How to Build a College List: A Guide to Researching Schools
Finding your best-fit college starts with knowing where to look. With thousands of colleges and universities across the country, narrowing down your options can feel overwhelming. But with the right approach, you can build a college list that aligns with your academic goals, personal preferences, and career aspirations.
This guide will show you how to research colleges online, make the most of campus visits, and create a well-balanced college list to ensure you find the best college for you.
Why College Research Matters
Building a thoughtful college list is one of the most important steps in the college application process. A well-researched list increases your chances of finding a school where you’ll thrive academically and socially, and where you’re the most likely to find long-term success.
How to Start Your College Search Online
The internet is easily the most powerful tool for college research. You can compare schools, explore campus life, and evaluate academic programs—all from your laptop or phone. Here’s where to start:
1. Use College Search Platforms
Websites like BigFuture by College Board and CollegeXpress allow you to filter schools based on:
Location and size Majors and academic programs Acceptance rates and admissions selectivity Scholarships and financial aid Unique or niche concerns like school spirit, availability of activities, learning needs, and more
2. Explore College Websites
Each college’s admissions page provides details on:
- Academic programs and faculty
- Student organizations and extracurriculars
- Housing and meal plans
- Application deadlines and requirements
Pro Tip: Sign up for a school’s mailing list to demonstrate interest, and to receive deadlines, events, and admissions tips.
3. Take Virtual Campus Tours
Nothing beats an in-person tour of a campus, but virtual tours are a valuable starting point for getting a feel for the environments, values, offerings, and people that make up a college. Most colleges now offer virtual tours on their websites, or on platforms like YouVisit and CampusReel.
Virtual tours help you: Get a feel for the campus layout and location Explore dorms, dining areas, libraries, and academic buildings Hear student perspectives on campus culture
4. Check Student Reviews and Forums
Websites like Niche and Unigo provide student-written reviews with insights into academics, dorm life, and social culture.
Tip: Look for consistent trends in reviews rather than relying on a single opinion.
5. Connect with College Representatives, current students, and Alumni
Attending college fairs or setting up an informational interview with an admissions rep. can help you get insider knowledge.
Talking to alumni or current students is also a great way to get an honest perspective on student life, internships, and career opportunities.
Visiting Colleges In-Person: What to Look For
Once you’ve narrowed down your list, visiting campuses in person helps you determine the best fit.
1. Schedule a Student-Led Campus Tour
Most colleges offer student-led tours, during which you’ll see:
- Dorms and housing options
- Classrooms and academic buildings
- Dining halls and student centers
Pay attention to the campus size, layout, and atmosphere—does it feel right for you?
Tip: Take pictures as you progress through the tour, and jot down some notes immediately afterward about your impressions (good and bad). Details can quickly be forgotten, and tours can start to blend together after a while: having those notes (and photos to jog your memory) can be super helpful!
2. Attend an Admissions Information Session
These sessions cover:
What the school looks for in applicants Financial aid and scholarship opportunities Unique academic and extracurricular programs and opportunities
Pro Tip: Taking notes can be a big help to you later in the process if you’re asked to write a “Why This College?” essay for their application.
3. Sit in on a Class
If allowed, attend a class (ideally in your intended major) to get a feel for:
- Class sizes and student engagement levels
- Professors’ teaching styles
- Classroom resources and available technology
4. Talk to Current Students
Ask them things like:
- What do you love most about your school?
- What’s something you wish you could change?
- How easy is it to get internships or research opportunities?
5. Explore the Surrounding Area
If you’ll be living on or near campus, make sure you feel comfortable in the surrounding town or city. Look for:
Restaurants or coffee shops Public transportation options Entertainment and nightlife
How to Build a Balanced College List
Now that you’ve researched colleges online and visited in person, it’s time to finalize your list.
1. Categorize Schools Into Tiers
Reach Schools (1-25% chance of admission) – Highly selective schools where your academic profile (GPA, test scores, etc.) is below or at their admitted student average.
Match Schools (25-75% chance of admission) – Schools where your academic profile aligns with their admitted student average.
Likely Schools (75%+ chance of admission) – Schools where you exceed the typical admission criteria, ensuring a stronger likelihood of acceptance.
Plan to apply to between 6 and 12 colleges, with a mix of reach, match, and likely options.
2. Consider Cost, Financial Aid, and Scholarships
Look at merit-based scholarships, need-based aid, and out-of-state tuition costs when finalizing your list. A net price calculator is available on many college websites that will help you estimate costs based on your family’s income.
3. Think About Career and Internship Opportunities
Ask yourself:
- Does the school have strong undergraduate programs in my major?
- What internship and job placement services are offered?
- Do alumni have strong professional outcomes?
Pro Tip: Some schools have exclusive industry partnerships, making them great choices for specific career paths.
Final Thoughts: Finding the Right College Fit
Choosing a college is about more than rankings or prestige—it’s about finding a place where you’ll thrive academically, socially, and personally.
By combining online research with in-person visits, you can confidently build a college list that aligns with your goals, interests, and budget.
Next Steps
Create a list of 10-15 schools you are interested in Research each school online Take a virtual tour (and if possible, an in-person campus tour) Attend college fairs and admissions rep visits Finalize your list with a mix of reach, match, and likely schools
Need help? Schedule a free consultation with Avalon College Advising to build your perfect college list today!