Building a Balanced College List

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Foundation, Target, Reach and Lottery Schools

As juniors are beginning to investigate colleges and make an initial college list, we want to define the different categories potentially included in a balanced college list. A balanced college list should have at least 2 foundation, 2 target and 2 reach schools. Many students will also have a few lottery schools. The typical student applies to between 8-12 schools, depending on the number of UC/CSU schools on his/her list. All of our students begin with a list of at least 20 schools to investigate in an effort to determine personal priorities. By mid summer, students should have a balanced list of 8-12 schools. .

FOUNDATION SCHOOL

  • The college possesses most of the significant features you desire and are important to you.
  • You meet all the requirements for the recommended coursework.
  • Your SAT or ACT score is significantly above the average that was accepted last year.
  • Your un-weighted GPA is significantly above the average accepted last year.
  • Your objective academic credentials fall at the top of the college’s admitted class. (more…)

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APRIL- COLLEGE VISITS

Read more about the article APRIL- COLLEGE VISITS
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As spring break approaches, we want you to take some time to focus on your college visits. In our sessions this month we will be going over, “Top Ten Ways to Test Drive a College,” originally published by IECA and a list of questions we put together that goes beyond asking things you can find on any college website.

Sample Questions for Tour Guides:

– Why did you decide to come to this school?

– What have you been most surprised about in your time here?

– How do students interact with faculty- inside and outside the classroom?

– Do students tend to stay on campus or get involved in activities in the surrounding area?

Sample questions for Admissions Officers:

– What impresses you the most in a student’s application?

– Is demonstrated interest a factor in your admissions decisions?

– What changes do you see taking place on campus in the next five years?

– Are the admission standards higher for certain majors? (more…)

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What Juniors can do now to prepare for the college process

Read more about the article What Juniors can do now to prepare for the college process

Commit to your classes. By now you have heard it dozens of times: Your junior year grades matter a lot. It is true. College admission personnel will focus on your performance in this year’s core academic classes. Your first semester is now behind you. How did you do? Are you proud of your effort and results? Set new goals for the second semester and plan a schedule that allows success. If you need a tutor for a difficult class, get one. If too many extracurricular commitments dragged down your grades, consider taking a break from one or more non-favorite activities. (more…)

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