Building a college list is one of the most important steps in planning for the future. There are more than 4,000 colleges and universities in the U.S. alone, so knowing where to start can feel overwhelming. That is where intentional list building comes in. A solid college list is not just a collection of well-known schools. Rather, it is a tailored selection of schools where your child will thrive academically, socially, and financially.
I am a college prep coach who guides students and families through the list-building process. I do not just carelessly pick schools that look good on paper. I look for the schools that fit your child perfectly, and start the process early so your student has the freedom to explore their options.
Tackling the challenges of building a college list
List building can be stressful for both students and parents when they do not have guidance. Many people feel pressure to focus on “top” schools without considering how well those schools align with the unique needs and goals of the student. Others may be unsure of how to begin, especially if parents are not familiar with the U.S. college system or it has been decades since they went through the process themselves.
Some common challenges I see time and time again:
- Information overload
- Limited awareness of college options
- Unrealistic expectations
- Financial surprises
It is easy to get overwhelmed by rankings, statistics, and opinions of others with thousands of schools to choose from. Students also tend to only consider the handful of schools they have heard of. This can lead to overlooking smaller or less popular schools that might be an excellent choice academically, socially, and financially. Families risk losing out on the perfect school for their child when they focus only on highly selective schools without realistic options. An unrealistic and unbalanced college list may not have a good outcome for the student. Additionally, many families delay discussing the cost of college until later in the game when they realize their student’s list includes expensive school choices they did not plan for.
One solution to tackling these challenges is to begin list building early – as early as freshman or sophomore year, and usually by the start of junior year. I start by asking, “Do you have any schools in mind?” This simple question opens the door to conversation and exploration. If a student has no idea where they want to go yet, that is okay. In fact, it is a perfect place to start, as you cannot build preferences if you do not know what is out there. Using other surveys and questionnaires, I will ask other questions like, “What are three things you want your college to help you discover, explore, or become?” This helps students to get curious about their possibilities. The aptitude test will provide a solid start to identifying college list criteria as well.
One solution to tackling these challenges is to begin list building early – as early as freshman or sophomore year, and usually by the start of junior year. I start by asking, “Do you have any schools in mind?” This simple question opens the door to conversation and exploration. If a student has no idea where they want to go yet, that is okay. In fact, it is a perfect place to start, as you cannot build preferences if you do not know what is out there. Using other surveys and questionnaires, I will ask other questions like, “What are three things you want your college to help you discover, explore, or become?” This helps students to get curious about their possibilities. The aptitude test will provide a solid start to identifying college list criteria as well.
How I help students build personalized college lists that reflect their needs and desires
I work closely with students to ensure their college list reflects who they are and what they need to succeed in school. This process is all about finding that perfect fit: academic, social, and financial. We explore schools that align with the student’s academic interests and goals. This includes understanding a school’s rigor, available majors, class sizes, and support services. College should be a social fit too as it is more than just coursework. I help students think through what kind of environment will allow them to thrive. I also address the cost of college right away, no matter your financial background. College is a major investment and building a list intentionally includes finding schools that are financially feasible. I talk through costs, financial aid, and scholarship options from the beginning.
I strongly encourage students to research and visit schools on their list. Many students end up falling in love with a school that was not on their radar at the start. I guide students in building a balanced list that includes a mix of reach, match, and safety schools, as this sets students up for an increased likelihood of acceptance and maximizes financial aid opportunities.
I strongly encourage students to research and visit schools on their list. Many students end up falling in love with a school that was not on their radar at the start. I guide students in building a balanced list that includes a mix of reach, match, and safety schools, as this sets students up for an increased likelihood of acceptance and maximizes financial aid opportunities.
Whether you are a freshman just getting started or a junior ready to start narrowing down your list, I am here to help. Get in touch with me to learn more about finding schools that are just right for you.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a college list and how do I make one?
A college list is an intentionally curated selection of colleges and universities that a student plans to apply to. A list should include schools where the student is a good fit academically, socially, and financially. I help students make their list by identifying schools that align with their goals, abilities, interest, and budget. It is important to start early so we have plenty of time to explore options and discover schools your student will love.
What colleges are best for my child?
The college that is best for your child is the one where they will feel supported, challenged, and excited about learning and growing. There is no one-size-fits-all answer. This is why the process of college prep is so personalized. I work closely with students to understand their goals, strengths, career interests, personality, and financial position in order to match them with schools and programs that are a fit.
How many colleges should my child apply to?
Most students apply to eight to twelve schools. It is smart to apply to a mix of reach, match, and safety schools, as this ensures your child has options when admissions decisions are made. However, for some students, it may make sense to apply to less or more depending on their goals and selectivity of their favorite colleges. I guide them to find the right number for their situation.
What should we know about going on college visits?
It is a great idea to start visiting colleges when your student is a sophomore in high school, or even freshman year if your child is curious. You do not need to wait until your child is admitted to visit/tour. In fact, seeing campuses early on can help students figure out what type of environment they prefer and help them build a strong list. I have witnessed a shift in student’s motivation after they visit schools, because they can envision their possibilities! I will help you plan ahead with tips on what to look for, questions to ask, and how to reflect on each visit.
What is a reach school?
A reach school is a college where a student’s academic profile is below the school’s average admitted student range, or where the sheer percentage of students admitted makes it impossible to predict their likelihood of getting accepted. Highly selective schools are often extremely difficult to get into, even for strong applicants. This is in comparison to a match school (sometimes referred to as a target school), which is one where the student’s qualifications give them a solid chance of acceptance. A safety school is one that a student is quite likely to be admitted to. I encourage students to understand their chances of getting accepted and have built-in tools in my college portal to help students to visualize these categories.
Is list building available in a package?
Yes! List building is included in all of my college prep coaching packages. In special circumstances, it can also be offered as a standalone service. I offer flexible options to guide your student through this essential part of the college admissions journey.
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