Summer is here! Following what’s been one of the strangest, most unpredictable school years for students in many parts of the world. Regardless of where you are, we hope you’re prioritizing your health and safety while remaining hopeful about what’s to come!
Seniors, huge congratulations on your high school graduation! Juniors, you’re up next — and the thought of preparing college applications might feel especially daunting during this time. How will you know where to apply without having the opportunity to visit each school’s campus? How will you determine your “fit” without having a chance to ask all of your questions in person? While a lot may feel uncertain, here are some foolproof tips to help you slim down your final college list:
Murilo sits in on a class at GW pre-pandemic
Prioritize what’s important to you
This might sound obvious, but we cannot emphasize enough how important it is to research every school on your list to help you whittle it down. Not only will a deep dive help you write compelling ‘Why [School]?’ essays for your application (there’s so much more to a university than its reputation), it will invariably also help you understand what truly matters to you. Consider creating a spreadsheet with the schools on your list and rank all the characteristics you care about — factors like the strength of a certain academic department, the ease with which majors can be changed once declared, accessibility to/from your home, proximity to a city, unique programs that align with your interests, financial aid, emphasis on athletics, professor engagement, diversity within the student community, support for students with learning disabilities, size, admit rate, research opportunities for undergraduates, international representation, social life, and many others you deem important for your undergraduate experience. These days, universities are more active than ever on social media as well, so check out their official YouTube, Instagram, Twitter, blog, and possibly even LinkedIn channels to learn more about the ins and outs of what’s happening at each school. For an unfiltered student perspective, third-party sites like CampusReel offer an inside look, too.
Find a healthy and realistic balance of universities
Perhaps this is another tip that’s easier said than done, but it’s incredibly important to craft a list with a thoughtful spread of universities. For a student applying to 12 universities, that could look like 2-3 safety/likely schools, 4-6 target schools, and 4-6 reach schools. I’ve heard students say, “But isn’t admissions a numbers game? Shouldn’t I apply to 30 schools to increase my chances?” We strongly recommend against this strategy, for several reasons: not only will you sacrifice the quality of your applications by spending a disproportionate amount of time writing essays during one of the most important summers/semesters of your school career, but you will also likely dilute your “fit” at each institution by casting too wide of a net. Every school on your list should be one you’re excited to attend — yes, even your safety schools — so keep an open mind as you research and start to envision yourself at these different institutions.
Plan for what’s next
Some students feel absolutely sure of what they want to do once they graduate university. In that case, you may want to consider how the university will prepare you for your intended career. Is a specific school known to be a “pre-med machine?” Do top companies in your desired industry love recruiting students from that school? Are students especially successful in gaining admission to law school because of a particularly reputable law society? Does the school offer co-op opportunities to allow you to gain work experience while receiving college credit? Is the alumni network especially robust and willing to offer professional guidance and connections for students? This all comes back to tip #1 — doing your research. Determine what you want to prioritize, and knock off the universities that may not suit your needs.
While there is no perfect science to this process, being able to clearly articulate why each school is on your list and how your strengths and interests will be best served there will make you a stronger applicant overall. When in doubt, reach out to your College Advisors for guidance. With their combined expertise and your insightful research, you’ll be able to put together a personalized and exciting list to maximize your admission outcomes and launch your next steps.