<p>Does anyone have a good timeline or plan for choosing colleges and narrowing down the list?</p>
<p>Like when do you compile the big list. How many of each type should it have (match, reach, safety, etc) and when do you visit those schools. How do you let the top choices know you are very interested in them, especially if they are known for being very selective? Then by what time of year should you wed down your list, etc.....</p>
<p>any suggestions, input would be nice!</p>
<p>I made a 20 school list middle of junior year, i mistakenly had a lot of safeties and reaches and very few targets. I cut schools based on prestige, size, type of people and location. I only visited 3 schools. I visited the two schools I was considering for early decision, and one school a couple hours away that I was considering applying too. I plan on visiting the rest of my schools if I get accepted. It is my belief that you're better off holding back on the visit, unless its for ED, because then you get attached to the school if you like it.</p>
<p>Hmmm, well, starting at the end of sophomore year I had a huge list of like 20 schools I for one reason or another was interested in. Then I cut and added as I liked. Just before my senior year started, I thought I had 10 schools I was fine with; I ended up adding two more by November. I suggest finishing your list by October at the very latest. It will give you enough time to think about details like rec forms to hand out and essays to write.</p>
<p>I suggest having at least 2 for SURE safeties, maybe 4 matches and 3-4 reaches.</p>
<p>I visited only a few colleges and did so during school vacations and weekends.</p>
<p>But, if they are a for sure safety, why do i need two?</p>
<p>Perhaps one will end up giving you more financial aid.</p>
<p>Just a way to keep your options open.</p>
<p>
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How do you let the top choices know you are very interested in them, especially if they are known for being very selective?
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Applicants spend a lot of time and energy worrying about this, often for naught. Everyone "knows" colleges look for this, but the funny thing is what everyone knows is often wrong!! You can go to the Stanford and Harvard websites, for example, and they flat out tell you they don't care about demonstrated interest. Here's a link to save you the trouble of a search: <a href="http://www.stanford.edu/dept/uga/applying/1_6_counselors.html#interest%5B/url%5D">http://www.stanford.edu/dept/uga/applying/1_6_counselors.html#interest</a> The "very selective" colleges KNOW that if they accept a kid, the offer is going to get serious consideration.</p>
<p>This isn't true of all schools, and some are 100% the opposite. If you don't show Tufts some love they'll likely reject you. So do your homework.</p>
<p>"But, if they are a for sure safety, why do i need two?"</p>
<p>Because if you get rejected from everywhere else, you can at least decide between some places instead of just being stuck with one. Also, financial aid.</p>