Tips on Building a Balanced College List

Choosing a list of schools during the college application process can feel overwhelming. With over 4,000 universities in the United States, it can be difficult to determine what schools are the right fit for you. The good news? You don’t have to apply to all of them. A strong and balanced college list can help you focus on schools where you will thrive academically and socially.

Here’s a guide to building that list for you.

1.     Aim for 8 – 12 Schools

When it comes to building your application list, more is not always better. A strong college list usually consists of between 8-12 schools. Less than eight schools might not provide enough variety or give you the best opportunities to branch out. More than 12 schools and it can become difficult to stay on top of deadlines, essays, and fees.

Think of your list as a balance between quantity and quality. Start with a broad list of 20 – 25 schools that pique your interest then narrow it down slowly from that point.

2.     Understand the Categories: Reach, Match and Safety

A balanced list usually includes:

Reach Schools (2 – 3): These are schools with highly competitive stats. Maybe you are at the lower end of their accepted range or just below. Admission is possible, but not guaranteed, even for top students.

Target Schools (3 – 5): These are schools where your academic stats match closely with their admitted students. These are realistic targets for you when paired with a strong application.

Safety Schools (2 – 3): These are schools where your academic stats are above the typical admitted students’. You are highly likely to be accepted by these schools, and ideally they are ones you would be happy to attend!

It is important to have range in the schools you plan to apply to. This maximizes your chances of receiving good news when admissions letters start rolling in!

3.     Look Beyond Rankings

Of course, it matters to match your dream school with your academic goals. Do they have the major you’re interested in? What is their standout department?

But it also matters that you thrive at the school outside of academics. Some other things to consider when building your college list are:

·         Do you prefer a large university with lots of options, or a smaller school with a more tight-knit community?

·         Do you prefer living in a big city, a small college town, or somewhere rural?

·         Are there any non-negotiables for you? Majors, clubs, campus features?

·         Do you learn best in lecture halls, smaller classrooms, or hands on labs?

Remember that there are many outside factors that go into creating the college experience. While its impossible to balance everything, these small questions can make it easier for you to decide what will make you happy.

4.     Consider How Finances Will Impact Your Decision

College is a huge investment, and while your education is extremely important it is also important to be realistic about what you and your family can financially handle. Some things to consider when thinking about where to apply:

·         Public universities may offer lower tuition, especially for in-state students.

·         Private colleges may be more expensive at first glance but offer more generous financial assistance.

·         Scholarship opportunities can make schools that would be out of reach more affordable.

Universities often have a net price calculator. Use this tool to make more informed decisions about your college list.

5.     Revisit and Revise Your List

As you create this list, it is okay to explore and swap out schools as you see fit. The goal is to have a list of schools curated to you and your interests. It is bound to change as you do more research and think about what it is you’re looking for.

Ask yourself: If I only got into one school from each category (safety, target, reach) would I feel happy choosing between them?

6.     Use our College Tracker Worksheet to Organize Your List

After building your list, using a college tracker worksheet is important to stay organized on all your requirements. Our worksheet is here to help you manage:

·         Deadlines

·         Essay Requirements

·         Test Score Policies

·         Application Type

·         College Specific Notes

Staying organized is key to making the process less stressful!

A balanced college list is meant to give yourself a range of choices and peace of mind. By mixing reach, target, and safety schools, all with academic and cultural aspects you like, you’re setting yourself up for success no matter where you land.

Remember, this is your journey! Your list is unique to you and doesn’t need to reflect anyone else’s. This is your chance to think about your goals, strengths, and future.