--- title: 8 Tips for Choosing Your Ideal College description: With so many college choices, where should high school students begin in the decision-making process to define their future? image: https://blog.mtparanschool.com/hubfs/HS%20college%20facesCROPLR-1419.jpg --- [Skip To Main Content](https://blog.mtparanschool.com/8-tips-for-choosing-your-ideal-college#fsPageContent) ## Custom Class: header-utility-outer ## Custom Class: header-utility-bar ## Custom Class: menu-toggle-container ## Custom Class: utility-bar-links - [Tour](https://www.mtparanschool.com/admission/tour) - [News](https://www.mtparanschool.com/news-and-events) - [Give](https://www.mtparanschool.com/support-mpcs/annual-fund) ## Custom Class: hp-utility-est EST. 1976 ## Custom Class: utility-shield-icon shield\_divider.png ![](https://blog.mtparanschool.com/hubfs/finalsite_assets/c1qytvpcecnqjrq3jmik.webp) ## Navigation - [Tour](https://www.mtparanschool.com/admission/tour) - [News](https://www.mtparanschool.com/news-and-events) - 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[Weekly Word](https://www.mtparanschool.com/news-and-events) - [Calendar](https://www.mtparanschool.com/news-and-events/calendar) - [In the Media](https://www.mtparanschool.com/news-and-events/in-the-media) - ["From The Mount" Podcast(opens in new window/tab)](https://info.mtparanschool.com/fromthemount) - ["WingTips" Blog(opens in new window/tab)](https://blog.mtparanschool.com/) - ["Wingspan" Magazine](https://www.mtparanschool.com/news-and-events/wingspan-magazine) ## In This Section Expand Collapse In This Section Navigation - [Weekly Word](https://mtparanschool.com/news-and-events) - [Calendar](https://mtparanschool.com/news-and-events/calendar) - [In the Media](https://mtparanschool.com/news-and-events/in-the-media) - ["From The Mount" Podcast(opens in new window/tab)](https://info.mtparanschool.com/fromthemount) - ["WingTips" Blog(opens in new window/tab)](https://blog.mtparanschool.com/) - ["Wingspan" Magazine](https://mtparanschool.com/news-and-events/wingspan-magazine) # 8 Tips for Choosing Your Ideal College [DR. TRICI HOLMES](https://blog.mtparanschool.com/author/dr-trici-holmes) May 10, 2018, 1:34:18 PM Do you feel overwhelmed when it comes to making decisions about college? How do you know which school is the right fit? Is a big or small university environment best? And do you have enough credentials to get accepted? Based on an honest assessment of your strengths, special talents, and what you desire in a college, you should begin evaluating what schools you may have an interest in attending early in your high school career. Though applications aren’t required until senior year, planning ahead will help formulate these important choices. ![HS college facesCROPLR-1419](https://blog.mtparanschool.com/hs-fs/hubfs/HS%20college%20facesCROPLR-1419.jpg?width=2686&height=1198&name=HS%20college%20facesCROPLR-1419.jpg) ### Choosing Applications Wisely There are so many possible applications and so little time to send them. When deciding on which and/or how many colleges you should apply to during the summer and early fall of senior year, there are several important factors to consider. You can obtain a clear perspective on what you are looking for with these tips for choosing the college that’s right for you: **![hs college girldesk CropLR-4773](https://blog.mtparanschool.com/hs-fs/hubfs/hs%20college%20girldesk%20CropLR-4773.jpg?width=300&name=hs%20college%20girldesk%20CropLR-4773.jpg)** **TIP 1:**  **Review your academic path.** Evaluate your course load, GPA, and standardized test scores (SAT, ACT, and SAT subject tests).  **TIP 2:** **Research** **grade requirements.** Using guidebooks and websites, compare your achievements to the test and GPA range requirements of the colleges that are of interest. **TIP 3:** **Be realistic about location.** How far you are willing to travel from home? Weigh this against the school credentials, unique benefits, and living arrangements. **TIP 4:** **Evaluate tuition costs.** Compare the in-state vs. out-of-state costs and any scholarship advantages offered. **TIP 5:** **Contemplate scholarship opportunities.** Which schools might consider you eligible for merit scholarship consideration? MPCS offers a comprehensive list for our students in our college planning handbook. **TIP 6.** **Consider the academic rigor.** Do you prefer to be at the top, middle, or to be very comfortable academically at this college? Research the school’s culture and environment. **TIP 7:** **What environment suits you?