<p>I've constructed a list of 28 colleges that I'm considering applying to next year. They're about equally split into "far-reaches", "reaches" and "likelies/safeties". My college counselor wants me to apply to about 15 schools, so I'm going to have to cut them down by about 10-12 with those ratios in mind. </p>
<p>What are some useful criteria to use when cutting at this point? I can sort of see myself at all of them, though I do have my preferences. I won't be able to visit any of the schools that I don't already know will stay on my list. That is, ironically, the only schools I could possibly visit are already secured on my list for some reason. Particularly I'm looking for advice that pertains specifically to each "category" of school in terms of admissions difficulty--I really need to make sure to keep those ratios. I'm even looking for some pretty generic stuff to use in cutting, or at least some methods to get to know the school beyond the brochures. </p>
<p>I would really, really appreciate some tips :) </p>
<p>BTW: If it matters, all of the schools I'm applying to are private. I also don't need to look at these schools from a financial POW, that is I don't need any financial safeties.</p>
<p>You should really check out the forums on CC because there are tons of threads on social life, classes, and campus. If you can go to the campuses on your list then go! Then you actually know what the atmosphere is like and try to talk some of the current students there. And be realistic; if you have too many far-reaches than narrow it down to one or two.</p>
<p>Visit the schools – use this summer to see as many you are considering as possible. There were some my son was SURE he was going to love, and he dismissed them readily when he visited. Websites just do not give you a true picture.</p>
<p>If cost is not a concern (make sure that your parents are willing to pay full list price at any of the schools), then the other most important screen is suitability for your intended or possible majors. If you are undecided, consider what general area (humanities, social studies, science) you are most likely to choose your major from. If you are very undecided, look for schools strong in many subjects, rather than specialty schools that are strong in one area but limited or only suitable for breadth courses in others.</p>
<p>As far as reach/match/safety is concerned, you need at least one solid safety that you know you will get into and which you would like to attend. See <a href=“http://talk.collegeconfidential.com/college-search-selection/1314309-how-find-assured-admissions-safety.html[/url]”>http://talk.collegeconfidential.com/college-search-selection/1314309-how-find-assured-admissions-safety.html</a> for ideas.</p>
<p>Once you have your solid safeties, you can eliminate from your list any school which you would not choose over your safeties under any circumstances. But the rest of your list can be schools from any level of selectivity (though it would be a waste of money and effort to apply to out-of-reach schools).</p>