Choosing colleges to apply to?

I'm feeling overwhelmed about deciding which colleges to apply to. Are there any guidelines or tools that can help me narrow down my choices? Any advice is appreciated!

I understand that choosing colleges can be a daunting task, but there are definitely ways to make the process less overwhelming. It's great to have a mix of reach, target, and safety schools on your list. Reach schools are those where your academic profile may be below the average accepted student, target schools are those where you're in the school's middle 50% range, and safety schools are those with a high likelihood of acceptance based on your academic profile. Beyond that, think about factors like location, size, available majors, campus atmosphere, and financial aid policies.

Making a list of your preferences in each of these categories can help you identify what's important to you and eliminate schools that don't match your criteria. Using online search tools can also be helpful in narrowing down your choices based on these factors. CollegeVine, for example, offers a free school list builder that uses your preferences and specific academic profile to suggest schools that might be a good fit. College websites, virtual tours, and information sessions can provide deeper insights into the schools on your list.

Additionally, don't hesitate to consult with teachers, friends, family, or an admissions counselor like myself for advice. People who know you well might be able to suggest schools that align with your personality and goals. Good luck in your college search!