Building a College List with Confidence

A strong college list is about more than just acceptance rates—it’s about finding schools where a student’s academic profile and interests align with what the college is looking for. Because admissions priorities shift every year, a school that seemed like a possible choice last year might now be a reach, and vice versa.

Here’s how to think about balancing the list:

• Reach Schools (4-6 colleges) – These are schools where a student’s chance of admission is below 15%, even if their academic profile aligns with past admitted students. Selective schools and competitive programs often fall into this category, making admissions uncertain—even for high-achieving applicants.
• Possible Schools (6-8 colleges) – These are schools where a student has a 15-70% chance of admission based on past data. While their academic profile is in range, factors like the chosen major, essays, and shifting institutional priorities still play a big role in the final decision.
• Match Schools (2-3 colleges) – These are schools where the student meets or exceeds admissions criteria, with a greater than 70% chance of admission. While no school is a guarantee, students should feel confident that these schools are great options where they can be successful. Most importantly, a match school should be a place where the student is genuinely excited to attend.

By keeping the list balanced, students reduce stress, increase their options, and set themselves up for success—no matter what happens with their reach schools.

How Smart Planning Leads to More Options

A great college list isn’t about choosing schools based on rankings—it’s about choosing schools that feel like the right fit. The students who had the best admissions outcomes this year took the time to explore:

• Academic Strengths – Does the school offer programs that align with their interests?
• Campus Community – Does the school’s culture and atmosphere feel like a good match?
• Extracurricular and Social Life – Are there clubs, organizations, or experiences that align with what excites them?
• Affordability – Will the financial aid options make this a realistic choice?

The Power of College Visits

One of the best ways to build a strong college list is to visit campuses in person. Whether through formal tours or virtual visits, seeing a school firsthand can help students picture themselves there—and sometimes change their minds about where they want to apply.

A great way to approach visits is to aim for two possible schools for every one reach school. This balance allows students to see a variety of options and keeps the focus on fit, not just prestige.

When touring, encourage your teen to think about:

• Academic Programs: Does the school offer strong support and resources in their intended major?
• Campus Culture: Does it feel like a place where they could be comfortable and challenged?
• Facilities and Resources: What do the libraries, labs, and student spaces feel like? Do they inspire learning and connection?
• Community and Fit: Encourage your teen to talk to current students and ask questions. Sometimes a five-minute conversation with a student can tell you more than an entire campus tour.

Not every school on the list will be possible to visit in person, but even virtual tours can be incredibly helpful. Taking the time to explore different options ensures that, when application season arrives, students will feel excited and confident about the schools they are applying to.