How do I choose which colleges to apply to?

Hello! As a junior, I'm starting to think about where I want to apply for college, but there are so many options! How did you all decide which schools to apply to? Are there any factors I should consider when making my list? Thanks for any help, and thank you collegevine for being a great resource!

Hello! It's great that you're starting to think about your college list early. When my child was in your shoes, we considered several factors when creating their list of schools to apply to. First, think about the location and size of the school. Do you want to stay close to home or go far away? Would you prefer a small, intimate college or a large university? Next, consider the academic programs and majors offered. Make sure the schools you're interested in have strong programs in your field of study, or a good variety of options if you're undecided.

Another factor to consider is campus culture and social life. Visit college campuses if possible, or attend virtual tours and information sessions to get a sense of the community and whether you'd feel comfortable there. Financial considerations are important too. Look for schools with generous financial aid policies, or those offering merit-based scholarships if you're eligible.

Lastly, it's a good idea to have a mix of reach, target, and safety schools on your list. Reach schools are those where your chances of admission are lower, target schools are where you have a decent chance, and safety schools are those you're confident you'll get into. Don't forget to look for schools that are a good fit both academically and personally, and good luck with your search!