Learning Target: Gain insight on things to keep in mind when creating your college list (emphasis on California public schools).
Creating a list of the colleges you will apply to requires research and an understanding that while you may not be admitted to all the schools you apply to, applying to a wide range of colleges (with various levels of selectivity) allows you to dream big while also being practical about your decisions.
Things to keep in mind when creating your college list
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Think of this list as your COLLEGE AND MAJOR list. Since not every major is available at every college, since major names vary, and since you will need to choose a 1st choice and alternate major option - your major research and selection are very connected to your college research and selection.
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Your College and Major list should allow you to dream a little (by applying to more selective colleges) AND should not set you up for disappointment (by not applying to less competitive colleges).
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Creating a BALANCED college and major list requires you to apply to “SAFETY”, “TARGET”, and “REACH” schools.
“SAFETY” SCHOOLS
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Colleges where you meet or exceed the requirements (i.e., within the acceptable range of test scores, GPA, extracurricular activities, and other requirements).
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Safety schools are NOT guaranteed.
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If your SAT/ACT scores and/or GPA are above the school’s average, that school will likely be a safety.
“TARGET” SCHOOLS
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Colleges where you meet most of the application criteria (i.e., your scores are on the high end of what they accept).
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If you are within or slightly above the school’s SAT/ACT and/or GPA range, that school will likely be a target.
“REACH” SCHOOLS
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Colleges in which you have a slight chance of getting into, but it’s a stretch.
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A school where you apply knowing that you fall short on some requirements. This can be worthwhile if you have other qualities that will help your app stand out.
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If your numbers are well below the SAT/ACT and/or GPA range for a school, that school is a reach.
TIPS to creating a balanced college and major list by SYSTEM
University of California (UC)
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All UC campuses provide an excellent educational experience, you should NOT only apply to those in the most and extremely selective category
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Level of Selectivity:
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Most: < 15%
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Extreme: < 35%
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Very: < 50%
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Moderately: < 60%
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Least: > 60%
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California State University (CSU)
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SAFETY considerations:
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Should include at least 1 CSU fromCSU LOCAL ADMISSION AND SERVICE AREAS(campus that gives priority to the county you live in and/or the State of CA).
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Could include CSUs that are not impacted - gives everyone across the state equal consideration): Bakersfield, Channel Islands, Dominguez Hills, Maritime, San Francisco, Sonoma, Stanislaus
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REACH considerations:
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CSUs below are impacted at every level, don't just pick these: Cal Poly San Luis Obispo, Fresno State, CSU Fullerton, Cal State LA, CSU Long Beach, San Diego State University, and San José State
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| UC Campus | Acceptance Rate | Level of Selectivity |
|---|---|---|
| UC Los Angeles | 12.32% | Most |
| UC Berkeley | 16.25% | Extreme |
| UC Irvine | 26.54% | Extreme |
| UC Santa Barbara | 29.56% | Extreme |
| UC San Diego | 31.48% | Extreme |
| UC Davis | 38.87% | Very |
| UC Santa Cruz | 51.31% | Moderately |
| UC Riverside | 56.52% | Moderately |
| UC Merced | 71.96% | Least |
Private and Out of State
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Should not all be in the most and extremely selective category. Levels of Selectivity:
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Most: < 15%
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Extreme: < 35%
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Very: < 50%
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Moderately: < 60%
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Least: > 60%
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