Target College and University Research Summary

What a good one includes

• Hard admission metrics, including average GPA, standardized test policies, and recommended coursework.
• Clear timelines for Early Decision, Early Action, Regular Decision, and priority scholarship deadlines.
• Realistic cost of attendance breakdowns, covering tuition, fees, housing, and typical financial aid or merit scholarship opportunities.
• Specific details on your intended program's unique curriculum tracks, facilities, and undergraduate research opportunities.
• Insights into campus culture, student-to-faculty ratios, housing options, and the surrounding local environment.
• Post-graduation outcome data, such as average starting salaries, top hiring employers, and career services support.

Common mistakes to avoid

• Relying strictly on national rankings rather than assessing how well a specific department aligns with your personal career goals.
• Overlooking the net price of a university and focusing only on the sticker price, which can lead to prematurely crossing great schools off your list.
• Ignoring the subtle differences in application requirements, such as supplemental essay prompts or portfolio submissions, until the last minute.
• Neglecting to research the campus setting and student life, resulting in academic fits that are poor social or environmental matches.

Frequently asked questions