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! USC has about 21,000 undergraduate students enrolled, 23 D1 sports, and over a thousand student organizations that all add to our campus culture.
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. LA is the second largest city in the country which provides unlimited opportunities to our students. It has one of the strongest economies in the country and also has many strong industries. This allows students access to professional experiences like internships, job shadowing and finding mentors in the fields they are studying. And don’t even get me started on the amazing weather year-round... Seriously though, have you seen our campus? If not, plan a visit!
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. USC’s average class size is about 25, with the student-to-faculty ratio being 9 to 1. If a class is over 100 students, they are required to have a separate discussion-based class with a smaller number of students.
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. USC has over 150 majors and 250 minors! Check them out to see if any fit what you’re looking for.
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 social media: You’ll get a feel for campus life and culture. You can follow USC on Instagram, Threads, YouTube, X, or Facebook (if the kids are still using it these days...) Also make sure to subscribe to our blog (yes, THIS blog) to keep up with the latest and learn more about USC from our students.
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 Rubik’s cube club? Important info. (Psst, USC does!)
Step 4: Don’t Ghost the Financial Part
Yeah, talking about money might not be fun, but it is important.
Do some calculations to estimate how much it might actually cost your family. USC has a nifty Net Price Calculator tool to help you with that!
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!
At the end of the day, your list is your list. You know you best! This should be an exciting time, so look forward to imagining where you’ll spend the next 4 years of your life. Hopefully, now you’ve added USC to your college list! Fight on, future Trojans!
Written By: Jessie Beeman, Assistant Director, Office of Undergraduate Admission