How do you even start building a college list? I was super overwhelmed at first, but I found a method that worked for me. First, I made a spreadsheet to track everything—each college’s location, programs, deadline dates, and basic criteria like acceptance rates.
Then, I divided them into three categories: Reach, Match, and Safety schools. This helped me see where I really stood and prevented me from leaning too heavily on my top choices. I also relied on my school's college counselor; they had great insights and resources!
Don’t forget to visit college websites and participate in virtual tours if you can. It made a huge difference in understanding the vibes of each campus!