How to narrow down a college list?

Rank them according to, oh, 5-10 things you think are important. Two of those should be Cost (run NPC!) and Available Majors (you want a school with multiple majors you like or might like, since you may change your mind or not be able to get into your top choice).

Other ideas:

  • Class sizes
  • Environment (campus look/convenience/size, surrounding wilderness or city/town, etc.)
  • Location/weather
  • Grad rate (4-year and/or 6-year)
  • Social vibe (try to read up on the Greek/party scene, sports fandom, activism, clubs, and things to do around town/city)
  • Ease of changing majors (this will require some digging)
  • Dorms/food
  • Curricular style
  • Academic calendar
  • Acceptance rate and average GPA/test scores (to help you sort reach/match/safety)

Once you have evaluated them according to your formula, pick a few reaches, a few matches, and at least one safety – 7 schools. Or 5, 10, however many apps you have the time and money for. The one rule is, you must have at least one safety.