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Build Your College List the Smart Way


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Your college list should reflect your goals, values, and financial needs. A well-balanced list can ease your senior year and improve outcomes.


šŸ“ˆ Start with Your Priorities


Do you want a large campus? Close to home? A specific major or a certain campus vibe? Write out your must-haves and deal breakers. Think about your ideal learning environment, extracurricular needs, and support systems too.


šŸ« Visit (or Tour Virtually!)


Campus visitsā€”whether in-person or virtualā€”are eye-opening. Use YouTube, CampusReel, or the schoolā€™s official site to watch tours and hear student testimonials. During live visits, talk to current students, sit in on a class, and eat in the dining hall if you can!


šŸ’³ Consider Financial Fit


Donā€™t just look at sticker prices. Research schools with strong financial aid programs, scholarship opportunities, and work-study options. Use Net Price Calculators on college websites to estimate your actual costs. Consider adding a few schools known for generous merit aidā€”even if they seem out of reach.


šŸ“… Balance Your List


Make sure your list includes a healthy mix of:

  • Reach Schools: More competitiveā€”test scores and GPA are at the top of their range.

  • Match Schools: Your academic profile aligns well with admitted students.

  • Safety Schools: You meet or exceed their average admissions criteria.


A solid mix increases your chances of getting great offers and reduces stress during application season.


šŸ“ Pro Tip:


Don't build your list in a vacuum. Talk to your school counselor, mentors, and family. Their input can help you catch things you may have overlookedā€”like campus culture, distance from home, or alumni networks.


šŸ‘‰ Next Up: Blog 9 ā€” Improve Your SAT/ACT Scores This SummerĀ Test scores still matter. Learn how to prep over the summer with effective strategies, free resources, and stress-free routines to boost your scores without burning out.




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