to be overwhelming. Reflective considerations of priorities, deep research, campus visits, list balancing, financial considerations, advice, and keeping yourself organized are part of formulating a college list that suits your goals and aspirations. Remember, a good college is available for every student; it only needs commitment!

Emmanuella Umoh
10k+ pageviews

Writer since Jul, 2024 · 7 published articles

Emmanuella Umoh is a rising high school senior from Maryland with a strong interest in civic engagement and public policy. She inspire to make a positive impact in her community. Emmanuella's interest include making bracelets, reading manga, and watching the YouTuber ‘AugustDuck’.

Want to submit your own writing? Apply to be a writer for The Teen Magazine here!
Comment