As a high schooler preparing to go to college, you have probably looked at hundreds of college websites, read college brochures, and endured unwanted advice from a distant uncle on how Cornell is the best college for you.
With over 6,000 colleges to choose from, each different in their own way, deciding which ones to include in your college application list can be quite tricky.
Some colleges are in the heart of the city and some are tucked far away in small towns. Some have beautiful campuses with charming old buildings, while others are modern with state of art facilities. And with the cost and time it takes to fill in a single college application, you can’t just apply to all.
But how do you shortlist the ones that you want to apply for?
Well there’s no one size fits all answer. That’s why we asked hundreds of students to list out their college planning process. The students shared the factors they consider crucial when making a college decision. We’ve built on this research to prepare this guide that can .
and outline strategies to help you narrow down your college application choices.
“You hear adults say your college years are the best years of your life — where you meet lifelong friends, grow as a person, and set yourself for future success — but you are terrified that if you pick the wrong college, you might ruin your whole college experience and be miserable for the next 4 years.”
-Ndudi Michael Ebele, College Student, Lagos (Read the essay)
Why do you need a college list?
You need a college list as it helps you find the right schools that match your academic, financial, and personal preferences.
This organized approach helps you avoid feeling overwhelmed by the many options. It helps you focus on colleges that meet your goals and needs. Balance your choices between reach, match, and safety schools.
Making a college list can streamline your college search and application process. It makes it more efficient and tailored to your aspirations.
It makes things clear: A college list helps you focus. Instead of looking at hundreds of colleges, identify schools that align with your interests, grades, and budget. This way, you can spend more time learning about these few colleges.
Different types of colleges: A list allows you to include “reach” schools alongside “safety” ones, where you’re more likely to get accepted. This way, you can shoot for the moon while still having great backup options.
Saves time and effort: Applying to colleges takes a lot of time and work. With a list, you only apply to the colleges you really like. This saves you time and effort.
What’s important to you: Everyone has different things they want in college. Some might want a big campus, others might prefer a place close to home. Your list should include colleges that have what you are looking for.
Planning ahead: Making a list is the first step in applying to colleges. It helps you keep track of different application dates and what each college needs from you.
In short, a college list helps you stay organized and focused. It’s a big part of getting ready for college and making sure you pick the right place for you.
Factors to be considered while making a college list
Factors to consider while making a college list
To create a college list, you need to consider several factors. These factors will help you find a college that fits your academic, social, and personal goals.
Here are some key factors to consider:
1.Career goals
The first step in making an initial list for college is to figure out what you want in a college. This is a crucial step, as it will help you narrow down your search to the best colleges that are the perfect fit for your needs and goals.
The following are some potential questions that you must ask yourself while defining your priorities and preferences:
“What majors are you interested in?” Think and consider the majors that you want to study in college.
“What do you want to achieve after college?” Think about your goals and pick the college which can help you in achieving them.
“What is my academic goal?” Think about the specific academic achievements and aspirations you hope to accomplish during your college journey.
“What are my social goals?” Consider and think about the kind of friendships, social activities, and community involvement you envision for your college experience.
“What extracurricular activities and clubs do I want to explore in college?” You should explore extracurricular activities. They can help you develop your personality and boost your confidence.
“What is my location preference?” Consider the location of the college as it plays a huge role. Think do you want to move out of state, want an urban location, or rural will work?
Once you have considered these or similar factors, prioritize them in order of importance. This will help you focus your search on colleges that meet your most important criteria.
2.Academic statistics
Academic Statistics is another important factor to consider as it includes:
Graduation Rate: Considering the graduation rates of colleges is important. A college with a higher graduation rate can help students succeed and graduate on time. Researching and comparing graduation rates will help you assess the general academic environment and your chances of successfully completing your degree within the period you intend.
Retention Rate: It is an important factor to consider as a higher retention rate suggests that students are satisfied with their academic experience, support services, and campus life. Evaluating the retention rate can reveal information about the college’s capacity to create a positive and engaging learning environment that encourages students to stay and finish their degree.
Median Salary after Graduation: You can find out how much money you can earn after college by researching the median salary of graduates from different colleges and programs. Higher median salaries show stronger connections with employers, marketable skills development, and a valuable degree.
Alumni Network and Career Services: Consider the college’s alumni network and career services resources. Search for colleges that consistently help students succeed after graduation. Look for colleges with a high job placement rate and a strong network.
3.College type
College’s can be prioritised based on parameters such as college size, public or private funding, student-to-faculty ratio and so on. Here’s a overview of key parameters to look at when considering colleges.
Public vs Private Institutions: The choice betweenpublic and private colleges is an important factor to consider. State governments fund public colleges. Public colleges usually have more students, offer a variety of programs, and may have lower tuition for in-state residents. Private colleges, on the other hand, rely on private funding. They often have smaller classes, specialized programs, and higher tuition fees.
College Size: The size of your college can greatly impact your educational experience. Smaller universities have fewer students. This creates a more intimate learning atmosphere. It also allows for closer interactions with teachers. Additionally, students can be part of a close-knit community.. Larger colleges, on the other hand, offer a broader selection of academic programs, more diverse extracurricular activities, and a larger alumni network.
