How to Start Your College List

mneushul • February 6, 2024

With almost 2,500 colleges and universities in the United States, searching for the right college can seem overwhelming. Here are some suggestions to help you get started and keep it going.


Block out one hour a week and sit in front of the computer or your phone to start looking at colleges. Commit the time and take the first step to get the process moving. Once you have looked at a few colleges, start setting goals on what you want to accomplish during each "college research hour," such as finding a likely school or ranking your preference for match schools. Feel free to start with colleges you have heard older teammates or classmates attend.


I recommend opening a new email address before you start contacting colleges, making college visits, or applying. This will keep everything in one place for easy access. Most colleges don't want you to use an email account from your high school. Frequently, these emails have blocks on them which may prevent you from receiving information. There might also be problems when you graduate or if you change schools midyear. Please consider giving your parents access to your new email so they can help you manage the sheer volume of emails you will start to receive. A Gmail account with your name and graduation year is one suggestion but you can create any time of email address.


There are several websites that can help you get started on your search. Look at the U.S. News Best Colleges Rankings. But be aware that rankings are flawed, to say the least, and several of the factors U.S. New uses simply aren't relevant for a student. But U.S. News provides a starting point to begin your research. Use each ranking to start your own college research. There are also other college rankings you can look at, such as the Princeton Review Best Colleges and Niche College Rankings. The U.S. News rankings break up the colleges by type, which allows you to consider the kind of colleges you prefer. Do you want to attend a school with name recognition, a big state flagship university, a private college, or a small liberal arts college? 


The U.S. News rankings also provide a relatively comprehensive directory of colleges with basic descriptions and admission statistics. However, I want to caution you about the descriptions and statistics on the U.S. News site (and other similar sites), as they may not be up-to-date. Always check the college websites directly for the most up-to-date information about admission requirements, academic and other student programs, and tuition.


Once you have a list of potential colleges you may be interested in attending (remember that you need a decent number of target and likely schools in addition to your reach), it's time to dig deeper. Learn about the colleges from students who are already there by browsing resources such as Niche and sites like BigFuture from The College Board.

If you have specific questions about admission requirements, major requirements, financial aid, or scholarships, contact the college's appropriate office for clarification. The admissions office may have students or clerical staff answering the phone for most colleges. Expect to get conflicting information every now so ask for an admission officer if you have particular questions about admission requirements. 


Your college application process can only begin when you sit down and look at colleges that might be a good fit for you. The sooner you do that, the more time you have to gather information about each school and the better prepared you will be so you know where to apply in the Fall.


By mneushul February 17, 2026
With so many discussions about how competitive it is to get into college, many students wonder if their grades are good enough to even attend a four-year school. The question is a valid one, especially for students who have consistently received B grades or even a C during their academic careers. Well, the answer is there are plenty of universities that want you on their campus. In this blog, we’ll discuss the role of B grades in the college acceptance process to help you understand what it takes to get into college. Firstly, it’s important to note that achieving B grades is not necessarily a bad thing. A B grade is considered an above-average mark and shows that you have a good understanding of the subject matter. In fact, many colleges look beyond just the grades and consider other factors such as extracurricular activities, community service, educational background, and other achievements. These factors play a crucial role in determining your admission to college, and B grades may not be as big a factor as you might think. Each college has its own admission criteria, which may include different requirements for GPA, SAT/ACT scores, essays, and letters of recommendation. Letters of recommendation from teachers who know you may support your application by showing what a hard worker you are and how you might contribute in class. Likewise, a strong ACT or SAT shows your academic potential. I recommend all of my students, take either test during their junior year. College essays are also a chance to give more information about who you are beyond your grades. Furthermore, it’s vital to remember that your B grades do not define your academic potential or your future success. Many successful people never achieved straight A’s in high school, and their hard work, perseverance, and dedication have helped them reach their goals. It’s essential to focus on your strengths, interests, and passion for your chosen program and strive to showcase your potential in every aspect of the application process. Colleges will look at your activities in addition to your grades and look favorably at a part-time job, sports involvement, or volunteer opportunities you took advantage of. It is never too late to improve your grades. Demonstrating an upward trend in your grades, especially as your classes get more challenging, shows your potential for success. This pattern of improvement shows your ability to adapt, learn, and overcome academic challenges over time, traits that admissions committees value highly. Excelling in your senior year is particularly crucial as it's your most recent academic performance before applying to colleges. If you can show that you've increased your GPA, taken more challenging courses, or made significant strides in areas where you previously struggled, you'll not only prove that you are academically prepared for college, but also that you possess the determination and resilience necessary to succeed in a university setting. In conclusion, although the most selective schools may not be a realistic option, there are plenty of small, mid-size, and large schools that will be perfect for you. The admission criteria for each college vary, and many factors play into the process, including academic achievement, extracurricular activities, community service, essays, and letters of recommendation. B grades are a reflection of your academic performance, but they do not define your potential as a student. So, if you’re a B student, don’t be discouraged. Focus on your strengths, work hard to showcase your potential, and use your application to highlight those strengths. Rest assured that you will find the right school to attend.
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