How to Build a College List
Although high school seniors are still waiting on their college decisions, high school juniors should already have college applications on their minds. Building a college list takes time, and students need to think beyond just name recognition when deciding where to apply.
With many colleges reporting record-high application numbers, highly selective schools are increasingly prioritizing “fit” in their admissions process. A student with top grades and test scores could still be rejected if their application doesn’t align with the school’s values, programs, or academic focus. Plus, college applications are expensive—unless a student qualifies for a fee waiver—so it’s important to apply only to schools they would genuinely be happy to attend.
Starting Your College List: The Big Picture
A good starting point is to cast a wide net and then narrow it down to a balanced list of reach, target, and likely schools. When compiling that initial list, students should consider three big-picture factors: academic rankings, location, and cost.
Academic Rankings
While rankings aren’t everything, they can provide a helpful starting point. Sites like U.S. News & World Report, Niche, and College Transitions offer insights into overall rankings and rankings by major. For example, a student interested in engineering might look at MIT and Stanford, while a future business major could research Wharton at Penn or Michigan Ross. However, rankings should be just one piece of the puzzle—other factors like faculty, research opportunities, and class sizes can be just as important.
Location & Campus Culture
College is four years of your life, so think about where you’ll be happiest. Do you want to be in a big city with internship access (think NYU or Georgetown) or a college town with a close-knit campus (like Notre Dame or Dartmouth)? Weather can be another consideration—if you’ve lived in Florida your whole life, can you handle Minnesota winters? While climate alone shouldn’t make or break a school decision, it’s something to keep in mind.
Cost & Financial Aid
Can you afford the schools on your list? Many students are open to taking on loans for a dream school, but cost is a crucial factor. In-state public universities often offer significant tuition savings, and some private schools provide generous merit scholarships. Schools like UNC-Chapel Hill have prestigious scholarships like the Robertson Scholars Leadership Program and the Morehead-Cain Scholarship, both with early fall deadlines. Researching financial aid options ahead of time can prevent last-minute stress.
Narrowing Down Your List: The Details
Once you have a broad list, it’s time to dig deeper. Start by exploring each school’s website to look at majors, curriculum, research opportunities, professors, and student organizations that align with your goals.
Academics & Programs
Does the school offer courses and research opportunities that match your interests? For example, if you’re interested in neuroscience with a focus on Alzheimer’s research but a school specializes in demyelinating diseases, it might not be the best fit. You can also check if there are interdisciplinary programs, dual-degree options, or study-abroad experiences that align with your goals.
Campus Life & Student Involvement
Look beyond academics to see what day-to-day life is like. Are there clubs, extracurriculars, or special programs that excite you? Schools with strong alumni networks and career centers can also help with job placements and internships.
Reach, Target, Likely, and Wild Card Schools: Finding the Right Balance
A well-balanced college list should include a mix of reach, target, likely, and wild card schools. Here’s how to determine where a school falls on your list:
Reach Schools
These are colleges where your academic profile (GPA, test scores, coursework) falls below or at the lower end of the admitted student range. Even if you have strong extracurriculars and essays, these schools are highly competitive, often admitting fewer than 20% of applicants. Reach schools include Ivy League institutions, Stanford, MIT, and other top-ranked universities.
Target Schools
Target schools are those where your academic credentials match the middle 50% of admitted students. While admission is not guaranteed, you have a solid chance of getting in if your application is strong. These schools typically have acceptance rates between 25% and 50% and include many strong public and private universities.
Likely Schools
Likely schools are where your academic profile is well above the middle 50% of admitted students. These schools have higher acceptance rates (usually 50% or more), and you can reasonably expect to be admitted. Likely schools should be places you would genuinely be happy to attend, not just backups.
Wild Card Schools
Wild card schools are ultra-competitive institutions that are nearly impossible to predict, even for the most competitive applicants. These schools often have single-digit acceptance rates and a highly holistic review process that makes it difficult to determine what will tip the scales. Many students choose to apply to one or two wild card schools just in case, but they should not form the majority of your list.
College Visits: Why They Matter
Visiting a campus isn’t just about “demonstrated interest.” It helps you get a feel for the school’s culture. If you’re traveling over spring break, consider stopping by a nearby college—even if it’s not on your list. Walking through campus while classes are in session can help you figure out what kind of environment you like. Maybe you realize you prefer a small liberal arts college over a large state university, or you love the buzz of a city campus.
Final Thoughts
If this all sounds overwhelming, that’s a sign to start early. Researching schools now will make the college application process much more manageable later. Breaking it down over the next few months is far easier than scrambling in the fall while juggling essays, extracurriculars, and senior-year coursework. Start now, and you’ll thank yourself later!
