Preparing For College: Making Your College List
Let’s be real: building your college list can feel like trying to choose a Netflix show with 5,000 options, except this decision might determine the next four years of your life. (No pressure, right?) But, don’t worry; we're here to help you turn that stress into strategy. Whether you’ve dreamed of one school since kindergarten or you’re still figuring out what you want for lunch today, this guide will help you create a solid college list that fits you!
Step 1: Know Thyself (Cue Deep Thinking Music)
Before you Google "best colleges for literally anything," take a minute to figure out what you’re actually looking for. Ask yourself:
Do I want a big school with football games and tailgates or a smaller campus with tight-knit vibes? Things like school size, sports and campus culture matter!
Do I want to stay close to home, go far away or move to the moon? Okay, maybe not the moon, but you get it. Location is important; it’s where you’ll be for the next four years.
Do I learn best in lecture halls or discussion-based classes? Knowing the average class size or teaching modality is key to figuring out if you could see yourself being successful there.
What do I think I want to study? Knowing what major you’ll be applying to is a big deal. If a school doesn’t offer the particular program you’re interested in, then it’s safe to say that it should be taken off your list. It's also okay if you’re still deciding! See if a school has an undecided option or what it’s like to switch majors at that school.
Knowing your priorities helps you find schools where you'll thrive, not just survive.
Step 2: Build a Balanced List (Like a Good Snack Plate)
Aim for a mix of reach, target and safety schools. Think of it like this:
Reach Schools = The “Wow, I might get in and that would be amazing” schools.
Target Schools = Your academic stats are right in line with their admitted students.
Safety Schools = You’re confident you’ll get in and you'd actually be happy to go there.
A good overall target? Around 6–10 schools total:
2–3 reach | 3–4 target| 1–2 safety
Step 3: Research, But Make It Fun
You’re not writing a research paper here; this is your future. Make it exciting!
Follow schools on TikTok, Instagram or YouTube: You’ll get a feel for campus life and culture.
Take virtual or in-person tours: Nothing beats seeing the vibe for yourself. We have a separate blog about how to plan college visits that you should totally check out!
Check out student reviews. Just remember: every school has pros and cons.
Look into clubs, sports, traditions or quirky things: Does the campus have a squirrel-watching club? Important info.
Step 4: Don’t Ghost the Financial Part
Yeah, talking about money might not be fun, but it is important.
Use each college’s Net Price Calculator to estimate how much it might actually cost your family.
Research scholarships and financial aid deadlines; they’re different at every school!
Talk with your family early about what’s realistic, so there are no surprises in the spring.
Step 5: Make a Spreadsheet (Or Don’t, But Definitely Get Organized)
Keep track of things like:
Application deadlines (Early Action? Regular Decision?)
Required materials (essays, test scores, letters of rec)
Costs, aid, scholarships
Notes about what you liked/disliked
Whether you’re a spreadsheet master or a sticky-note kind of person, stay organized. Future you will thank you.
Bonus Tips to Keep Your Sanity Intact
Apply to colleges you’d actually attend. Don’t waste your time (or money) on schools you’re not interested in.
Trust your gut. Rankings are cool and all, but they don’t know you like you do.
Don’t compare your list to your friends'. Your college journey is yours. And it’s going to be awesome!
Written By: Jessie Beeman, Assistant Director, Office of Undergraduate Admission