Most students should plan to apply to ten or twelve schools. If that sounds like an awful lot, it is!
Fortunately, most schools use the Common Application, a web platform that stores student information and sends it to schools when the student is ready to apply. The student can edit their Common App at any time, up until it’s submitted to schools.
Some colleges require supplemental materials as part of the Common App, but it’s still a lot more convenient than filling out an entire application for each college.
Some schools use the alternative Coalition Application, and a few states, including Texas and California, have a single application system for their public universities. Only a handful of colleges, most notably MIT and Brigham Young, use their own applications.
Once you’ve thought about your student and the kind of environment where they’ll thrive, it’s time to take a closer look at each school on your list. Most students today apply to about eight to twelve colleges, so your research list should have at least that many.
Students can connect with other applicants and current students using social media such as Reddit, YouTube, and TikTok. However, all the usual caveats about social media apply. These sites are not always reliable, and any account or thread followed may contain misinformation. On these sites, students should follow several accounts to ensure they get a broad view of the schools that interest them.
The main reason to attend college is for the academics; therefore, digging into each school’s website to understand the program is essential. What classes are offered? Is there a core curriculum? We are also seeing importance being placed on being ‘job ready’ upon graduation. How does an undergraduate become job ready? Look for schools that offer research, internships and co-op opportunities.
Student life on campus is also important when not in the classroom. Does a school offer organizations or intramural sports that are of interest? What events are offered by the school or by a department?
If possible, students should visit their top priority schools during the school year. An in-person visit during the semester will provide the most accurate view of life on campus. Your student should be sure to speak to both faculty and students.
Most schools also offer virtual info sessions and tours. Virtual tours made by students can easily be found on YouTube and TikTok. Signing up for the online info sessions is a great way to also begin to learn about a school, especially if they allow questions. It has the added benefit of indicating ‘demonstrated interest’ as well. Keep in mind that a virtual info session and tour created by a school is marketing material and tours created by students will be of greatly varying quality.
Adapted from an article by A Starting Line coach Karen Droisen.
The best advice parents and guardians can give their student(s) is to choose their colleges based on “fit” – how well colleges would meet their criteria, including cost. Perceived college prestige or rankings are not relevant to “fit” and arguably should not play a role in choosing a school. Students will excel at schools where they are challenged, supported, happy, and fulfilled.
There are many online self-assessments that students can take to identify the types of schools best for them. Stephen Antonoff’s materials are generally considered among the best, and begin with a look at the student’s level of independence, enthusiasm for different kinds of work, and personality.
Basic questions and the results of the self-assessments will kick off the search. As they narrow down the list, students and their family should consider if they:
