Many students create “top-heavy” lists dominated by well-known prestigious or flagship universities. While aiming high is great, a well-balanced list increases the chances of admission and ensures a range of great fit options. With over 2,000 four-year universities in the U.S., there are countless schools that could align with your student’s academic profile, goals, and ambitions. You just have to know where to look!
When I work with students, we spend a great deal of time crafting a balanced list. We discuss the students’ goals and interests, set realistic expectations, and explore colleges they might not have considered.
Having a mix of schools with varied acceptance rates on your list will help you feel less stressed about getting accepted to one specific school. Also, having several options allows you to compare different aspects of each school, like location, size, and cost, before making a final decision.
So, what is a balanced list?
A balanced college list includes a strategic mix of reach, target, and likely schools, giving you the best chance of both acceptance and finding the right fit. Here’s how each category breaks down:
- Reach Schools: These are highly selective colleges with competitive admission and low acceptance rates, even for top students. Your academic profile may fall below or within the lower range of admitted students.
- Target Schools: At these schools, your grades, test scores, and extracurriculars closely match the average admitted student. You have a solid chance of getting in, but acceptance isn’t guaranteed.
- Likely Schools (sometimes called “Safety Schools”): These are colleges where your academic profile is stronger than that of the average admitted student, making admission highly probable. However, they should still be schools you’re genuinely excited to attend.
How do you help students and families create a realistic, goal-aligned college list?
Creating a balanced college list is both a strategic and personalized process. While it’s possible to navigate it alone, working with an experienced college consultant can make a significant difference. In my experience, I often help kids uncover amazing opportunities they never knew existed.
I start by getting to know each student—their interests, passions, and long-term goals. We dive into their academic profile, including grades, course rigor, and standardized test scores. But academics are just one piece of the puzzle. We also consider factors like desired majors, extracurricular opportunities, campus culture, and financial fit to ensure every school on their list aligns with both their academic strengths and personal aspirations.
The goal is to curate a list of schools where students can not only gain admission but also thrive. When approached thoughtfully, the college search becomes an exciting journey of discovery— often leading to schools they hadn’t considered but turned out to be a fantastic fit.
Join Our Free Parent Event on Feb. 12-
How to Build a Balanced College List: Helping Your Teen Find the Right Fit
At this half-hour lunchtime event from 12:30 – 1 PM ET, we will answer your questions and share insights on:
✓ How to strike the ideal balance of reach, target, and safety schools
✓ Proven methods to identify schools where your teen will excel academically and socially
✓ Common pitfalls families face when creating college lists and how to avoid them
Don’t miss this opportunity to gain expert guidance and help your teen feel confident and prepared for the admissions journey. Register now to reserve your spot, and feel free to invite a friend!
ABOUT OUR GUEST AUTHOR:
Jen Foldvary, M.Ed., is a College Consultant at Educational Connections. She previously worked as a private high school college counselor and as the Associate Director of Freshmen Admission at the University of Toledo. Jen holds a Bachelor’s in Special Education and a Master’s in Higher Education Administration from The University of Toledo. She began her career as a special education teacher.