Student-to-faculty ratio: The student-to-faculty ratio is an essential metric to consider. A lower ratio means professors give more personal attention. It also means there are more mentorship opportunities. A stronger academic community exists. Smaller class sizes, caused by a low student-to-faculty ratio, often increase student engagement, participation, and collaboration.
4.Selectivity
Selectivity refers to the level of competitiveness associated with a college’s admissions process.
It is an important factor that determines whether you have any chance in the colleges you apply. Crucial selectivity parameters include:
Acceptance Rate: The acceptance rate shows how many people want to get in and how the college judges applicants.Colleges with lower acceptance rates are more selective. They admit fewer applications. Knowing a college’s acceptance rate will help you assess your chances of getting in. It will also help you see if it matches your academic profile and goals. The average acceptance rate in US colleges is 67%. Many Ivy League colleges have acceptance rates of less than 10%, while some colleges like Liberty University have a 99% acceptance rate.
Average SAT Scores: SAT scores are important for college admissions in the US. Colleges often publish the average SAT scores of their admitted students. This shows how academically strong the incoming class is. The average SAT scores for the top 50 public universities in the US are 595–685 for Reading & Writing, 600–713 for Math, and 1198–1397 for total scores.
Average GPA: A student’s GPA shows how well they did in high school. Colleges care a lot about GPA when deciding who to admit. Knowing what a good GPA is can help you understand what a college expects. The average high school GPA in the US is 4.0. At really selective colleges, like Ivy League schools, the average GPA for admitted students is usually around 3.8 or 3.9.
5. Location
When compiling a college list, it’s important to consider the location of the institution as it plays a significant role.
Miles away from home: When choosing a college, it is important to consider the distance from home. Being closer or farther from home can greatly affect your college experience. Attending a college closer to home allows for more visits and familiarity. Attending a college farther away can foster independence and personal growth.
State: The state in which a college is located offers unique opportunities and considerations. Each state is diverse in terms of culture, climate, and regional opportunities. You can fit your preferences with the lifestyle and resources available in different places by considering the state.
Location Setting: The location of a college, whether urban, suburban, or rural, has a huge impact on your college experience. Each situation has its own set of benefits and considerations. Urban campuses offer access to vibrant city life. They also provide a rich cultural experience. Additionally, there are many internship opportunities available. Suburban areas frequently provide a balance of calmness and accessibility to major centers. Rural campuses offer a sense of community as well as a connection with nature.
“The final piece in my college search was location. I did not want to be too far from home. I want my parents to be able to watch me play soccer. Millikin is five and a half hours from my home.”
-Isabelle Jones, High School Student, Kansas (Read the essay)
6. Cost and financial aid
When making a college list, it is important to consider the cost and financial aid.
Here are some key points to consider under the umbrella of “Cost and Financial Aid” when creating a college list:
Tuition Fees:Tuition fees in the United States vary greatly between colleges and universities. Private institutions tend to have higher tuition rates compared to public ones. Research and compare college tuition fees to make sure they fit your budget. College in the US costs $35,551 per student per year. This includes books, supplies, and daily living expenses.. The average cost of tuition at any 4-year institution is 53.5% of college costs.
Cost of Attendance: In addition to tuition fees, the cost of attendance also includes other expenses. These expenses include room and board, textbooks, transportation, and personal expenses. The fees can change depending on where you live and what resources the college has. To get a realistic idea of how much money you’ll need, consider the total cost of attending.
Types of college financial aid available: Colleges provide different types of financial aid. These include scholarships, grants, loans, and work-study programs. It’s important to research them. Scholarships and grants do not require repayment. On the other hand, student loans are a form of financial aid that needs to be repaid with interest.
7. Life quality
It is essential to consider the overall quality of life that a college offers before adding it to your college list.
Dorm Availability: Living on campus can enhance your college experience. So, researching the availability and quality of dormitory facilities can help you evaluate whether a college meets your expectations for on-campus living.
Housing Guarantee: Some colleges guarantee housing for all first-year or undergraduate students. To decide where to live, it’s important to understand a college housing optionsand guarantee policies. When looking at colleges, also think about the different extracurricular activities available, like clubs, sports teams, and cultural organizations. These activities can help you grow personally. Researching the availability of activities that are compatible with your interests will assist you in assessing the possibility of involvement and personal fulfillment outside of the classroom.
Diversity: To make campus more welcoming and supportive, evaluate diversity. Look into data and services for ethnic, racial, and socioeconomic diversity at each college.Understanding the level of diversity can help you locate an atmosphere where you feel respected and can learn from a diverse set of ideas.
6 steps to making a college list
Here is a step-by-step process of making a college list.
Step 1: Identify your college priorities
Start by thinking about what you want in a college. Discuss your preferences with your parents and guidance counselor. Understand that you might not get everything on your wish list. Figure out what’s essential for you and what you can compromise on. This should be a gradual process over your early high school years.
