1 . How to Select a College

Second term of junior year can be a scary time. The college application process is approaching and your fears are becoming more realistic. You may not get into every college you apply to, which is why it’s important to have “safety schools” that are practically guaranteed to accept you. It is also important to have “reach schools” that are more difficult to get into but offer a greater education.     1     Then there is the “dream school” --- the one you would do almost anything to get into.

Here are my tips on selecting a college:

Do you have any idea where you want to go? Juniors should make a top-10 list that includes three safety, three reach, and four dream schools.

    2     Sites like Princeton Review.com and College Board.com are very helpful in finding out what ACT or SAT score may be required to be accepted, as well as what sets a college apart from the others, and if it offers extra-curricular activities in which you are interested.

Apply and visit. After you have thoroughly researched your top 10 schools, narrow the list to five. These are the colleges to which you will most likely apply. Check deadlines, but applications should usually be sent by November.     3     If you are unable to visit, email the admissions office with any questions.

    4     Your acceptance and sadly rejection letters will come in April. Now, this may sound easy, but it is necessary to list the advantages and disadvantages of all the schools where you are accepted. Examine every fact you know about the college. Whichever school has the highest pro to con ratio should be your pick.

Have fun in college! You likely made the right choice, but college life may be difficult so always remember to study hard, get plenty of sleep, and fasten your seatbelt ---     5