If you’ve been doing this for a while, you’ve seen some of these: the 40-school college list, the reach school exclusive list, the “X University or bust” student, the “I’ll just apply everywhere” student, or the senior whose list is a mix of random names from TikTok and football rankings.
A long or unfocused list isn’t just more work for you… it’s more stress for the student. Before they start filling out applications, it’s a good idea to help (or encourage) them make a healthy, balanced list.
(If you missed my earlier post on building balanced lists and anchor schools, you can read it here. The ideas in that post pair well with today’s post.)
A Simple Way to Narrow a List
1. Decide on priorities
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- What matters most? Location? Size? Specific major? Cost? Culture?
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- Have them name three non-negotiables. Everything else is flexible.
2. Separate “Decide Now” from “Decide Later”
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- “Decide Now” schools = early deadlines, clear fits, or top priorities
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- “Decide Later” schools = regular decision, second-tier interest, or ones with a free application later
3. Double-check balance
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- Use your anchor schools as the foundation (safe but solid fits)
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- Make sure “Decide Now” includes a healthy mix of likely, target, and reach schools
Here is a basic College List Prioritization Worksheet. Have any students with an unbalanced list fill this out. Ensure they use the Net Price Calculator to estimate the Cost (not just the sticker tuition price).
Final Thought
A tighter list with deadlines and cost estimates attached means better applications, fewer last-minute panics, and more grounded conversations about what’s actually possible.