Making Your College List

Researching Colleges

Researching colleges that fit your preferences. There are brochures and books available in the college & career center. You should also utilize websites with college search functions such as:

v  collegeboard.com

v  collegeprowler.com (this one is my favorite!)

v  act.org/collegesearch

v  fastweb.com

• www.collegeweeklive.com

Researching colleges online is an important first step, but nothing beats actually visiting the school; seeing the campus, talking to students and staff, maybe even sitting in on a class. Colleges offer scheduled campus visits all year long, so as you're researching your schools online, browse their website for info on campus tours.

Your Final List

It is suggested that you have your final list of schools to apply to by the end of summer before your senior year. We recommend a minimum of 8 to 10 schools, with at least 2 "safety" schools*, 2-4 "target" schools*, and 1-2 "reach" schools*.

ü  *safety schools - student's GPA and SAT scores are above the middle 50% of previously admitted students at a specific school

ü  *target schools- student's GPA and SAT scores are within the middle 50% of previously admitted students at a specific school

ü  *reach schools - student's GPA and SAT scores are below the middle 50% of previously admitted students at a specific school

Example: SUNY Buffalo State
Average GPA accepted 2012: 84-90
SAT: 950-1110

For a student with a GPA of 80 and SAT score of 900, SUNY Buffalo is a "reach" school
For a student with a GPA of 95 and SAT score of 1150, SUNY Buffalo is a "safety" school
For a student with a GPA of 88 and SAT score of 1000, SUNY Buffalo is a "target" school

 

It is imperative that you finalize your list of schools and begin applying NOW. Your list should be complete no later than the Thanksgiving break!

 

-Ms. Miller-Pecora