Creating a College Target List

Chances are you are overwhelmed by a never-ending list of colleges. There is a lot of stress that comes along with trying to figure out the ONE school which is right for you.

The first step for creating your college target list is to start identifying your Reach, Target, and Safety (or Fallback) schools. We recommend that each category should have at least 10-15 Schools.

Reach School

These are schools that you just might get into. These are labeled your dream or reach schools for a reason. While you may fall short on some of the requirements you could try to make up for it in other areas.

Target School

These are schools that you should feel pretty confident that you will be accepted to. Your target schools should be places that you really want to go to. You should meet all or at least most of the requirements and test scores for these schools.

Safety School

These schools you should feel the most confident about: You are going to get in! These aren’t your dream schools, but you should have some interest in your safety schools. You should be on the high end or exceed all of the requirements for these schools.

The next step in the creation of your personal college target list is to identify what characteristics of a college matter most to YOU. Some aspects that can affect which category possible college choices include athletics, academics, cost, and location.

Important Factors to Consider:

Athletics:

Academics:

  • What is the academic reputation of the school? Is it competitive or relaxed?
  • What are the entrance requirements – SAT scores, AP courses, GPA minimum?
  • Does the school offer the major or program you’d like to pursue?
  • If you’re unsure about your future, does the school offer plenty of options?

Cost:

  • How much is your family willing to pay for college?
  • Are you relying on athletic scholarships or financial aid?
  • Will you be paying out-of-state or in-state tuition

Location/Size:

  • How far away from home do you want to be?
    • Do you prefer a big city or a small town?
    • Do you prefer a large, fast paced environment or small, more personalized attention? Small: less than 2,000 students

Medium: between 2,000 and 10,000 students

Large: more than 10,000 students

 

Have a question or are looking for some potential help?

It all starts with an honest NCAA evaluation by an expert who knows what college recruiters are looking for and where you stand, an evaluation of what level of college is right for you.

Learn about scheduling your NCAA evaluation & consultation by following the link provided

http://www.sportsforceonline.com/college-prospect-evaluation-form.php

 

 

Leave a Reply


Search
Follow Us
Stay Connected
Archives
Get the SportsForce Blog in Your Email