To help students build smart, strategic college lists, we’ve pulled together four essential tips grounded in the realities of today’s admissions landscape:

1. Understand the Real Odds at Public Universities

Public universities often look like smart, affordable choices—but for out-of-state students, they can be some of the hardest schools to get into.

In recent cycles, highly ranked flagships like UNC Chapel Hill, the University of Michigan, and UT Austin have admitted fewer than 15% of out-of-state applicants, even those with top test scores and GPAs. Why? State-mandated enrollment caps, skyrocketing application numbers, and financial pressures have dramatically narrowed the path for non-resident students.

On top of that, many of these schools practice aggressive yield protection and strategic deferrals. Michigan, for example, defers around 85% of Early Action applicants—most of them out-of-state. UT Austin admits 75% of its class through automatic admission for Texas residents, leaving a very limited number of seats open.

So while these schools may feel like great “target” options on paper, the reality is they often function more like reaches for non-resident students. For families applying from out of state, a strategic approach is essential. That includes identifying truly attainable options and being honest about the odds—even at public schools.

2. For Every Reach School, Visit Two “Possible” Options

Dream big—but don’t dream alone.

If you’re visiting or researching a reach school, make it a point to also visit at least two schools in your “possible” or “match” category. The goal here isn’t just to round out your list—it’s to get genuinely excited about schools where admission is more likely.

We’ve seen it again and again: students fall in love with their reach schools but treat their matches like fallback plans. That mindset leads to burnout and disappointment. But when students invest time researching and visiting match and possible schools, they often discover communities, programs, and opportunities they hadn’t considered—and end up just as excited to attend.

3. Be Strategic—and Creative—About Majors

Sometimes, it’s not just about the college—it’s about how you apply to it.

Let’s say UT Austin is your dream school and you want to major in business. Here’s what you need to know: McCombs is one of the most competitive majors in Texas, and most of the seats go to students who qualify for automatic admission. That leaves very few spots for others—and the competition is fierce.

But that doesn’t mean you should walk away from UT. Instead, consider applying under a related major—like Economics or Government—and pairing it with UT’s Business Foundations certificate. You’ll still gain business-related skills and experiences, just through a different path. This strategy isn’t unique to UT: many universities allow you to chart an alternate course through a combination of majors, minors, and certificate programs that lead to similar outcomes.

Your success in business—or any other field—won’t hinge on one major. It will come from the internships you pursue, the mentors you meet, and the network you build. So be open and strategic as you map your route.

4. Don’t Sleep on Liberal Arts Colleges and Honors Programs

If you’re looking for intellectual challenge, mentorship, and community—you don’t need an Ivy League acceptance to find it.

In fact, many less selective colleges offer standout honors programs that give you access to top professors, small classes, and motivated peers. These programs often come with special perks like priority registration, exclusive housing, research opportunities, and merit aid. Schools like Arizona State (Barrett Honors), the University of South Carolina, and UT Dallas have created honors colleges that feel like private liberal arts schools nestled within larger universities.

And if graduate school is on your horizon, consider a liberal arts college. These smaller schools often provide the kind of close faculty relationships and hands-on academic opportunities that lead to strong letters of recommendation and valuable research experience. That’s why so many students headed to top-tier graduate programs—Harvard Law, Stanford Med, and beyond—hail from colleges like Grinnell, Rhodes, and Whitman.