Your Teen’s Dream College List Might Be Wrong: How to Build a Smart Strategy

Many students fall in love with name-brand colleges without considering fit, finances, and realistic admissions chances. A smart college list should be strategic, balanced, and personalized—not just based on rankings.

3 Mistakes Families Make When Building a College List

🚨 Applying to only highly selective schools (Ivies, Stanford, MIT) with no realistic backups.
🚨 Choosing schools based only on prestige, without considering culture or academics.
🚨 Ignoring affordability and financial aid options.

How to Build a SMART College List

✅ "Reach, Match, Safety" Rule: At least 2-3 schools in each category.
✅ Consider Fit: Location, campus size, social environment, career resources.
✅ Think Financially: Research merit scholarships and need-based aid before applying.

Bottom Line: The perfect college is not just a “dream school”—it’s one where your teen can thrive academically, socially, and financially.

📞 Not sure where to start? Let me help you build a strong, balanced college list! Contact me today.

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