Creating an Initial College List . . .

Recently, I attended a college counseling event with my freshman in high school. It was informative with opportunities for students (and parents) to ask questions and begin to think about college aspirations and their future as high school students. At the end of the evening, students were given a worksheet and asked to list their interests, extracurriculars, possible majors of study, and colleges of interest. My son and his friend were conferring as they wrote their list. They both were in sync, identifying the same colleges, and this task seemed to come quite easily. Based on my son’s GPA, he had some likely, match, and reach schools, as well as a few of what I call “wild cards,” schools that even though on paper he looks like he could be admitted, there are far too many competitive applicants to consider it more than a wild card or lottery. 

As I studied the list more carefully, I noticed a pattern emerging…it was almost all the top ranked schools in NCAA college basketball and a couple of other colleges they theorized might make it to the Sweet Sixteen in the playoffs. I share this example to illustrate that students make college lists based on many factors, but this is one I had not previously considered. While unlikely to be the final list of colleges my son will apply to, it’s as good of a rationale as any to start building a list to explore.

With high school juniors in some stage of creating or finalizing the list of schools where they will apply to college, it’s useful to consider the tapestry of influences that shape students' and parents' perceptions and preferences.

External Influences:
Students and parents frequently draw inspiration from various external sources when crafting their college lists. These may include:

• Peer Influence: Conversations with friends, classmates, or older siblings already in college can significantly impact one's perception of certain institutions.
• Media Portrayal: Depictions of colleges in movies, television shows, and news articles can create aspirational or stereotypical images that influence preferences.
• Rankings and Reputation: Lists such as those by U.S. News & World Report or Princeton Review often wield significant influence despite criticisms of their methodology.

Personal Factors:
Individual experiences and aspirations also play a pivotal role in shaping college preferences:

• Academic Interests: Students may gravitate towards colleges known for strong programs in their intended major or field of study.
• Geographical Preferences: Proximity to home, climate, and urban or rural settings can all impact one's preferences.
• Extracurricular Opportunities: Sports teams, performing arts groups, or research opportunities may influence a student's desire to attend a particular college.

Unconscious Influences:
It's essential to recognize that many influences on college selection operate on a subconscious level:

• Familial Expectations: Family dynamics and expectations can subtly shape a student's perception of which colleges are "acceptable" or desirable.
• Societal Norms: Cultural expectations and societal pressures can influence perceptions of prestigious or desirable colleges.
• Implicit Bias: Unconscious biases regarding race, socioeconomic status, or institutional reputation may subtly impact perceptions of certain colleges.

​Navigating the College Search:
Despite the myriad of influences at play, students and parents must approach the college search process with intentionality and open-mindedness:

• Research Extensively: Encourage students to conduct thorough research beyond surface-level factors like rankings. Encourage visits, virtual tours, and conversations with current students and alumni.
• Focus on Fit: Emphasize the importance of finding a college that aligns with the student's academic, social, and personal preferences rather than chasing prestige or perceived status.
• Challenge Assumptions: Encourage students to question their biases and assumptions and consider a diverse range of colleges that may be a good fit.

While many factors influence the process of creating a college list, it's essential for students and parents to approach it with awareness and intentionality. By acknowledging and understanding the various influences at play, students can ultimately create a list of colleges that genuinely reflects their unique interests, aspirations, and goals.