Narrowing your list of schools to a manageable number may be your hardest job yet. You might benefit from a few tips and decision strategies:

Compare the pros and cons of each school on your list

Get your files and review your notes to compare schools. If you haven't done it already, you might want to make a list of pros and cons for each school to help organize your thinking.

Group school choices by your chance of being admitted

Once you go through the pros and cons, sort your files into three groups:

• Reach schools—represent an admission challenge either by cost, admission requirements, or both.
• Mid-range schools—where you're likely to get accepted, but you're not sure.
• Safety schools—where you're sure to be admitted and know you can afford.

Make your final list

Include schools from each category on your list and rank them by preference. Most counselors suggest including a number of reach and mid-range schools, as well as one or two safety schools. Give careful thought to your choices.

Applying early

If you are sure about your school choice, you might want to consider early admissions at that school.

Pick up some pointers on making the most of school visits.

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