factors to consider

 There are hundreds of factors that can and should influence your college choice.

Let me look at a few of the  important ones

1. Location:   This is not about just distance from home and the weather but issues like are you in a rural or urban environment.  for international students especially an urban location  is usually an easier transition.

2. Academics: After all this is what you are in college for.  do not look at rankings but rather consider how many courses are taught by TAs instead of faculty.  consider student -faculty ratios and the level of faculty involvement. Are you better off in a smaller liberal arts college with seminar type courses or a major research university with large anonymous lecture rooms

3.  Finances: I keep this third, but it is arguably the most important.  Sit with your family and a financial advisor to set your budget up front. Use this to determine which colleges can provide the financial support you may require. It is best to be direct and let colleges know what you can afford. This is probably the best way to create a shortlist from a long list.

Selecting colleges and universities

  One of the first steps to a  productive and successful application is to select the right colleges and universities to apply to.
 This is where a   good college counselor can  help.
 After all  if the colleges you apply to are really appealing and both excite and interest you, that will show in your  essays and make your applicatiuon even  more compeling.

 The biggest mistake to make is to only use college rankings to select universities.   Keep in mind that  there is more to a college than classes and academics. It will be "home" for the next four years and you need to feel that you belong.  Every college has a personality  and you need to  identify those that match your own.

 Start by talking to people and getting advice. Your teachers and fellow students will be good resources. Do attend college fairs in your  area.   Many universitiees and colleges  even go on international tours. Your high school will probably have several college visits ovr the year. Do attend them all. If a school really grabs your attention   keep it in mind for an Early Decision or Early Action application. If possible visit the colleges that interest you


 Start building a longlist of about 35 schools that interest you, then cut it down to a shortlist of 8 to apply to.

The class of 2023 admissions cycle starts now

 If you are a student  intending to apply for the class of 2023  the admissions  cycle has 

begun in earnest at this stage. By now you should have   finioshed studying for the standardized tests and ideally taken the SAT or ACT  once.If not please register for the October SAT.

Also  you need to start building your college list. I find it helps to caterrgorize them in 3 categories

1.  Aspirational 
2. Realistic
3. Safe

 Try to identify  five  to seven schools in each category that interest and excite you   Eventrually  use this to gendersate a list of eight to ten university to apply to.

Start paying attention to which schools offer Early Decision anmd Early Action  options.

 Its also a good idea ro take a look at the common application and the essay prompts.

Select the teachers  you will use as references and  let your school counselor know og your plans.

 I will be bloggong more on wach of the steps in the coming days.

days until the Jan 01 deadline:138