How to Create a Balanced College List

How to Build a Balanced College List Carol Barash, PhD (March 19, 2013) www.storytocollege.com

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Building a College List: 5 Mistakes to Avoid

1. Focusing on Name Brands

2. Asking “What are they Looking For?” first

3. Rushing the Process

4. Visiting Frenzy

5. Handing over the Reins


Mistake #1: Focusing on Name Brands

Solution: Focus on Your Strengths and Interests

1. Start with your academic and professional

ambitions

2. What type of community suits you best?

3. Make a list of what’s most important to you

4. Use available online tools to broaden your search • Noodle.org • BigFuture.org • Zinch.com


Mistake #2: “What are They Looking for?”

Solution: What are you looking for?

1. Community + Culture

2. Support

• Financial aid • Academic support • Special needs

3. The big things

• Study abroad options • Research + Internships • Work Study


Mistake #3: Rushing the Process

Solution: Learn about yourself from the process

1. Each step of the college process teaches you about

yourself

2. When you find something that “fits,” look for other options that are similar to the one that fits

3. If you change your mind, that’s part of the process!


Mistake #4: Visiting Frenzy

Solution: Visit a few targeted schools

1. Start with one school in a few broad categories

2. Take notes each place you visit

3. When you find something that’s right, explore other

places that are similar

4. Do more research about the places you are really excited about • Talk to current students + recent alumni • Dive into the web site • Read professors’ publications


Mistake #5: Students Not Taking the Reins

Solution: Students complete the process

1. Make a schedule

2. Help people to help you by being organized and on

time

3. It works against you when your parents do the work for you, so just do it yourself!

4. When in doubt, ask your guidance counselor.


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How to Create a Balanced College List

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