How do I choose between acceptances?
Revisit campuses (ideally, in-person), compare financial aid, talk with current/former students, and—above all—trust your gut.
Are small colleges better than large universities?
The optimal size of college depends on your goals: small = personalized attention; large = more resources/networks.
What if I don’t know my major?
Most colleges don’t require declaring until sophomore year, but your stated major on your application should fit your sales pitch.
What’s the difference between Early Decision (ED), Early Action (EA), and Regular Decision (RD)?
- ED: Binding commitment if accepted (apply to 1 school). - EA: Non-binding early application (multiple schools). - RD: Standard deadline (no restrictions).
When should I start preparing for college applications?
Start exploring interests and building strong academic habits early (even in 9th grade), but formal application prep (essays, resumes, etc.) begins in junior year.
How many colleges should I apply to?
Most students succeed with 8 – 12 well-researched schools: 2 – 3 safeties, 3 – 5 matches, and 2 – 3 reaches. Highly accomplished students might consider applying to a higher proportion of reach schools, but every student should balance out their list with colleges of varied selectivity.
What do colleges take into account when assessing an application?
College admissions officers assess applications holistically, meaning they evaluate the “whole” student. No factor (including grades, test scores, or extracurriculars) is considered in a vacuum; rather, these pieces are all assessed in the context of each student’s unique background. With that being said, a student’s academic record (including their grades [...]