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.

Letters of recommendation, especially those from your junior year teachers, are a key component of your college applications. Colleges recognize that your teachers spend significant time with you and, therefore, trust them to provide a candid picture of who you are as a scholar and a person.

In an increasingly global environment, international relations is becoming more relevant and popular as a course of study at colleges throughout the U.S. If you dream of being a United Nations ambassador, a volunteer for the Peace Corps, or maybe even the President of the United States, the expert counselors at IvyWise have compiled a list of schools where you can get a global perspective on cross-cultural interactions.

There are a number of reasons why students may want to transfer to a different school after their first year. Maybe they decided to change their major but their current school doesn’t offer it. Or perhaps the hustle and bustle of an urban campus turned out to be more stressful than a student originally thought. Whatever the reason, whether it’s campus life, academics, or just the overall atmosphere of the school, it’s important to take some time to reflect on why you may want to transfer schools.

We all know that grades and test scores are key factors in college admissions, but activities outside of the classroom are also very important. Schools are looking to build a class of specialists, so it’s important to hone in on a few interests you’re really passionate about and develop them.

Having grown up with the Harry Potter books and films, many students want to attend a campus that is reminiscent of what they have read or seen in author J.K. Rowling’s fantastical world. From my campus visits and speaking with my team of counselors at IvyWise, we have identified five American universities that, due to their physical appearance, residential community, academic rigor, extracurricular opportunities, and unique traditions, would make Hogwarts proud.

Seniors are finally graduating, and very soon some will attend colleges with alumni networks that are stronger than those of other schools. Throughout my time in college admissions, though, I’ve noticed a few colleges where graduates really go above and beyond to help one another out — an undoubtedly useful quality when students need help getting a foot in the door. Please note that these institutions are listed alphabetically, rather than by rank:

While it is disappointing not to have an acceptance in hand, a deferral does not mean that you’re out of the admissions race! In fact, a deferral should be considered a second chance to highlight your strengths and what you have accomplished during your senior year.

In 2006, Kenyon College’s Dean of Admissions, Jennifer Delahunty Britz, wrote a New York Times editorial apologizing “To All the Girls I’ve Rejected” — those female Kenyon applicants who were denied admission in favor of valuable male applicants.

Despite the current economy, a business education is still a hot commodity—and if you’ve found yourself glued to MarketWatch.com, thinking about how to launch your great business idea, or wowed by the impact of Twitter and Facebook on customer service, you might want to consider a school with an undergraduate business program.