College search engines...are they accurate?

<p>I've tried Collegeboard and PrincetonReview college searches.
The colleges that pop up are not one of my choices...
Are the searches accurate?</p>

<p>Princeton Review Counselor O Matic -> no
They can show you colleges that are at a CERTAIN level of accuracy.. but its better to just look for yourself.</p>

<p>While they can be very helpful (and fun), and give you a starting point, their responses should definitely be taken with a grain of salt. Once the list is given, you should delve deeper into the schools that pique your interest. Certainly check each college's acceptance requirements, etc. </p>

<p>PR's Counselor-O-Matic has been giving my son schools that should be considered "reaches" as "matches" (especially over the last 4 weeks or so)- so be careful not to get a false sense of anything.</p>

<p>Even college board's isn't that great. I mean, it gives you somewhere to start off, but the things I look for when choosing where to apply is based on a lot more than just straight facts, so I've found it really has very limited powers. :)</p>