As your child wraps up 11th grade, now is the ideal time to start crafting a thoughtful and strategic college list. A well-balanced list can reduce stress, open more opportunities, and increase your student’s chances of finding the right academic, social, and financial fit. If your teen needs help to craft a standout list, our team of expert college advisors can help! Learn more here.
🎙️Listen to Expert Discussions on the Tests and the Rest: College Admissions Podcast
Here are some practical steps to guide your family through this process:
🎯 1. Focus on Fit, Not Fame
It’s easy to get swept up in rankings, but what matters most is fit—academic, social, and financial. Encourage your student to think about:
- Size: Large university vs. small liberal arts college
- Location: Urban, suburban, or rural
- Climate and distance from home
- Academic programs and learning styles (lecture-heavy or discussion-based?)
- Campus culture: Diverse, competitive, collaborative, politically active?
🎙️Listen to these expert discussions: US News & World Report College Rankings, Common Mistakes In College Selection, Matching Types of Students To Types Of Schools
🧠 2. Be Honest About Academics
Use your child’s current GPA and test scores (or projected ones) to determine likely admissions outcomes. Group potential schools into three categories:
- Likely (your child’s stats are above the school’s averages)
- Target/Match (stats align with the average admitted student)
- Reach (competitive schools where admission is uncertain, even with strong credentials)
Aim for a balanced list of 8–12 schools with at least 2 in each category.
🎙️Listen to this expert discussion: College Advising For B Students
💸 3. Talk Early About Money
College costs vary widely—and so do financial aid policies. Consider:
- Using a Net Price Calculator on each college's website to estimate costs
- Researching schools that offer merit aid (not just need-based aid)
- Talking to your student about budget realities now, not later
🎙️Listen to these expert discussions: Considering College Financial Fit First, How To Pay For College, Busting Myths About How To Pay For College,
🧭 4. Visit (or Virtually Explore) Campuses
Spring and summer are great times for campus visits. Even if travel isn’t possible:
- Take virtual tours on YouTube or college websites
- Attend online info sessions or student panels
- Follow colleges on social media to get a feel for student life
Encourage your child to take notes and reflect on each school—what stood out, what they didn’t like, and why.
🎙️Listen to these expert discussions: Making The Most Of College Visits, Virtual College Tours, Demonstrating Interest During Virtual College Tours
✍️ 5. Use College Search Tools
Leverage tools like:
- BigFuture by the College Board
- Naviance or Scoir (if your school subscribes)
- College Kickstart
These platforms help compare schools and organize data to make smarter decisions.
🎙️Listen to these expert discussions: Finding Your College Fit, Selecting Your Forever School
✅ 6. Keep the List Flexible
The list your student creates now will evolve—especially after test scores, essay writing, and fall visits. Start with a draft list, keep refining, and stay open to discovery.
Final Thoughts
Helping your junior build a college list is one of the most meaningful ways to support them in their admissions journey. Encourage them to reflect, research, and keep an open mind. A strong list isn’t just about “where they can get in”—it’s about where they will thrive.
If you’d like more resources or guidance, consider reaching out to our team of expert college advisors! Learn more here.