Step 2: Explore colleges that fit your needs.
Begin searching for colleges that meet your criteria. Websites with search filters, like CollegeVine, are very helpful. Go to college fairs. Talk to your guidance counselor. Ask your friends or relatives who have been to college for advice.. Keep an open mind, as finding a perfect match for every preference is unlikely.
Step 3: Draft an initial college list
As you explore, make a list of colleges that interest you. This preliminary list should be extensive, with about 15 to 30 colleges. A longer initial list gives you more options to refine later.
Step 4: Sort colleges based on the probability of getting admitted.
Categorize the colleges on your list. Sort them into safety schools, target schools, and reach schools. Best way to make a list is to make a college spreadsheet.
Step 5: Refine and balance your college list
Reduce your list to about 8-12 colleges. This step requires careful consideration:
Do thorough research on each college.
Watch videos from current students to get a sense of the campus life.
Visit colleges, if possible, to experience them firsthand.
Consider the financial aspect of each college.
Ensure your list is well-balanced with a mix of safety, target, and reach schools.
Step 6: Finalizing your college list
After you have narrowed down your college list to find the best-fit for yourself. You should also remember the college application deadline.
Finding the right number of colleges for the list
When it comes to making a college list, it’s important to find the right balance between applying to too many schools and too few. Applying to many schools can overwhelm and take up time. Applying to few schools can limit options and leave you with fewer choices.
So, how do you find the right number of schools to apply to?
Seppy Basili, executive director of the Jack Kent Cooke Foundation, says it’s a good idea to make a list of 20 to 30 colleges and then narrow it down.
Assessment
Number of schools for your list
Chance of admission
Reach
3-4
Less than 25%
Target
5
About 50%
Safe
3-4
More than 75%
A Balanced College List
There’s no magic number of colleges that works for everyone. By thinking about what you want and what makes sense for you, you can make a great list. It’s not just about famous colleges, but finding places where you will be happy and do well.
Bonus: Research tips for college search
Research tips for college search
There are many resources available to help you find colleges that fit your needs.
Here are some tips to help you with this step:
Use college search tools: YThere are several college search websites available, such as College Board’s BigFuture, Niche, Common Dataset, and Naviance. These websites can help you search for colleges based on criteria such as location, size, and more.
Go to college fairs and information sessions: At these events, you can talk to college representatives. You can also learn more about what each college offers. Check with your high school guidance counselor or search online for upcoming college fairs in your area.
Read college guidebooks: College guidebooks, such as the Fiske Guide to Colleges, provide lots of information about colleges. They can help you learn about each college’s academic programs, campus culture, and student life.
Explore college websites: College websites have lots of information about each college. They have details about admission requirements, campus life, and extracurricular activities. Take the time to explore each college’s website and get a feel for what they have to offer.
Reach out to current students and alumni: Speaking with current students and alumni can provide valuable insight into what it’s like to go to a particular college. Consider reaching out to student organizations, or alumni through social media, email, or in person, if possible.
As you research prospective colleges, make sure to keep track of important information or factors mentioned above. This will help you stay organized and ensure that you don’t miss any important deadlines.
How to make a college spreadsheet?
A college spreadsheet can be a great way to stay organized and make informed decisions about where to apply to college. It can help you track your research, compare different colleges, and identify the best fit for you.
You can include information such as the college name, majors offered, location, cost of attendance, financial aid offered, acceptance rate, average GPA, average SAT scores, dorm availability, housing guarantee, extracurricular activities, and diversity.
Using a college spreadsheet can help you stay organized and track your research, compare different colleges side-by-side, and identify the best fit for you based on your criteria. It can also save you time and effort by automating some of the tasks involved in the college search process.
If you are serious about finding the right college for you, then a college spreadsheet is a valuable tool that can help you achieve your goals.
Conclusion
Creating a college list is a crucial step in the college search process for students. So, don’t ever forget to consider the factors mentioned above to create a list of colleges that align with your interests and goals.
You can find many resources to help you create a good college list. These resources include college search websites, college fairs, high school guidance counselors, and more. They provide valuable information to help you make informed decisions.
Remember, finding the right fit for you is key to a successful college experience and achieving your future goals.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Is it too early to think about building a college list?
It’s never too early to start thinking about college! Start building your college list in your junior year and apply to schools soon afterward. You can start earlier if you want to.
How big should my college list be?
Your longer list should have around 15-20 colleges, but you can narrow it down as needed.
Should I make a college list if I already know where I want to go?
Yes, because you should have backup plans. Applying to more than one school increases your chances of being accepted. You might also discover a new favorite school.
![How to Make a College List?[Step by step guide for 2026]](/_next/image/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fimages.wiingy.com%2FBlog%2Fimage%2F1742996700430_How_to_Make_a_College_List.webp&w=1920&q=75)
![When to start visiting college? [Tips for an effective campus visit]](/_next/image/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fimages.wiingy.com%2FBlog%2Fimage%2F1742996521682_When_to_start_visiting_college.webp&w=1920&q=75)
