How Many Colleges Should I Research?

Many school counselors suggest putting together a list of ten to twelve schools, with three to four in each of the following categories:

Likely or Safety Schools:
  • Your GPA  and Test Scores are above the school's ranges for GPA and test scores
Target or Foundational Schools:
  • You are solidly in the middle of the school's range for GPA and test scores
Reach or Dream Schools:
  • It would be a stretch to get accepted into one of these schools
Remember, many students start their college search in the fall with aspirational dreams that end in the spring with a cold reality:  you might only get into your "likely schools," so be sure they are colleges you would want to attend and not just placeholders on a list.

Organize Your Search


It's recommended to take some time and organize your search process.  Basic information regarding deadlines, academics, cost, acceptance rates and "to do" lists can be a little cumbersome.  The Santiago Counseling Department has put together a "College Search Spreadsheet" to help you out. 

You will want to:
1.  Click Here to access the College Search Spreadsheet.
2.  Once you have the Spreadsheet, click on "File" and "Make a copy".
3.  Rename the Spreadsheet (suggestion YOUR NAME's college search spreadsheet")

How Should I Research Colleges?

With so many colleges to choose from, how do you find the right one? 

The College Board has two excellent resources to utilize.  
  • BigFuture College Search: This college search engine will allow you to apply different "filters" to find colleges that match your personal requirements.  The filters include:
    • ​Test Scores & Selectivity
    • Type of School
    • Location
    • Campus and Housing
    • Majors and Learning Environment
    • Sports and Activities
    • Academic Credit
    • Paying
    • Additional Support Programs
    • Diversity
  • College Search Step-by-Step:  This search engine will ask you questions to help you:​
    • ​Learn about some key college search categories
    • Answer Questions to discover what's important to you
    • Get advice from college students and educators
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