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Your chance of acceptance
Duke University
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UCLA
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Your chancing factors
Unweighted GPA: 3.7
1.0
4.0
SAT: 720 math
200
800
| 800 verbal
200
800

Extracurriculars

Low accuracy (4 of 18 factors)

Creating a College List

Hi fellow juniors! I'm starting to create my college list, but I'm not sure where to begin. Can anyone share their experiences on how to make a well-rounded list of colleges to apply to?

a year ago

Hi! Building a college list can be both exciting and overwhelming, but with a bit of organization and research, you'll have a well-rounded list in no time. Here's a rough guideline on how to create your college list:

1. Reflect on your preferences: Think about the factors that are most important to you in your college experience. This may include location, campus size, academic programs, extracurricular activities, financial aid, sports, and social atmospheres. Make a list of your priorities so you can keep them in mind while researching schools.

2. Divide your list into three categories: Safeties, matches, and reaches. Safeties are schools where your academic profile (GPA, test scores, etc.) is significantly above the typical admitted student, and where you'd be happy to attend. Matches are schools where your academic profile falls within the range of admitted students, and you feel you'd be a good fit. Reaches are highly competitive schools where your academic profile might be below the range of admitted students, but you're willing to take a chance.

3. Research colleges: Start by exploring college rankings and campus websites to learn about the offerings of different schools. You can refine your search by using college search engines and tools available on sites like CollegeVine and College Board. Attend virtual or in-person college fairs and information sessions to get a feel for the campus culture and ask questions.

4. Create your initial list: Aim for a balanced list of colleges. A good rule of thumb would be to have at least two safeties, four matches, and two reaches, but you can adjust according to your preferences. You want to ensure that you're applying to a range of schools to maximize your chances of getting into at least one.

5. Visit campuses (if possible): If you have the opportunity to visit campuses, this is a great way to get a feel for the campus environment and see if it's the right fit for you. It's essential to picture yourself at each college on your list, and visiting campuses can help with that. Some schools may also offer virtual campus tours or information sessions that you can attend from home.

6. Revise and refine your list: Based on your research and campus visits, you may want to adjust your list. Make sure all the schools on your list meet your priority criteria and that you're genuinely interested in attending each one. Don't forget to consider application fees and the number of applications you can manage.

Remember to give yourself plenty of time to research schools and compile your list. It's essential to apply to colleges that are a good fit for you academically, socially, and financially. Good luck with your college search!

a year ago

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CollegeVine’s Q&A seeks to offer informed perspectives on commonly asked admissions questions. Every answer is refined and validated by our team of admissions experts to ensure it resonates with trusted knowledge in the field.