Match Yourself with Admission Standards

Before you consider your college search complete, compare your academic and personal qualifications to those of students typically admitted to schools where you want to apply. Large public universities usually make admission decisions based on objective information including: number and rigor of high school courses, grade-point average, class rank, and standardized test scores (SAT^®I/II, and/or ACT). Private and highly selective institutions will also consider special talents, community service, personal qualifications demonstrated by extracurricular and leadership activities, and other unique qualities you can bring to the college campus.

As you narrow your college list, select one or two institutions that present an admission challenge. Counselors often call these schools “reaches,” because the admission criteria are competitive and a small percentage of applicants are admitted. Make sure your final list includes a number of “mid-range” colleges -- schools where your qualifications closely match those of the average student. Include a “safety” school or two, where your statistics exceed the profile of most students. Give at least as much thought to your “mid-range” and “safety” schools as you do to your “reaches.” Apply only to schools at which you believe you would be happy for four or more years.

Chances are, your biggest college search problem won’t be finding one good choice, but narrowing many excellent options to those that are best for you. The trick to getting it right: Plan early and organize your search with care. The reward: The joy of learning and personal growth in a school that fits, where your education feels tailor-made for you.