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START College Planning as EARLY aS freshman year
START College Planning as EARLY aS freshman year
Course Selection: Build a Strong Academic Foundation
Colleges carefully evaluate both the courses you take and the rigor of your curriculum. In fact, these factors are often among the top three considerations in admissions decisions. The more you challenge yourself academically, the more college options you may have.
What Counts as Rigor?
Colleges value courses that demonstrate academic challenge, including:
Honors classes
Advanced Placement (AP) courses
AICE (Advanced International Certificate of Education)
International Baccalaureate (IB) programs
Dual Enrollment (college courses taken in high school)
Earn College Credit While in High School
Get a head start on college by earning credits before you even graduate! This can save you time and money while making you a more competitive applicant. College credit can be earned through:
AP, AICE, and IB exams
CLEP (College-Level Examination Program) tests
Dual Enrollment programs
Master Time Management
Breaking big tasks into smaller, manageable steps can make high school—and college planning—less overwhelming. Developing strong time management skills early will help you balance coursework, extracurricular activities, and college applications effectively.
Stay Organized
Keeping track of your academic achievements and extracurricular involvement is crucial for a smooth college application process. Having everything in one place makes filling out applications easier and less stressful! Every College Map Mentor client receives our exclusive Academic Organizer to record:
Courses & grades
Awards, certifications, and accolades
Community service & leadership roles
Club & sports participation
Work experience and internships
Research Colleges: Find the Best Fit for YOU
Choosing the right college is a major life decision! Many students focus too much on rankings and not enough on personal fit, leading to dissatisfaction—even at top schools. When researching colleges, consider factors such as:
Location (urban, suburban, or rural?)
Majors & academic programs
Campus culture & student life
Financial aid & scholarships
Internship & career opportunities
Visit our College Planning Steps 1-4 pages (see below) to guide you in selecting the best-fit college for you.
Explore Colleges in Person
Attend college fairs to connect with admissions representatives.
Schedule campus visits to experience student life firsthand.
College Not in Your Future? Explore Other Paths!
College isn’t the right choice for everyone—and that’s okay! There are many rewarding and lucrative careers that don’t require a traditional four-year degree. Consider exploring alternate paths:
Trade schools (electricians, plumbers, HVAC technicians, etc.)
Apprenticeships in skilled industries
Military service with education benefits
Entrepreneurship & business opportunities
CHOOSING A MAJOR
CHOOSING A MAJOR
Selecting a college major is a significant decision that can shape your future career and financial stability. Students should consider their passions, job opportunities, and potential earnings when making this choice.
A well-chosen major can open doors to the workforce, leading to a fulfilling career and a stable income. Since this decision has long-term implications, it’s important to approach it thoughtfully.
Before committing to a major, consider key factors such as program costs, salary expectations, and employment rates in your chosen field. Additionally, reflect on your personality, interests, and both personal and professional goals. Taking a career assessment can provide valuable insight into potential career paths (see below).
If you're interested in STEM careers, check out this fun reference table on employment by major occupational groups in 2021 and projected growth by 2031. Click here for more details.
CAREER ASSESSMENTS
CAREER ASSESSMENTS
FREE
60 questions
Gives results based on preparation choices.
Can print/share
FREE
60 questions from O*Net
Gives results based on preparation choices.
Can print/share/save
Career Finder by College Board
FREE
60 questions from O*Net
Gives results based on preparation choices
Can print/share
If signed into CollegeBoard account, can use SAT/AP score data to help
FREE
60 questions from O*Net
Gives career matches & offers match with degree offered at PBSC
FREE
Career, personality & other traits.
Career & degree results
Can share/save
CRACKING THE CODE: WHAT COLLEGES REALLY WANT
CRACKING THE CODE: WHAT COLLEGES REALLY WANT
Getting accepted into your dream college can feel like deciphering a complex code. Every institution seems to have its own unique set of rules and preferences, leaving many applicants wondering, "What do they really want?" While there's no magic formula, understanding the key factors colleges prioritize can significantly improve your chances of admission.
Luckily, much of this information isn't hidden away. Every college has its own criteria for evaluating applicants, spanning from academic rigor to personal background. The key is to know where to find it.
Unlocking the Common Data Set:
Your secret weapon in navigating the college application maze is the Common Data Set (CDS). Think of it as a cheat sheet, providing a standardized overview of each college's admissions process, application statistics, and academic profile of incoming students.
To find a college's CDS, simply Google "[Name of College] Common Data Set." For example, "UCLA Common Data Set." This will usually lead you to a downloadable document (typically a PDF) that the college publishes annually based on its most recent applicant cycle.
Inside, you'll find a treasure trove of information, including:
Application Statistics: The number of applicants and the number accepted, giving you an understanding of the college's selectivity.
Important Factors in Admission: A detailed listing of factors the college considers, ranked by importance. This is crucial for tailoring your application.
Academic Profile of Enrolled Students: Average GPA, SAT, and ACT scores of the incoming class, providing a benchmark for your own academic standing.
And much more! The CDS offers a comprehensive look at the college's admissions process.
Beyond Raw Numbers: Decoding the Factors:
While specific criteria vary, some factors consistently hold weight in college admissions. These generally include:
Academic Rigor: The difficulty level of your high school courses. Colleges want to see that you've challenged yourself with honors, AP, or IB classes.
GPA: Your grade point average is a solid indicator of your academic performance.
First-Generation Student Status: Colleges often give extra consideration to students who are the first in their family to attend college.
SAT/ACT Scores: Standardized test scores remain a factor, although some colleges are now test-optional or test-blind.
Evolving Priorities: Trends in College Admissions:
While the fundamental importance of academic performance remains constant, the relative weight of certain factors has shifted over time. According to recent data, some notable trends have emerged:
Grades in all courses vs. Grades in college prep courses: Colleges increasingly emphasize your overall GPA, showcasing consistent academic performance, rather than solely focusing on grades in college preparatory courses.
Declining Importance of Class Rank: Class rank has significantly decreased in importance over the past decade, suggesting colleges are placing less emphasis on a student's standing within their high school.
Interviews: Interviews are also decreasing in importance, many schools don't offer them or consider them a minor consideration.
Take Control of Your Application:
Understanding what colleges value empowers you to present your best self in your application. By utilizing the Common Data Set and recognizing broader trends in admissions, you can tailor your application to highlight your strengths and demonstrate your fit with the specific institutions you're targeting. Remember, knowledge is power – and in the world of college admissions, it can make all the difference.
steps to choosING a college
steps to choosING a college
College Map Mentor encourages all of our clients to shoot for the moon. We educate our clients and help them to have a healthy and realistic set of expectations of potential admission chances based on their grades, course rigor, and other factors. We encourage a balanced college list to encompass: safety, target, and reach schools.
We balance the "If you don't apply, you 100% will not get accepted" with "You may not be accepted at 100% of the schools you apply to." We firmly believe every student will ultimately end up at the right college for them, and there are many paths to get to the same end game.
Follow the below steps to assist you in creating a balanced college list and helping you to finalize it.
COLLEGE COST CALCULATOR
COLLEGE COST CALCULATOR
Use this college cost calculator when you receive financial aid award letters to compare the aid you receive and determine your estimated college costs and balance due at each prospective college.
You may use the calculator to determine the cost of each college you get an acceptance letter from and to help you make the choice for which college to attend.
Final costs for your selected college will be determined at the time your bill is issued, typically in June or July.
Use this calculator every year to get an estimate of your annual college costs.
Make sure to review the Paying for College page.
Updated: 2/27/2025
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