Even now, in mid-November, it is not too late for high school seniors to add to their college lists. With most colleges using the Common App or similar standard application forms, the biggest challenge is staying organized and tweaking your essay to fit another school's question.
By now, your college list should display a range of colleges, with a few "safety" schools, some "likelies" and a few "reaches". What else do you need? College counselor Larry Dannenberg of College Solutions urges students to think outside the box, to equally consider applying to schools that are far from home as those nearby. The tuition at Midwestern schools, for example, is often as much as $10,000 less per year than at East Coast schools, and you may have a shot at a more prestigious college – or qualify for merit aid – based on the geographic diversity you bring to that school. And as Larry notes, two hours from home by plane is not much different from two hours by car.
Mark Speyer, senior College Advisor at Columbia Prep high school in New York, urges students to also apply to a "financial safety school." Especially in today's uncertain economy, a family's financial situation could change significantly in the nearly half-year between filing applications and sending in that deposit. Having an affordable school that you like on your list is smart.
Consider adding one more reach school: these days college admissions for even qualified candidates to the most competitive schools can resemble Vegas odds – but it just might be worth taking a chance. Adding another "likely" or "safety" school can give you a sense of security, and may increase your scholarship offerings. But remember: every school you apply to should be a school that you like and would be excited to attend, because that might just be the school you get into!
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