Summer is in full swing, and millions of rising seniors are in the process of deciding which colleges they will apply to this fall. Students today face the unique struggle of incredible selectivity at top colleges and universities and a disconcerting pattern of smaller university closures due to pandemic-related dips in enrollment. It is important for seniors to understand the balancing act that is creating a solid college list.
Include some reaches, but not too many.
On the one hand, students should apply to the best schools they can that offer programs they are interested in, which can mean a few schools with less than 10% admit rates. On the other hand, schools with this level of selectivity are considered reach schools for everyone, regardless of grades, scores, profile, and – yes, we said it – connections.
Aim for some targets.
Students should consider their flagship state schools in addition to other universities with higher admit rates. Just because a school is “less selective” doesn’t mean its academics are. A great example of this is Penn State University, which is ranked #60 in National Universities, #10 in Biological/Agricultural, and #19 in Best Undergraduate Engineering Programs by US News. Its admit rate sits around 55%, which makes it more of a target for many high-achieving students.
Remember your safeties.
Safety schools should have admit rates at or above 75%. Remember – there are over 3,000 colleges and universities in the United States alone. There are plenty of great options all around the country that offer great academics, extracurriculars, and won’t completely break the bank. Keep an open mind, stay grounded, and remember that selecting safeties should be just as careful a process as choosing reaches and targets. Seniors should select safeties that they would be happy to attend. Planning some campus visits can help with this process.
Don’t bite off more than you can chew.
Aristotle Circle’s admissions experts emphasize good time management during the application process because it is the best way to avoid stress. The most time consuming part of applications often takes seniors by surprise. While the Common App releases its personal statement prompts early in the year, most universities don’t have their supplemental essay prompts solidified until August. This means that students applying early have less than three months to write their supplements, which is work tacked on to their regular school assignments. Supplemental essays are unique to each school, which means every student will be writing a different amount. Some schools require more than 5 essays, and if a student is applying to an arts or design program, this is often in combination with a portfolio requirement that can have its own essay questions. Students are shocked when we tell them they might be completing over 40 writing assignments for a college list consisting of 10 schools, but it’s true! When building a college list, keep this in mind, and remember that a few assignments done well are much more valuable than hundreds of assignments done poorly, not to mention the imminent burnout.
Need help?
Aristotle Circle offers a comprehensive College Admissions Counseling package. Our NACAC-certified college admissions consultants help students every step of the way, from building their college lists to comparing offers of admission. Too often, students don’t receive the right guidance and, come spring, end up with a pile of rejections and disappointing options for the Fall. Aristotle Circle has matriculated 100% of its seniors, every year, for over a decade. Let us help your child achieve their dreams – and alleviate stress along the way. Call today (212-360-2301) or send us an email (info@aristotlecircle.com) to book a free consultation.
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