As we head into what is likely to be a competitive admissions cycle, it will be doubly important for students to think carefully and strategically when choosing which colleges to apply to. In this post, we delve into the best ways to research schools, figure out whether a school is a good fit, build a strategic college list, demonstrate your interest, and connect with schools before applying. Let’s dive in!
1. College Research Tips
What’s the best way to research colleges online? What are the facts, figures, and other information you should be looking out for? In this video, we provide our top tips for getting to know a college—even if you can’t visit in person.
Getting started with college research can feel daunting. For each college, there are dozens of articles to read, websites to review, and videos to watch. To help make the process more efficient, we recommend that you structure your information-gathering around finding two items for each of the buckets in the checklist below. This will help you to get a rounded picture of each school without getting bogged down in minutiae. (Of course, when you know that you’re really interested in a particular school, it will make sense to look more deeply into each of these areas.)
Find (at least) two:
- Features of the academic philosophy that align with your academic goals
- Courses and professors that interest you
- Student organizations that resonate with you
- Learning opportunities outside of classes that interest you: research centers or institutes, innovation center, labs, study abroad, internships, and other specialized study options
- Aspects of the local/city environment that appeal to you and the opportunities afforded to you by them
- Aspects of the alumni network and/or career services office that appeal to you
- Aspects of the social life that appeal to you: sports, Greek system, et al.
As you collect information, try to think critically about how a school’s attributes tie into your own requirements and desires for a college. Don’t feel like you need to waste time researching a school that’s not the right fit for you, no matter how “prestigious” it is.
As your research progresses, you will likely want to get a deeper picture of the schools on your list. There are many resources you can turn to in order to get this picture. We like to categorize these resources into two buckets: (1) what the schools want you to know and (2) everything else—in other words, your “vetting” process.
In the first category, we have things like the school’s brochures, articles and FAQs on the admissions website, and admissions and student life blogs. These resources can provide lots of helpful information about what it’s like to be a student at a particular university. As you are reading, however, remember that this is essentially marketing. Take what you read with a grain of salt and be aware that the school is seeking to present itself in the best possible light.
In the “vetting” category, you can turn to resources including the undergraduate newspaper (especially the opinion pages) and the college’s annual development or fundraising reports. These resources are likely to give you a more unvarnished take on what life is like at the school and what its goals are for the next few years. Similarly, it always makes sense to talk to current students and recent graduates (ideally, not the ones that the admissions office connects you to). Ask for an honest take on their experience as a student. A great starting point may be your high school: many schools maintain lists of alumni who have gone on to a particular university and are willing to speak to students thinking about applying.
2. How to Assess College “Fit”
As you research where to apply to college, you’ll hear one word pop up again and again: “fit.” In this video, we discuss what a good fit really looks like—and how you can find yours.
We like to think about “fit” in terms of the following six categories:
- Major: What do you want to study? Alternatives if you change your mind?
- Location: Urban? Suburban? Rural? How far from home?
- Size: Student body? Student-teacher ratio?
- Academic Flexibility: Core curriculum? Open? Research opportunities?
- Social: Sports? Greek? Cultural? Political?
- Career: Alumni network? Careers office?
In the video above, we take a deep dive into each of these categories and how they might impact your decision on whether a certain college is right for you.
As much as you can learn from online research, however, there’s really no substitute for an in-person campus visit to determine whether a college is somewhere you’ll be happy studying and living for four years. If at all possible, we highly recommend visiting your top choices (if not every college on your list).
3. College List Strategy
There’s an art and a science to drawing up a college list. In this video, we discuss how to create a well-rounded list that maximizes your chances of getting into a great-fit school.
We usually advise students to organize their college list into three buckets: foundation, target, and reach. We explain each of these categories below.
Foundation
Sometimes described as “safe” schools, this group should include colleges where, based on your grades, test scores, and other factors, you are likely to be admitted comfortably. The schools in this section of your list provide a fallback should something go wrong with your target and reach applications.
That being said, it is important that you take care to choose schools where you would truly be happy for four years. Choose one or two schools where you’d genuinely love to go. Except in special circumstances (related to financial aid, for instance), there’s no need to load up with any more than that.
Throughout the application process, don’t forget to demonstrate your interest at foundation schools. There’s no quicker way to turn a foundation school into a reach school than by giving the impression you don’t really care about going there.
Target
This group should include schools where your grades and test scores fit the medians of the last incoming class and where you generally match the profile of previously admitted students. Getting admitted at target schools may not be a sure thing, but you should feel like you have a solid shot.
