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How to Build a College List That Actually Fits Your Kid
- futurefindersllc
- Feb 20
- 2 min read
If you’ve ever stood in the cereal aisle trying to pick the right box while your kid insists they need the one with the cartoon character on it, you already understand what it’s like to build a college list.
There are way too many options, some of them are just marketing gimmicks, and choosing the wrong one could cost you a ridiculous amount of money.
And yet, building a solid college list is one of the most important steps in this whole process. Get it right, and your teen will have great options with the right financial fit. Get it wrong, and they could end up stuck with rejections, unaffordable schools, or a terrible campus experience. No pressure, right?
The 3 Pillars of a Smart College List
Here’s what you need to keep in mind when helping your teen choose where to apply:
1️⃣ Academic Fit
Not every “good” school is a good school for your kid. (Shocking, I know.) A college list needs to match their academic strengths and future goals.
If they’re a high-achieving student, applying only to Ivy League and ultra-competitive schools is risky.
If they thrive in small classes, a huge state school might be overwhelming.
If they have a specific major in mind, some schools will prepare them way better than others.
💡 Secret #1: I have a method for identifying “hidden gem” colleges—schools that are perfect for a student’s interests but often overlooked. I cover this in my course!
2️⃣ Financial Fit
This is the mistake that way too many families make—falling in love with a school before figuring out if it makes financial sense.
Never assume the sticker price is what you’ll actually pay.
Know which schools give strong merit aid (many do, some don’t).
Consider financial safety schools (colleges that will definitely be affordable).
💡 Secret #2: There’s a way to predict which schools will give your kid money—without waiting for financial aid letters. Want to know how? I teach it in my course.
3️⃣ Campus & Social Fit
Your teen is going to live here for four years. They need to actually like it.
Some key things to consider:
✅ Big city vs. small town?
✅ Huge campus vs. small college feel?
✅ Hands-on learning vs. traditional lectures?
✅ Opportunities for internships and networking?
💡 Secret #3: There are key questions to ask on college visits that will immediately reveal whether a school is the right fit. I go through these in detail in my course!
What’s Next?
A great college list isn’t just about applying to “good” schools—it’s about applying to the right schools. That means:
✅ A balance of reach, target, and safety schools.
✅ A mix of academic, financial, and social fit.
✅ A strategy that maximizes acceptance & scholarships.
This is exactly what I help families do in my course, “College Admissions for Overwhelmed Parents.” I take you through the step-by-step process of building a smart, strategic college list that fits your teen and your budget.
🎯 Want in? Get 50% off the course by signing up here → https://forms.gle/aM8oz7g8YAde7x9aA
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