As senior year approaches, it's crucial for rising high school seniors to finalize their college lists before classes resume. This comprehensive guide walks parents and students through the process of creating a balanced list, typically including 8-10 schools across "reach," "target," and "likely" categories. The guide emphasizes six essential factors to consider: affordability, academic reputation, program offerings, campus culture, support services, and career prospects. It provides a step-by-step approach to building the list, from initial self-reflection to campus visits and detailed note-taking. Parents are encouraged to offer support, guidance, and a realistic perspective throughout the process, while allowing students to take the lead in their college search. By following this guide, families can transform the college research process into a rewarding growth experience, potentially discovering exciting new options that are a great fit for the student.

“Applying for college today is a whole different beast than it was when I was in school. It not only requires discipline but also real, school-by-school intelligence. College MatchPoint put us in a position to ride alongside our student and enjoy the process rather than having to be a grouchy project manager. It's the best money you will spend towards sending your kids to college - full stop.”

— JASON SUGAWA

If you and your student need help navigating the next 10 months, check out the Comprehensive College Counseling program that Jason choose for his teenager.

Academic Programs and Career Paths

If you have a specific major or career in mind, thoroughly investigate the relevant programs at each school:

   - Review the curriculum and course offerings

   - Look into internship opportunities and career placement rates

   - Research faculty expertise and accomplishments in your field of interest

   - Investigate undergraduate research opportunities

   - Explore study abroad options related to your major

   - Contact the career center at each school to discuss:

     - Job placement rates for your intended major

     - Internship opportunities in your field

     - Career counseling and guidance services

     - Alumni networks and mentorship programs

   - If possible, arrange informational interviews with current students or recent graduates in your intended major

Parent Tip: Encourage your student to think beyond just the major to the career paths it might lead to. Help them connect with professionals in fields of interest to gain real-world insights.

Campus Culture and Environment

Finding the right "fit" is crucial for your college experience. The campus culture and environment will significantly impact your daily life, social interactions, and overall satisfaction. Consider the following factors:

- Location preferences: 

  - Urban, suburban, or rural setting

  - Climate and weather conditions

  - Proximity to home and transportation options

  - Local attractions and off-campus activities

- Student body characteristics:

  - Size of the student population

  - Demographic breakdown and diversity

  - International student representation

  - Political and social leanings of the student body

- Campus safety and community:

  - Crime statistics on and around campus

  - Security measures and emergency response systems

  - Relationship between the college and local community

- Extracurricular opportunities:

  - Variety and number of student organizations

  - Sports teams and athletic facilities

  - Arts and cultural programs

  - Volunteer and community service options

- Diversity and inclusion:

  - Representation in student body and faculty

  - Programs and initiatives supporting diversity

  - Cultural centers and affinity groups

- Housing and dining:

  - Types of dormitories and living arrangements

  - Availability of on-campus housing for all four years

  - Off-campus housing options

  - Meal plan options and dietary accommodations

  - Quality and variety of dining facilities

- School values and traditions:

  - Mission statement and guiding principles

  - Unique campus traditions and events

  - Religious affiliation (if any) and its impact on campus life

  - Environmental initiatives and sustainability practices

- Social scene:

  - Greek life presence and influence

  - Weekend activities and nightlife options

  - School spirit and sports culture

  - Opportunities for networking and making connections

Parent Tip: If possible, accompany your student on campus visits and encourage them to immerse themselves in the environment. Observe how they interact with current students and react to the campus atmosphere. After the visit, have an open discussion about their impressions, both positive and negative. Remember that the overwhelming majority of students prefer a diverse student body and prioritize schools with diverse faculty and staff. Help your student consider how each school's culture aligns with their personal values and goals.

“MatchPoint is support for the entire family. As an expert in the field of a quickly evolving process, MatchPoint was the sentinel structure we had in place for college admissions. Although they provide a space for all those involved in the process (including the high school), they center their support and communication with the child. My relationship is better with my child and our experience was wonderful. Let me say that again, our college application process was wonderful! "

— JESSICA WEAVER

If you and your student need help navigating the next 10 months, check out the Comprehensive College Counseling program that Jessica choose for her teenager.