As the core of your college list, it usually makes sense to choose at least four target schools. As with foundations, be sure to demonstrate your interest at target schools with just as much enthusiasm as you do at your reaches.
Finally, be aware that the most competitive schools (i.e. Ivy League-caliber) should be regarded as reaches, even if your grades and test scores place you comfortably within the medians.
Reach
This group includes schools where your grades and scores may be toward the lower end of the school’s reported medians, but you think you still have a shot at getting accepted. It also includes the most competitive schools, regardless of your academic and testing profile.
We usually advise students to apply to four reach schools.
Getting admitted to reach schools tends to rest on demonstrated, mutual fit and personal qualities. When choosing your reach schools, think about why that school in particular is an excellent fit for you, based on your academic interests and extracurricular experience. Bear in mind, too, that community service and social impact tend to carry more weight in admissions decisions at reach schools.
4. How to Demonstrate Interest
The secret ingredient in any successful college application is “demonstrated interest.” In other words, you need to prove to colleges that you’ve done your homework and you’re truly excited about attending. In this video, we explain how to effectively demonstrate your interest to colleges through the research phase and beyond.
When you research colleges, learning more about the school is only one of your goals. Equally important is demonstrating interest, and indeed this should be an organizing principle of your entire research process.
But what, exactly, is demonstrated interest? Well, in college admissions-speak, demonstrated interest is the extent to which applicants have made clear—through measurable, concrete actions—their eagerness to attend a particular institution.
Enthusiastic, carefully-researched supplemental essays are one way that students can show their interest in a particular school. Applying Early Decision is another. But in today’s competitive environment, students need to start demonstrating their interest well before the application stage. Usually, this happens in two ways:
In-person:
- Info sessions
- Campus tours
- Meeting admissions officers at college fairs
Virtual:
- Attendance at online events
- Social media follows
- Email clicks
- Emails sent to admissions
All of this information can be tracked through a platform called Slate, which is used by many colleges nationwide.
Demonstrated interest is important in the admissions process, both from schools’ and students’ perspectives. For schools, demonstrated interest helps them plan “yield,” or the percentage of admitted students who will actually attend. Schools are generally less willing to admit candidates who they think are likely to turn down an offer. This is an especially important factor at smaller liberal arts colleges. For students, strong demonstrated interest can be a real differentiating factor, one that can tip the balance on whether or not they are accepted.
So how do you demonstrate interest? The checklist below provides a great starting point:
- Join mailing list
- Like/follow on social media
- Research Slate
- Attend events and virtual engagement opportunities
- Email admissions officers
- Open all the emails you receive and click on the call to action—remember, it’s being tracked
5. Connecting With Colleges
For the best chances of admission, it’s helpful to start building relationships with colleges well before you submit your applications. In this video, we outline some of the most effective ways to connect with colleges.
Prepare, Prepare, Prepare
Whenever you communicate with a college, remember that you are potentially being evaluated. As a result, don’t skimp on preparation. Complete thorough research before you reach out to schools. You want to put your best foot forward and not waste anyone’s time—including your own. Colleges will not be impressed by somebody asking questions that are clearly answered on the website. When you do get in touch, as well as emailing admissions, many colleges allow you to ask clarifying questions through the Live Chat feature. This is usually tracked, so using it leaves a record of demonstrated interest that could work in your favor when your application is being evaluated.
Speak with Admissions, Students, and Faculty
Speaking to a broad range of contacts gives you more chances to demonstrate your interest and will help you to write more detailed and effective supplementary application materials.
Some schools already provide opportunities to speak with these three groups—take them up on it, including at “safe” schools.
For schools that do not offer this opportunity, you need to be more proactive. You may have to fill out an interest form or email admissions to speak with a representative or student ambassador. You might also email professors to demonstrate that you’ve reviewed their classes and/or research and ask to connect. Finally, speak with friends or friends of friends who are enrolled or graduated in the last few years.
Make the Most of Interviews
In light of the disruptions to grades and testing caused by COVID-19, the interview has taken on greater importance in admissions at many schools. As a result, you don’t want to do an interview until you’re really prepared for it. Plus, keep in mind that interviews earlier in the year (i.e., before you apply) may be framed as “informational” rather than “evaluative.” Don’t be fooled: they’re paying attention and so you need to prepare for it like a “real” interview.
Looking for more guidance?
Our admissions experts can guide you through your college search and advise on all other aspects of the college application process. To get started, please contact us.
