If you’re a Junior, you know it’s time to start finalizing your college list—i.e., the list of colleges you’re planning to apply to. But where do you even start?
You may have already done your research and added a few top schools in the mix. Looking at the acceptance rates of top universities, with MIT, for example, sitting at 4%, you may be wondering—does this make it a “dream” school? What if I’m at the top of my class?
The most important thing when it comes to creating a college list is to create a balanced one—which essentially means having the right mix of fit, reach, and dream schools to maximize your chances of acceptance while still aiming high.
Understanding Fit, Reach, and Dream Schools
Deciding which schools are considered fit vs. reach vs. dream isn’t an exact science— but there are general guidelines you can follow to provide structure as you move along in the process.
What is considered a fit school?
A fit school is where you have a greater than 75% chance of acceptance. These schools consistently admit students with similar or lower test scores and GPAs than yours. While these universities may be chosen primarily because of your high chance of acceptance, fit schools should still fulfill all your criteria for your ideal school and continue to challenge you intellectually. At a minimum, you should consider applying to 2-3 fit schools.
What is a reach school?
A reach school is one where your academic credentials fall within the average range of admitted students (often between the 25th and 75th percentiles). These are schools where you have a reasonable chance of admission—typically around 50%—but it’s not guaranteed. These schools are neither “easy wins” nor “out of your league.” They sit at the mid-range point of your university admissions goals. At a minimum, you should consider applying to 4-5 reach schools.
What are dream schools?
A dream school (sometimes called a “dream” school) has an acceptance rate under 25% for your profile, or accepts candidates with academic credentials higher than yours. These schools are usually the ones you ideally want to attend even if you’re not very confident about getting admitted. Some top US universities, including the Ivy League, are considered dream schools for virtually all applicants due to their incredibly low acceptance rates—so even if you’re at the top of your class with the best extracurriculars, you should still treat these universities as dream schools!
When selecting your dream schools, try not to pick ones that stretch wildly beyond your academic range, but sit at the very top of this range. At a minimum, you should consider applying to at least 3 dream schools.
How Many Schools Should I Apply To?
This may sound simple, but one of the biggest mistakes students make is applying to a small list of schools. We get it, you may want to apply to at least 8-10 schools. If you’re up for the challenge, consider applying to as many as 12 schools to maximize your chances!
When you work with AddedEducation consultants, we make sure to maximize your chances of success by evaluating your profile, listening to your needs, and creating a balanced college list. Book a free consultation to learn more about how we can help you!
Common Mistakes to Avoid When Building Your List
1. Focusing only on rankings: While rankings can help guide your decision, they should not be the only factor. Look at multiple rankings and consider what aspects of a college matter most to you.
2. Having an unbalanced list: Don’t put all your eggs in one basket by only applying to dream schools. Make sure you have quality fit and reach schools that you’d be happy to attend.
3. Overlooking specialized programs: Consider consortium colleges, liberal arts pathways, or dual degree tracks that might offer unique opportunities aligned with your interests.
4. Not considering financial fit: Remember that your “perfect” school should also be one you can afford. Look for schools with strong financial aid packages if needed.
5. Ignoring international student considerations: If you’re an international student, be aware that acceptance rates may be even lower for you at some institutions, making a balanced list even more important.
