With increasing competition in college admissions, choosing a balanced college list is more important than ever. Story To College Founder, Carol Barash, Ph.D., shares common mistakes to avoid as students begin their college search. She covers tips and best practices for creating college lists that play to students' strengths, answers parent and student questions about college admissions essays and connects students with the places where they are a great fit.

1. How to Build a Balanced College List
Carol Barash, PhD (March 19, 2013)
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2. About Story To College
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3. Building a College List: 5 Mistakes to Avoid
1. Focusing on Name Brands
2. Asking “What are they Looking For?” first
3. Rushing the Process
4. Visiting Frenzy
5. Handing over the Reins
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4. Mistake #1: Focusing on Name Brands

5. Solution: Focus on Your Strengths and Interests
1. Start with your academic and professional
ambitions
2. What type of community suits you best?
3. Make a list of what’s most important to you
4. Use available online tools to broaden your search
• Noodle.org
• BigFuture.org
• Zinch.com
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6. Mistake #2: “What are They Looking for?”

7. Solution: What are you looking for?
1. Community + Culture
2. Support
• Financial aid
• Academic support
• Special needs
3. The big things
• Study abroad options
• Research + Internships
• Work Study
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8. Mistake #3: Rushing the Process

9. Solution: Learn about yourself from the process
1. Each step of the college process teaches you about
yourself
2. When you find something that “fits,” look for other
options that are similar to the one that fits
3. If you change your mind, that’s part of the process!
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10. Mistake #4: Visiting Frenzy

11. Solution: Visit a few targeted schools
1. Start with one school in a few broad categories
2. Take notes each place you visit
3. When you find something that’s right, explore other
places that are similar
4. Do more research about the places you are really
excited about
• Talk to current students + recent alumni
• Dive into the web site
• Read professors’ publications
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12. Mistake #5: Students Not Taking the Reins

13. Solution: Students complete the process
1. Make a schedule
2. Help people to help you by being organized and on
time
3. It works against you when your parents do the work
for you, so just do it yourself!
4. When in doubt, ask your guidance counselor.
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14. Next Steps – How can you prepare now?
Essay Essentials
10 Step Course
Register for our online course today!
Price: $99
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