Researching Support Services

Thoroughly investigating the support services available at each college is crucial, especially for students with learning differences or specific needs. These services can significantly impact a student's college experience and academic success. Here's why this research is so important:

1. Academic Success: Proper support services can help students overcome challenges and perform to the best of their abilities.

2. Personal Well-being: Mental health and counseling services contribute to overall student well-being and can help manage stress.

3. Accommodations: For students with learning differences or disabilities, understanding the process for securing accommodations is vital.

4. Transition to College Life: Support services can ease the transition from high school to college, helping students adapt to new academic and social environments.

5. Long-term Success: Career services and academic support can contribute to better outcomes both during college and after graduation.

When researching support services, consider the following:

- Availability and quality of academic tutoring

- Presence of writing centers or math labs

- Accessibility of professors and academic advisors

- Mental health and counseling services

- Career counseling and job placement services

- Services for students with learning differences or disabilities

- Health and wellness programs

Don't hesitate to contact specific departments for more detailed information. Some questions to consider asking:

- What's the process for securing accommodations for learning differences?

- How accessible are tutoring services? Are they peer-led or professional?

- What mental health services are available, and how many sessions are provided?

- How does the career center support students in finding internships and jobs?

Remember, the goal is to ensure that each school on your list can provide the support you need to thrive academically and personally.

Parent Tip: If your student has specific needs, encourage them to be proactive in researching available services. Consider scheduling calls or visits with relevant support offices during campus tours.

Building Your Balanced List: A Step-by-Step Approach

1. Start with Self-Reflection: Before researching schools, spend time thinking about your priorities, strengths, and goals. Consider your high school experience and what you'd like to change or keep the same in college.

2. Create a Master List: Begin with a broad list of schools that interest you, based on initial research.

3. Deep Dive Research: For each school on your master list, dig into the factors outlined above.

4. Leverage Social Media: Follow official college accounts and student-run pages on platforms like Instagram, YouTube, and TikTok for insider perspectives. Use hashtags like Accepted2024 or TechLife to find specific information.

5. Research Majors: If you have a specific major in mind, thoroughly research it at each school. Look at required courses, electives, and potential career paths.

6. Categorize Schools: Based on your research and academic profile, sort schools into likely, target, and reach categories.

7. Narrow Down: Aim to have 8-10 schools total, with a balance across categories.

8. Visit Campuses: Whether virtually or in-person, try to get a feel for each campus environment. If visiting in person:

   - Sign up for the official information session

   - Take a student-led tour

   - Explore the campus and surrounding area on your own

9. Keep Detailed Notes: Use a spreadsheet or document to track your impressions and key information about each school.

10. Reassess and Adjust: As you learn more, be willing to add or remove schools from your list.

11. Prepare for Applications: Once your list is finalized, start organizing application requirements for each school.

 Tracking Your Research

Create a document or spreadsheet to keep track of your college research. For each school, record:

- Basic information (location, size, type of school)

- Your overall impressions (3 sentences describing the school)

- 3 things you liked and 3 things you disliked (be specific and include links)

- 3 interesting clubs and 3 interesting classes (be specific and include links)

- How the school matches up with your top 8 criteria (rate each criterion from 1-5 and provide rationale)

- Questions you still have

Remember, there's no perfect formula for choosing a college. Your unique priorities and circumstances will guide your decision. By looking beyond rankings and considering these key elements, you'll create a balanced and exciting college list that truly fits your needs and aspirations.

Parents, your role is to provide support, guidance, and a realistic perspective throughout this process. Help your student stay organized, meet deadlines, and make informed decisions. Most importantly, be a sounding board and source of encouragement as they navigate this exciting but potentially stressful time.

Limit family discussions about college to specific times, perhaps once a week, to help manage stress. Be open-minded when your student discusses their list and provide opportunities for them to explore colleges in person when possible.

Remember, the college research process can be a fun growth experience for students and families alike. By exploring new regions and cities, as well as colleges beyond those you're already familiar with, you may be surprised to find how many wonderful colleges are out there that might just be a great fit.