How to Build a College List That’s Right for Your Teen (Not Everyone Else’s)

 Let’s be honest: the college process brings a lot of noise.

Everyone’s talking about rankings. Group chats are buzzing with “must-apply” schools. And somehow, the pressure starts feeling like a race—even when your teen has no idea where they want to go yet.

Here’s the thing: your teen’s college list should reflect them—not their friends, not their cousins, and definitely not TikTok.

Why List Building Matters Now

Junior year is the time to start building a smart, balanced college list. That doesn’t mean finalizing everything. It means starting the right way—with reflection and strategy, not comparison.

Key questions to guide the process:

  • Does my teen want a big school or small campus feel?

  • Are we considering merit aid or financial fit?

  • What support systems will they need (academic, social, LD)?

  • Do they want to be close to home or try somewhere new?

  • Are they undecided, or do they have a potential major in mind?

Avoid the Trap of “Apply Everywhere”

It’s not about applying to the most schools—it’s about applying to the right ones.

A great list includes:

  • Likely schools: Where admission is probable and aid is likely

  • Target schools: Strong fit and realistic shot

  • Reach schools: Aspirational—but still aligned

When the list is done right, your teen feels more in control—and you do, too.

What I Do with Families

In Phase I of my work, we:

  • Build a custom college list (nothing cookie-cutter)

  • Research schools by real student fit—not just rankings

  • Identify colleges that support learning differences or special interests

  • Create an organized system to track visits, deadlines, portals, and next steps

📬 Want to Help Your Teen Find the Right Schools?

I work closely with families to take the guesswork out of college planning. If you’re ready to ditch the pressure and help your teen find their fit, let’s talk.

✨ Class of 2027 is signing on now—and I only work with a limited number of students each year.
Reach out for a free consult or to secure your spot:

📧 highperformanceacademics@gmail.com
📱 847-309-2777
🌐 www.highperformanceacademics.com

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