College applications can feel overwhelming, even when the steps seem clear. But don’t worry—this guide will walk you through three essential steps to help you find a college that’s the perfect fit for you and your goals.
While schools like Harvard University might seem like the ultimate dream, they’re not always the best match for everyone. With an acceptance rate of just 6%, only a handful make the cut each year. What really matters is finding a school that aligns with your interests, academic goals, and overall needs. That’s where your focus should be.
Start by creating a list of colleges that catch your eye. Take some time to dig into their admissions stats, including test scores and GPAs of previous applicants. This will give you a clearer picture of where you’re likely to thrive and succeed.
The college application process doesn’t have to be stressful. It’s about finding where you belong, and with a little planning and research, you’ll be one step closer to making your future shine. Here’s how you can break it all down into three easy steps.
Step 1: Make a list of colleges to apply to
With over 6,000 colleges in the United States, the first step in applying to school is to do some research and make a list of colleges you are interested in attending. This process will be different for everyone. Some students have specific schools in mind, some know the state they want to live in, and others have no clue where to start. Once you have compiled a list of prospective colleges and universities, it may be worth it to visit the colleges either in person or via a virtual tour. Being able to see as many schools as possible either virtually or in-person, will allow you to get a feel for the campus.
Ask your tour guide (or a student you find around campus) about their experiences attending the school. You may want to think about asking questions regarding on- and off-campus housing, the cafeteria, freshman life, the social scene, the classes, and their experiences attending that university. While no two students will have the same college experience, getting a first-hand account of what school is like can give you an idea of what you can expect as a student at that institution. The more questions you ask, the more you can get an idea if this school may be a potential fit for you.
In general, you want to apply to three types of schools: target or match schools, reach schools and safety schools. It is up to you how many applications you send to each, but a good mix would include more target schools than reach schools, and at least one safety school. Make sure you properly identify where each school falls in comparison to the scores on your high school transcript.
The number of colleges you apply to can vary, from applying to one school (not recommended) to up to 30 schools or more (also not recommended). Ultimately, the number of schools you choose to apply to is entirely up to you. Many students limit the number because most college admissions applications are accompanied by a fee. College application fees can range on average from $50 to $100. (Check with each prospective college website to see if they offer application fee waivers. Chances are if you qualified for an SAT fee waiver, you will likely qualify for an application fee waiver at many schools.) In addition, if you are applying to multiple schools that accept the Common App, you’ll only be able to apply up to 20 with that tool. Applying to more schools may require you to complete additional applications. So, while it is important to apply to more than one college, applying to 10 is probably a good number to ensure you get into a school you are happy with.
Step 2: Split the list into target, reach and safety schools
Review your list and decide:
- Which schools are your top picks?
- Which schools are attainable for you academically?
- Which schools are affordable for you only with aid?
Don't discount a school because of price, but if this is a factor, you should have a backup plan and refine your broad list into a group of schools that gives you the best chance for success. Talk to your high school counselor if you have questions about this. Counselors will usually have experience in what schools are a good fit for students given your academic record, test scores and extracurricular activities, and what type of aid your family’s financial situation may provide.
Learn more about financial aid by reading How to Pay for College
What is a target school?
If your test scores are in the average range of accepted scores, and you meet other necessary requirements, you should add this school to your target school list. Most schools will accept students with a range of test scores and GPAs and will clearly list other admission requirements on their web site. Also, consider selectivity. If you meet most of the criteria, but selectivity is high (meaning the college only accepts a very small portion of the applicant pool), this college may fall closer to your reach category and you will want to make sure you also apply to a backup (or safety) school. Remember to take into account that most colleges consider all application materials and extracurricular activities in addition to test scores in their admission decision.
Also, the state or geographic region in which you live can be a factor in a college’s admissions decision. State schools will often favor in-state students, so you may need to exceed requirements in order to be considered at an out-of-state school as a target (or safety).
If you have parents or grandparents who are alumni, you may also want to consider their schools as potential target schools if you meet admission requirements. Some colleges and universities waive nonresident fees or even have special scholarship opportunities specifically for students with parent or grandparent alumni.
What is a reach school?
A reach school is somewhere you choose to apply to, but either the school is extremely selective or you knowingly fall short of some requirements. It can still be worth it to apply because you may have some outstanding qualities that will see you through. Fact: 100% of students that do not apply to Harvard, do not get into Harvard. Keep your hopes in check when applying to a reach school. If your reach school is very selective, you can expect to have stiff competition.
To be clear, schools are labeled as safety or reach based on academics, but financial situations can warrant these labels, too. Remember there are many ways to pay for college if you and your family do not have the financial resources. No matter what your financial standing is, you should complete and file the Free Application for Federal Student Aid ® (FAFSA) to see what federal financial aid you can receive. You may be entitled to funds available from your school, or you may be required to shoulder the responsibility of paying for school by taking out student loans. Either way, the total cost of college should be considered when deciding where to apply. Keep in mind that you may end up paying less than the “sticker” price after private scholarships and federal, state, and merit-aid are considered. Talk to your parents or anyone helping you through your college journey and research your possibilities for each school you are considering prior to applying. You need to understand your financial situation and what you and your family can reasonably pay for your college education.
What is a safety school?
A safety school is one that you feel you meet or exceed the requested requirements and you feel as if you are a shoo-in for this school. Your test scores should fall on the high end (or exceed) what they list. You may also want to consider a safety school in terms of price, so, in addition to academic criteria being met, your safety school, or one of them, should be affordable, if price is a family concern. You should have some interest in your safety school, but many don't feel as strongly about their safety as it is not their primary choice. It may be an okay fit, but not your dream school – and that's okay. Many choose a state school or local community college as their safety school. Having a safety school is important so you have a fallback plan if you are not accepted to other schools.
MORE >>> College of Your Dreams or College of Your Means?
Step 3: Complete and send applications to colleges
Once your list is complete, you are ready to begin the college application process! Review the list you created in Step 1, and refine it to include the target, safety and reach colleges discussed in Step 2. Your list needs to be ready by September of your senior year if you are applying at the regular admission application deadline, or August of your senior year if you plan to apply for early decision or early action (the sooner the better). The regular admissions application deadlines are often in early January, but your application may be due in December or earlier. Early action / decision applications are usually due in early November. Applying for college is stressful and waiting until the last minute can add stress to the process. You want to give yourself as much time as possible to get your essays and other application materials together.
>> View our College Admissions Calendar to view a more detailed timeline
College admission applications take time to complete – you may have to write essays or personal statements, ask for letters of recommendation, and get test scores and academic transcripts sent to schools – so stay organized! All colleges will require these types of application materials, so start thinking about these items well before September or November. Once you complete and send them, you have successfully applied to college.
