Building a Well-Rounded College List: A Guide for High School Students
The process of building a college list can be overwhelming for high school students. With thousands of colleges and universities in the United States, finding the right fit requires careful consideration and research. In this article, we will provide valuable guidance on how to build a well-rounded college list that aligns with your goals and aspirations.
Self-Reflection
Before diving into researching colleges, take the time to reflect on your interests, strengths, and aspirations.
Ask yourself the following questions:
What are your academic and career goals?
What majors or areas of study are you passionate about?
What type of campus environment and community would you thrive in?
Understanding your preferences and priorities will guide you in finding colleges that align with your needs.
Academic Fit
Consider the academic programs and resources offered by each college. Look for institutions that excel in your areas of interest. Factors to consider include:
Majors and minors offered: Ensure that the colleges on your list provide a variety of programs that align with your academic interests and goals. While colleges offer many majors, they might not offer a minor in an area you are interested in pursuing. In addition, browse the list of courses in your intended major and minor–if you are excited by what you will be learning, then it’s a good sign that the college is a good fit for you.
Faculty: Research the qualifications and expertise of professors in your intended field of study. Spend time on the academic department website to read about what faculty members are doing on campus, and check out what college students think about their professors.
Learning Resources: Explore the availability of faculty-led or self-directed research opportunities, internships on-campus and off-campus, cooperative education programs, and study abroad programs. Learning is not limited to the classroom, and you should consider what types of learning opportunities you want to take advantage of in college to reach your academic and career goals.
Size and Location
The size and location of a college can significantly impact your experience. Consider the following:
Campus size: Determine whether you prefer a small, intimate campus or a larger, bustling environment. Think about your learning style and whether you thrive in close-knit communities or enjoy the energy of a larger student body.
Location: Consider whether you prefer a college in an urban, suburban, or rural setting. Think about the proximity to home, climate, and access to cultural and recreational opportunities. Do you have particular hobbies and interests? What do you want to do and enjoy when you’re not studying?
Campus Culture and Student Life
Evaluate the campus culture and student life at each college on your list. Look for a community where you can thrive and engage in extracurricular activities that interest you. Consider:
Clubs and organizations: Explore the range of student clubs, organizations, and extracurricular activities available. Look for opportunities to pursue your passions and develop leadership skills.
Campus diversity: Consider the importance of diversity and inclusion to you. Research the demographics and initiatives in place to support a diverse student body.
Support services: Investigate the availability of academic support services, such as tutoring centers, career counseling, and mental health resources.
Reach, Match, and Safety Schools
To ensure a balanced college list, categorize your prospective colleges into reach, match, and safety schools:
Reach schools: These are highly competitive institutions where admission is a challenging endeavor. Apply to a few reach schools that match your aspirations, but keep in mind that acceptance may be more difficult.
Match schools: These schools align with your academic profile and have a reasonable chance of admission. They should be a good fit academically and socially.
Safety schools: These institutions have a higher likelihood of admission based on your academic achievements. However, remember to choose safety schools that you would genuinely be happy attending.
Number of Schools: While the number of schools may vary based on personal preference, a general guideline is to apply to 8 to 12 schools, including a few from each category. After all, the objective of applying to college is to get in, not to be denied. So make sure you have a well-balanced list of colleges.
Financial Considerations
College costs can significantly impact your decision. Research the financial aid options, scholarships, and grants available at each college. Consider:
Affordability: Evaluate the tuition, fees, and cost of living at each institution. Compare financial aid packages to determine the affordability of attending each college on your list. Discuss with your parents how your family will pay for college, and use the Net Price Calculator to get a sense of how much it costs to attend college each year.
Scholarships: Research the merit-based and need-based scholarships offered by the colleges. Explore external scholarship opportunities as well. There are several websites where you can search for scholarships for free (including The College Board, Bold.org, Fastweb, Go Merry, and Scholarship.com), but you should also look locally (for example, your high school, school district, city and county governments, religious and community organizations you’re a part of, and even your parents’ employers).
Scholarships are awarded to students for a particular reason, so think about who you are (for example, your race, ethnicity, religion, gender, academic interest, family background, and whether you are the first member of your family to go to college), what you’ve done (your grades and test scores, accomplishments, and achievements), and what you will do in the future (your intended major and career plans).
Final Thoughts
Building a well-rounded college list requires thoughtful consideration of your academic and personal preferences. Take the time to reflect on your goals, research academic programs, evaluate campus culture, and consider financial factors. Remember that your college list should include reach, match, and safety schools to increase your chances of finding the perfect fit. Good luck with your college search!
Elite Prep has helped thousands of students gain acceptance to top colleges and universities. Contact an Elite Prep branch office to speak with one of our experienced counselors about how we can help you get into your dream school.