In S2 E1 of our podcast, IvyWise experts explain how the transfer admissions process works and share tips on how students can build their balanced college lists and perfect their application materials. Tune in here!

I’ve spent a lot of time over the past several years thinking about the answer to one (admittedly nerdy, very college counselor-y) question: If I could go to college all over again, which school would I choose? I attended a medium-sized research institution in a major city in the southern U.S. and had a very good experience.

Join IvyWise college admissions counselors Danielle and Kayon for a deep dive into Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs). They will share insights on what makes HBCUs unique and tips for students applying to these institutions. There will be a live Q&A session following the presentation, allowing attendees to have their questions answered directly by IvyWise experts.

Students must weigh many considerations when compiling their list of best-fit colleges, including application fees. Many universities include a fee that prospective students must pay when submitting their applications unless the student qualifies for fee waivers.

When it comes to helping your student craft their college list, fit is the most important decision factor. This is especially true when your child has a disability and needs extra support and accommodations to be successful in college.

You have so many factors to consider during your college search. Students are thinking about everything from, “does this school offer the major I want to pursue?” to “will there be pick-up games of Ultimate frisbee on the quad?” Not to mention the cost of tuition, how far away from home campus will be, the selectivity and reputation of the school, and even how the size of the campus will impact all their priorities.

It’s important to dream big when planning for your future, but college bound students also need to dream smart when it comes to their college lists. A list too heavy on “reach” schools leads to an unbalanced college list and a greater chance of students being left with few offers of admission come decision day.

College rankings are often the first exposure that many students have to the concept of a “college list.” It’s easy to become familiar with a few “name brand” schools after seeing them at the top of a list, but what does that number actually mean? And should college rankings play a part in your college list research?

In 2013, a Pennsylvania high school student named Suzy Lee Weiss wrote an op-ed piece in the Wall Street Journal about not being admitted to the Ivy League colleges of her dreams. The article drew national controversy over the unrealistic expectations of college admissions offices and the role of diversity in building an incoming class at the most prestigious universities. “I offer about as much diversity as a saltine cracker,” she wrote, satirically.

One of the most important aspects of the college admissions process is identifying the schools that are good academic and social fits for you. To ensure that you are applying to a balanced list of reach, target, and likely schools where you will be happy and successful, extensively research each school before adding it to your list. In addition to helping you narrow down your choices now, down the road this research will also enable you to personalize your applications and communicate to an admissions committee why you want to attend that school. To aid you in your college search, the expert counselors at IvyWise have compiled the following tips on how to research a college effectively.