The Importance of a Balanced College List: Why It Matters

What is a College List?

A college list is the group of colleges a student chooses to apply to during the admissions process. The list typically includes a range of institutions that differ in selectivity, academic programs, campus culture, location, and cost.

Creating a balanced college list means including schools across three broad categories:

• Likely Schools: Institutions where your academic credentials exceed the school's average admitted student profile, suggesting a high likelihood of acceptance.​ We recommend that 3 out of the 10 colleges students apply to have admission rates above 70%. For top 2% or 3% of their graduating class, with stellar GPAs, nationally or internationally recognized in their extracurriculars, with SATs in the mid 1500s, you can very often consider schools with admission rates between 40% and 70% as likely schools. This also applies to colleges that have clear formulas for admission based entirely on GPA and test scores. However, remember that some colleges that focus on yield sometimes deny admission to high achieving students out of a fear of losing them to another more competitive college. So be sure to not apply to just one of these institutions as a back up, especially if you are interested in merit aid (which is why we recommend 3). And make sure you communicate that you want to be part of their honors college and definitely apply to any full ride scholarships they have. For some families with super high achieving kids, including honors programs and merit scholarships will reduce the cost of college and still give students an elite education inside a larger institution.
• Target Schools: Colleges where your academic profile aligns closely with that of the average admitted student, indicating a reasonable chance of acceptance. For most students that means colleges with an admission rate between 50% and 70%, and we recommend that you include 3 of these on your list. This categorization changes if you are at the very top or very bottom of the spectrum of academic performance and test scores. The more competitive your profile is the more often we recommend that you apply to fewer likelies and targets and more reaches and lotteries. But with very few exceptions, we generally do not recommend fewer than a combination of 4-5 likelies and targets. For the majority of students we recommend 6.
• Reach Schools: Institutions where your academic and extracurricular credentials are below the school's average admitted student profile, making acceptance less certain but still possible. For most students this means colleges with an admission rate of 30% to 50% with the caveats mentioned in the other categories.
• Super Reach Schools: Institutions where your academic and extracurricular credentials are significantly below the school's average admitted student profile, making acceptance unlikely.​ Generally colleges in that category have admission rates between 20% and 30%. We really only recommend them for students with outstanding academic and extracurricular profiles relative to the college’s applicant pool. Remember the stats.
• Lottery Schools: Institutions where your academic and extracurricular credentials are way below the school's average admitted student profile, making acceptance highly unlikely to all but the most competitive applicants. Generally, these are schools with admission rates between 10% and 20%. We do not recommend the schools except for students in the top percentages of their graduating class and stellar extracurriculars and test scores, with, of course caveats that apply to a variety of factors linked to what colleges are looking for each year (see yearly agenda below). Remember the stats.
• Super Lottery Schools: Institutions where your academic credentials are far below the school's average admitted student profile, making acceptance extremely improbable, even for valedictorians of the most competitive high schools in the country. Generally, these are schools with admission rates under 10%--most of the Ivies and Ivy Plus schools. If you have straight A’s and are in the top 10% of your class and have good solid leadership on your resume, but nothing that distinguishes you nationally, internationally, or creatively, we will not recommend these schools (there are of course exceptions but this is a rule of thumb). The exceptions arise because colleges are looking to make up a well-rounded freshman class every year. Unfortunately, they do not publish a clear outline of what they are looking for specifically each year. But they do have yearly agendas, so if you do apply to these schools, regardless of your achievements and class rank, go into it with an understanding of how the system actually works to manage your expectations. Remember the stats.

The objective is not only to increase the chances of admission but also to ensure that students have real options that align with their goals.

Why Balance is Important

1. Admissions Are Increasingly Unpredictable

Colleges today use holistic admissions, considering not just academic metrics, but essays, extracurriculars, recommendations, and institutional priorities (such as geographic diversity or athletic recruiting). Even qualified students may be denied admission due to factors outside their control.

By applying to a range of schools, students hedge against the unpredictability of the process and reduce the likelihood of being left without options.

2. It Reduces Stress During Senior Year

A well-considered list brings peace of mind. Students who know they’ve applied to a range of schools with different levels of selectivity are less likely to feel anxious while waiting for decisions.

It also reduces the pressure during the final months of high school, when energy is often divided between academics, leadership roles, and preparing for life after graduation.

3. It Encourages Realistic and Reflective Planning

Crafting a college list prompts students to think critically about what they want from their college experience. This includes:

• Academic programs
• Class size and learning style
• Campus culture and values
• Location (urban vs. rural, climate, proximity to home)
• Cost and financial aid availability

The process can encourage deeper self-reflection and a more mature understanding of one’s priorities and aspirations.

What Happens If the List Isn’t Balanced?

When a student applies only to reach schools, there is a real risk of receiving multiple rejections and having no viable options. Conversely, applying only to likely schools may result in acceptances but no excitement or enthusiasm about attending.

In both cases, the student may end up transferring later or feeling unfulfilled. This can delay graduation, increase costs, and impact mental health. A balanced college list offers both security and choice.

How Many Colleges Should Be on the List?

A typical list might include 2-3 likely schools, 3-4 target schools, and 2-3 reach schools, totaling around 8-10 applications. Again, only include lottery schools if your profile is truly aligned with that of admitted students. 

The exact breakdown may vary depending on the student’s goals, time availability, and financial considerations. What's most important is that every school on the list is one the student would be happy to attend.

Financial Aid and Scholarships: Another Reason to Balance

Many families overlook the fact that merit scholarships are often awarded by schools trying to attract high-achieving students. This means that likely or match schools may offer generous aid to students whose profiles exceed the average applicant.

A balanced college list gives students the best chance not only for admission but also for affordable admission. It opens the door to financial options that might not be available at more selective institutions, where aid is often need-based and limited in scope.

Timing and Planning Are Key

The process of building a college list should begin early in high school, ideally by the end of sophomore year or the beginning of junior year. This allows students time to:

• Visit campuses (virtually or in person)
  
• Research academic programs
  
• Reflect on their goals
  
• Understand admissions requirements
  
• Develop a plan for standardized testing, if applicable
  

Early planning leads to better decisions and less rushed applications in senior year.

Final Thoughts

The college admissions process is filled with uncertainty, but students and families can take steps to make it more predictable and less stressful. Creating a balanced college list is one of the most effective ways to do that.

By including a range of schools—each thoughtfully chosen based on academic fit, campus culture, and affordability—students give themselves the best chance to find a college where they can thrive.