Rather than applying to dozens of colleges, choose 12 at most. Here are some things to keep in mind when narrowing your list of colleges:
Acceptance Rate
If you’ve had your heart set on a college for years, you should give it your best shot, even if it seems like a stretch. College acceptance is a game of chance, and you’ll likely receive at least one acceptance or rejection that’s a complete surprise. To prepare for the worst, choose two or three safety colleges. If you’re not sure which colleges qualify are good safety choices, rankings and statistics should give you an idea. Be sure to check their Cappex profile to get all the info you need.
Tuition and Financial Aid
With tuition prices rising, the cost of education likely will be a factor in deciding where you should apply. Make sure every college on your list isn’t an expensive private college. Although many private universities offer generous scholarships and financial aid, these are rarely a guarantee. Add public, in-state colleges to your list, as tuition is likely to be lower. It’s important to vary the cost of colleges on your list.
Campus Preferences
Every college has something unique to offer, and whether or not you feel comfortable on campus will make or break your four years. If you’re applying to a college solely because of its reputation or convenience, consider removing it from your list. Instead, focus on collges where you can see yourself thriving academically and socially.
Doing research, talking to current students and visiting campuses will help you determine which colleges meet your expectations.