Once you have spent time
exploring colleges,
visiting, possibly
interviewing, and completing a thorough
self-assessment, it is time to narrow your list to the schools where you want to apply. There is no magic number of colleges to which you should apply, but many counselors and the College Access Center staff recommend between
four and six.
Use the College Comparison Worksheet to help organize your thoughts.
Selectivity
Your list should include colleges with varying levels of selectivity. In other words, include predictable (safe), target, and reach schools on your list. Even if you plan to apply early decision to one school, you still need a college list in case the early decision school doesnÕt work out. There are no guarantees in this process. For selective colleges, every year is different based on the size of the applicant pool, size of desired entering class, needs of the college or university, etc.
A predictable school is one from which you can pretty much count on admission based on the college's profile. The school admits students with lower grade averages in less rigorous programs and lower standardized scores. If all else is positive, such as recommendation letters, completing the application by the deadline, and a record with no major honor code or disciplinary infractions, then a predictable school is just that, predictable. Make sure that you have one or two predictable schools on your list that you really like in the event that it is one of your only options come spring.
The profile of a target school should be similar to your profile as well as your personal preferences. When examining the profile for admitted students at schools, take into consideration course load as well as GPA, test scores, and extracurricular activities and leadership. You should have several target schools on your list.
Reach schools are generally the most selective as well as the most unpredictable schools on your list. The profile for a reach school will be higher than your profile or accept such a small percentage of applicants that it is really impossible to know if you will be admitted or not. You may have one or two reach schools on your list, but that depends on the level of challenge you wish to pursue.
REMEMBER: The level of selectivity of a college is not an indication of the quality of education! There are many wonderful colleges that do not have highly selective admission policies. Additionally, a college that is a target choice for some students may be a predictable college for another student. Your choice of a college should be based on your level of comfort with academics as well as other factors.
