Before you start applying to colleges, you need to determine which ones you will fill out an application for. Creating a balanced list is essential so that you maximize your odds of getting into the best school possible. Let’s consider a few key elements to preparing a balanced list of colleges.
- Do your due diligence – You need to do research in order to get a good list together to start. Yes, you can add some schools you are interested in based on reputation alone, but you also need schools that fit your major as well as schools that fit your budget.
- Narrow the list to schools that are the best fit for you – This includes things like location, the best academic program in your chosen field, and schools with a good track record of producing graduates who get jobs in a sector you are interested in.
- Visit the schools – Keep in mind, some of the visits may need to be virtual, depending on state regulations and school rules during the ongoing pandemic.
- Balance the list – Make sure about a third of the schools are in your target range. Have another third be safety schools. They should still meet your other criteria but be a little easier to get into. Finally, a third can be “reach” schools that you really would like to get into but will have to write the best essay of your life to pull it off.
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Contact College Planning Source today at 858-676-0700, or you can request your assessment online. And don’t forget to check our upcoming webinars to see when our next College Exploration session is being held.
