Hi, Reader!

Last week, we talked about how many schools you might want to apply to … but now you’ve got to make sure that number is a nice balance of safety, target, and reach schools.

And with college admissions changing from year to year (and seemingly moment to moment), defining those schools (and then creating a balanced list from them) can be challenging.

The ideal list includes safety schools (roughly a >70% chance of admission), target schools (30%-70% chance), and reach schools (<30% chance).

But these percentages aren’t the whole story. You’ll also want to look beyond the numbers to consider financial fit (will this school be affordable?), academic fit (do they offer programs in your areas of interest?), social fit (will you thrive in this environment?), and geographic fit (is the location workable?).

While you can definitely use the tools to compare your profile to that of accepted students, don’t underestimate the power of the “gut check.” If you can’t imagine yourself happy at a school, it doesn’t belong on the list — even with a 90% admission chance.

Remember, the goal isn’t just college admission — it’s finding places where you can flourish for four important years!

So here’s how you might start creating that list of perfect-for-you schools!

🛠️ Tools to Evaluate and Categorize Schools

1. Common Data Set (CDS)

The CDS provides detailed information about a college’s admissions statistics, including GPA, test scores, and acceptance rates.

How You Can Use It:

• Find the CDS: Google “[College Name] Common Data Set.”
• Review Section C: This section details freshman admissions data.
• Compare Your Profile: Match your GPA and test scores against the middle 50% range of admitted students.

Example: If a college’s middle 50% SAT range is 1300–1450 and your score is 1350, the school might be a target.

​Learn more about the Common Data Set here.​

2. CollegeData.com​

This platform offers tools like the Admissions Tracker, allowing students to compare their profiles with those of admitted students.

Features:

• Admissions Tracker: See who got in where and compare stats.
• College Search: Filter schools based on various criteria.

3. CollegeVine

​CollegeVine provides personalized admissions chances and helps categorize schools into safety, target, and reach based on individual profiles.

Benefits:

• Chancing Engine: Get customized estimated admission probabilities.
• School List Builder: Create and organize your college list.

Remember, the goal is to find colleges where you’ll thrive academically and personally. While it’s essential to aim high, ensuring a mix of schools where admission is likely, possible, and challenging will provide the best outcomes.

📣 Register Now: The College Essay Guy’s Summer College Essay + Application Program Starts June 26

Don’t let college applications overwhelm your senior year! Join Ethan Sawyer’s Summer College Essay + Application Program and make the most of your summer!

THE College Essay Guy himself will guide you through 8 powerful sessions (held weekly, June-August) that include:

🔥 Part 1: Uncover your meaningful stories, master essay structure, and develop a personal statement that truly represents you.

🔥 Part 2: Create outstanding applications, develop your unique strategy, and write supplemental essays that make you unforgettable.

You can attend live sessions or watch recordings later — your summer, your schedule!

I attend the counselor version of his course every year — check out my personal statement from last year!

➡️ Register now​

HOT TIP: You can get 10% off the course when you register with code JULIA10. And if you register using this link, forward me your confirmation. I’ll give you my “ResuMEH to ResumYAY” on-demand video course and companion guide for writing your student resume for FREE (a $127 value). (A great resume is a must if you’re asking teachers for letters of recommendation or applying to schools like UT-Austin and A&M.)

Happy Writing!

Julia

What I'm Working on I’m booking locations for my Montgomery-area workshops this summer. Interested in a virtual version? Reply and let me know!

What I'm Recommending Juniors shouldn’t leave school without asking for letters of recommendation from 3 teachers. Check out my blog to help ensure you get awesome letters.

What I'm Gifting My graduation gifts always include the IKEA Frakta bag or this Amazon dupe for the same thing at a way better price!. It’s so great for packing clothes, and you can wear it like a backpack AND use it as a checked bag for airlines (though I suggest double-bagging).

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