STEP 1: SEARCHING FOR COLLEGES
To develop your college list, it is important to understand the options available to you. The best way to do this is by researching colleges in your area and beyond. You can use several tools to look up colleges. For example:
1- Counselmore - All EduPlan students have access to Counselmore, which also offers a useful search tool to learn about colleges. Its College Admissions Database provides descriptions, insights and relevant statistics on many colleges and can be useful for a glance at the options available. To access the database, CLICK HERE.
2- College Websites - Every college has its own website with details about majors, student activities, campus life, and more. It is highly recommended to browse the college websites in detail and sign up for their newsletter to stay informed about their news and developments.
Let’s talk about how to select colleges that align with your aspirations.
Developing College List!
3- FISKE Guide to Colleges - Another highly recommended resource is the latest Fiske Guide on Colleges. This book provides descriptions, analyses, and rankings of hundreds of American colleges across disciplines. It is a comprehensive guide to college options helping students make informed decisions. The book is easily available at Amazon, or you can also check your school libraries.
4- Recommendations from Friends & Family - Discuss your aspirations and college program expectations with your friends and families who might be able to narrate personal experiences. Also, seek guidance from your high school counselors.
5- School Visits - Every year colleges visit high schools across the country to help students learn what they have to offer. Do not miss out this opportunity to meet college representatives, ask questions directly, and learn valuable insights about the schools you are considering.
6- College Fairs - In addition, colleges also participate in college fairs. Visit NACAC website to learn more about the schedule of the upcoming college fairs and plan to attend at least a few events which would give you the opportunity to meet different college representatives, and understand how their offerings suit your interests and preferences.
STEP 2: LEARNING ABOUT YOUR PRIORITIES
A great tool to reflect on what truly matters to you as you visualize your college experience is CORSAVA.
By sorting a set of categorized cards—covering factors like campus size, academic environment, social life, diversity, and support services—you can clarify your personal preferences and define what you consider “must-haves,” “nice-to-haves,” and “non-negotiables.” This structured reflection process will allow you focus yourcollege search on schools that genuinely align with your values, goals, and learning styles.
Ultimately, Corsava empowers you to shift your perspective from “Where can I get in?” to “Where will I thrive?”—leading to more intentional and confident decision-making.
Use this link - CORSAVA - to explore and refine your preferences further.
STEP 3: SELECTING A MAJOR
The next important step is to get a better understanding of your major preferences. The selection of a major will have an important impact on the college list. There are several tools to help you with selecting a major based on your interests, passions, and strengths.
Visit the EduPlan page on COLLEGE MAJORS to learn more about how to select a major that is aligned with your aspirations and your skillset.
STEP 4: FINALIZING THE LIST
As you finalize your college list, it’s important to build a well-balanced portfolio of schools that vary in selectivity. This strategy not only increases your chances of admission but also ensures that you’ll have great options to choose from in the spring.
We recommend that most students apply to around 12 colleges, divided into four categories: lottery, reach, fit, and likely schools. Here’s what each category means:
Lottery schools are extremely selective institutions where even the strongest applicants are not guaranteed admission. These include many Ivy League and top-tier universities with single-digit acceptance rates. Admission can feel unpredictable—hence the term “lottery.”
Reach schools are schools where your academic profile (GPA, test scores, coursework, etc.) falls below or on the lower end of the typical admitted student range. Admission is still possible, but less likely, and will often depend on other standout factors in your application.
Fit schools (also known as target or match schools) are colleges where your academic credentials closely match those of the average admitted student. You stand a good chance of being admitted if all parts of your application are strong and well-presented.
Likely schools (sometimes called “safety schools”) are institutions where your academic profile is stronger than that of the typical admitted student. You are likely to be admitted, especially if you show genuine interest, and these should include at least one school you’d be excited to attend.
Choosing colleges thoughtfully across these categories ensures that you not only apply to dream schools but also to institutions where you’re more likely to gain admission and receive financial aid or scholarships. It’s not just about getting into college—it’s about finding the right environment where you can thrive academically, socially, and personally.