Fine-Tune Your College List: Part 3

By Princetonreview.com

You have your list of schools in front you. You've sent away for brochures from all of them. Maybe you even have a file folder for each of the chosen ones. The rejects are in a pile in the corner of your room. You think to yourself, "This is it! These are my final, final schools." And then, something happens that changes your mind?

Maybe you got your SAT scores back. Maybe your parents took a list at the final school and said "Hawaii? You're not, we repeat NOT, going to school in Hawaii." (And they made that look that means they are never going to be swayed.) Whatever the reason, sometimes you need to take another look at your list of schools and make a few last-minute adjustments.

Your SAT or ACT Scores are Back and They're Great!
Congratulations! This may move some of your borderline Reach schools closer to the Match category. While test scores are only part of the admissions equation, if you've managed to score big, and the rest of your application is strong, you've definitely adjusted the odds in your favor-especially since most colleges will look at your highest scores.

What does this mean for your list? You might want to consider adding another Reach school since you're feeling better about your chances of admission. Don't overreact to this piece of good news, though. You'll still want to keep a Safety school or two on your list for good measure.

Your SAT or ACT Scores are Back and They're Less Than Stellar (Sigh!)
If that 100-point increase on the SAT Verbal you were banking on didn't come through, don't panic. But, do get real. Make sure your college list is in line with your stats. And make sure your designated Safety schools are, in fact, safe. Again, remember that your test scores are just part of the equation, but if something has changed (lower grades, class rank) make sure your school list reflects it.

Parental Reality Check
Perhaps your parents didn't think you were serious when you said you wanted to apply to School X, and now that they see you are, they say no. This can be a real bummer, but it does happen. Remind yourself that it is better to find out now than after you've spent all that time and energy on the application.

And, if you have your heart set on the school, make the case about why the school is a perfect fit to your parents. Are there ways you can talk out your differences? If your guidance counselor is willing, perhaps your parents can come in to school so you can all meet together to discuss the pros and cons.

Financial Reality Check
Your parents may also have some input on your school list when they come to grips with the tuition cost. While it can be tough to talk finances with your parents, make sure they are comfortable with the schools on your list.

If finances are in question (hey, it's a tough economy out there), make sure your list has a few financial safeties (a state school or a school at which you have a shot at getting a scholarship or serious financial aid) on it.

These are just a few examples of things that can change your mind about your list of schools-even when you thought you had reached the home stretch. The important thing here is to be aware of anything that may have changed your situation. This is the time to tweak that list before you actually commit to which schools will receive your application.