Creating Your College List

• Safety:  Your GPA, standardized test scores, and academic history are MORE COMPETITIVE than that of the school's average freshman student.

• Match:  Your GPA, standardized test scores, and academic history are COMPARABLE to the school's average freshman student.

• Reach:  ​​​​Your GPA, standardized test scores, and academic history are LESS COMPETITIVE than that of the school's average freshman student.

• Early Decision (ED): A binding plan. If accepted, a student must attend.

  • Students may only apply ED to one school, and if accepted will also have to withdraw applications to other schools.

• Early Action (EA): A nonbinding plan. Students receive an early response from the college but do not have to commit immediately.

Read more about decision plans.

• Know your GPA and standardized test scores.

• Know how you compare - how do your qualifications compare to the average incoming freshman student?

• Find colleges that offer your major of interest.

• Are you considering an impacted major (more applicants than availability)?

  • Will your qualifications still be considered competitive for that major?

  • Have you considered a major within the same school but with a different focus? (Ex: Child Development vs. General Psychology)

• Other factors to consider: class size/student population size, geographical location, counseling services, internship opportunities, academic enrichment opportunities, tuition/financial aid opportunities, extracurriculars, etc.

Most students will apply to 7-10 schools: 2-3 safety schools, 3-4 match schools, 2-3 reach schools.

Read more about preparing you college list.