Where to Apply?

To which colleges should you apply?

1.Colleges that your family can comfortably afford. Make sure to use Net Price Calculators and research all merit and scholarship opportunities before applying.

2.Colleges that offer most, if not all, of your academic and extracurricular interests.

3.Colleges that are likely to admit you.

4.Colleges that are responsive during the recruitment process.

5.Colleges that just “feel right” when you visit.

6.Colleges that are located in an area that appeals to you.

7.Colleges with strong career services, advising, and internship opportunities.

8.Colleges with a campus culture where you truly feel like you belong.

9.Colleges that provide flexibility to explore different majors if you are undecided.

Where should you think twice before applying?

1.Colleges that all your friends are going to (especially colleges that your boyfriend/girlfriend is going to)

2.Colleges that are highly ranked and highly selective—you're just wondering if you can be admitted. Then, if you are, can you deal with the stress? Can your parents afford the cost?

3.More than 5 or 6 colleges (“fit, fit, fit”…not “reach, match, safety”)

4.Colleges that you have never visited but are attractive because of their rankings

5.Colleges that do not offer programs that cover most of your interests

6.Colleges located in a climate or geographic environment you cannot comfortably adapt to

Caution:

Just because you can add 20 colleges to the Common App doesn’t mean that you should. During your senior year, your time is limited. Do you really have time to read/reply to 15 X 20 emails, 8 x 20 letters/brochures, 5 x 20 text messages, and 2 x 20 phone calls? Those are just per-college averages. Some colleges overwhelm you with even more.

Apply to colleges to which you have a sincere interest after actually visiting their campus. If you cannot visit, do virtual visits and Zoom conversations with admissions, faculty, and student ambassadors.

Pay little attention to the opinions of neighbors and friends. This is YOUR life, not theirs.