When creating a college list, consider a range of academic difficulty levels, different areas of study, and the types of schools (public vs. private, large vs. small) to ensure academic balance.
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When crafting a college list, it’s important to consider academic balance in order to improve the chances of admission to at least one of the schools and ensure a well-rounded education. Academic balance refers to the range and variety of academic institutions you’ve included in your list. According to U.S. News & World Report, it’s important to evaluate the strength of each institution you’re considering, as there are many factors to consider. “You want a mix of reach, target, and safety schools that match your abilities and interests,” said Cheryl Mitchell, an independent college consultant.
To ensure academic balance in your college list, consider the following:
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Range of academic difficulty: You should have a mix of safety, target, and reach schools. This means schools that you could easily get into, schools that you have a moderate chance of getting into, and schools that are a reach but that you still have a chance at getting into. This range will help you find the right fit in terms of academic rigor.
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Different areas of study: You should look at a variety of schools with different types of academic programs. Make sure you include options that cater to your interests, but also think about what other programs can offer that you may be interested in. This may help you discover new interests or opportunities.
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Types of schools: You should consider the types of institutions you want to attend, such as public or private colleges, large or small universities, and religious or secular schools. Each type of institution will offer different learning environments, social scenes, and opportunities.
To help you visualize a well-balanced college list, here’s a table:
School | Type of Institution | Academic Rigor | Programs Offered |
---|---|---|---|
University of Maryland, College Park | Public | Target | STEM, Music, Architecture |
Harvard University | Private | Reach | Liberal Arts, Business, Law |
Loyola Marymount University | Private | Target | Communication, Film, Social Justice |
University of California, Los Angeles | Public | Reach | Medicine, Education, Environmental Science |
University of Nevada, Reno | Public | Safety | Nursing, Criminal Justice, Education |
Georgetown University | Private | Reach | International Relations, Political Science, Law |
In conclusion, an academically balanced college list is essential for finding the right school and improving your chances of admission. By investing the time in researching a variety of schools, students will have a better understanding of their options and be able to create a list that is well-rounded and suited to their interests and abilities. As Ann Romney once said, “Education is the great equalizer, the force that will close the gap between the haves and the have-nots.”
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Edward Fiske, creator of the Fiske Guide to Colleges, provides advice on developing a balanced college list. He suggests expanding the list beyond typical recommendations, considering overlaps of schools that share large numbers of applications, visiting or utilizing virtual resources, and keeping an open mind about majors and school size. Fiske emphasizes the importance of understanding a school’s culture and values, including its support structures for international students and academic advising, and warns against relying solely on rankings. Ultimately, Fiske seeks to showcase the diversity of American higher education and encourages students to discover unexpected passions and interests in college.
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To be considered “balanced,” your college list should include a healthy mix of safety, target, and reach schools. Here’s what that framework is about: Safety your GPA and/or test scores are well above the admitted student average Target your GPA and/or test scores are near the admitted student average Reach
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