| Well, the first thing you do is you check your SAT score. A low score (below the 25th percentile) will keep you out of the college unless you are an extreme case.
You want to find schools where your SAT score fits. My rule of thumb, if you are about 100 points above their 75th percentile, then there are good chances for merit money, if the school offers it. Apply to a safety that is likely to give you some money and/or a full ride. Since I was from NJ, and Rutgers cut their program, I applied to Pittsburgh to satisfy the safety school.
Now you want to find match schools, Schools where you are near the 75th percentile, I recommend 2 or 3 of these, depending on how much you like your safety.
Then find your reach schools as schools you like where you fit their 25-75 percentile.
From a big list, then start eliminating schools, for arbitrary reasons. Visit the schools that are within reason financially, and attend classes, because you can get a good feel for the university by sitting on classes. Good Luck! |