** Could you thrive at a large school or do you need a smaller community? Do you enjoy the mountains or a city scene? **TIP 8:** **Think about your long-term goals.** Make sure your choice schools truly offer the program of study that will prepare you for your future career. Your top-choice school may not be the best fit so be sure that this educational investment gets you specialization on where you need to be upon earning your degree. Also, with the rising demand of specialized vocations, you may also consider applying to a trade school to learn required skills.   ![HS college LR-0198-982931-edited](https://blog.mtparanschool.com/hs-fs/hubfs/HS%20college%20LR-0198-982931-edited.jpg?width=2682&name=HS%20college%20LR-0198-982931-edited.jpg)   ### Apply to These Schools From experience in working with hundreds of seniors applying to their favorite schools, we strongly encouraged you to apply to a variety of colleges in these typical categories: - **SAFETY (very likely to be admitted):** A “safety” school is a college that you will almost certainly be accepted to based on test scores and high school grades that are well above the average admitted student. Have at least one “fiscal safety” college also — often an in-state public university. - **PROBABLE (mid-range or good/solid chance):** Apply to some “probable” colleges, especially if searching for scholarships or highly favorable financial packages. - **REACH (could be difficult to be accepted):** Do apply for some “reach” colleges. Remember, if you don’t apply, there is no chance for acceptance! ![hs collge 2boywalk LR-0857](https://blog.mtparanschool.com/hs-fs/hubfs/hs%20collge%202boywalk%20LR-0857.jpg?width=3600&height=1722&name=hs%20collge%202boywalk%20LR-0857.jpg) Do careful research and think reflectively about your options. This should yield applications to approximately 6-8 universities. There are exceptions, but the most important thing is to have a plan that includes a range of colleges in the application pool that aims for the best fit for your future. ![hs college yearbkLR-1377](https://blog.mtparanschool.com/hs-fs/hubfs/hs%20college%20yearbkLR-1377.jpg?width=280&height=322&name=hs%20college%20yearbkLR-1377.jpg) ### Ask For Help Guiding each student in the college exploration process is one way MPCS differentiates itself from many other schools. Counselors work with every family to plan student course loads and prepare for the college application process. Our goal is to ensure that you explore the path God has laid out for you, no matter how different that may look from student to student. The objective is to set you up for success in being accepted into the college program that is right for you.   *Dr. Trici Holmes serves as a the Director of College Counseling in high school, providing personal college-planning support for students at Mount Paran Christian School.* *[Click here](https://www.mtparanschool.com/page/academics/college-counseling) for information on the MPCS college counseling program.*   ---   **To learn more** about how challenging academics offered in the MPCS high school can lead you to acceptance to your college choice, please [click here.](https://info.mtparanschool.com/academicrigor)   - [christian school](https://blog.mtparanschool.com/topic/christian-school) - [mount paran](https://blog.mtparanschool.com/topic/mount-paran) - [mount paran christian school](https://blog.mtparanschool.com/topic/mount-paran-christian-school) - [high school](https://blog.mtparanschool.com/topic/high-school) - [rigorous academics](https://blog.mtparanschool.com/topic/rigorous-academics) - [middle school](https://blog.mtparanschool.com/topic/middle-school) - [christian values](https://blog.mtparanschool.com/topic/christian-values) - [academic rigor](https://blog.mtparanschool.com/topic/academic-rigor) - [innovation](https://blog.mtparanschool.com/topic/innovation) - [innovative education](https://blog.mtparanschool.com/topic/innovative-education) - [cobb county private school](https://blog.mtparanschool.com/topic/cobb-county-private-school) - [MPCS](https://blog.mtparanschool.com/topic/mpcs) - [marietta best high school](https://blog.mtparanschool.com/topic/marietta-best-high-school) - [study tips](https://blog.mtparanschool.com/topic/study-tips) - [college planning in middle school](https://blog.mtparanschool.com/topic/college-planning-in-middle-school) - [college counseling](https://blog.mtparanschool.com/topic/college-counseling) - [College planning blog series](https://blog.mtparanschool.com/topic/college-planning-blog-series) - [Atlanta private middle school](https://blog.mtparanschool.com/topic/atlanta-private-middle-school) - [college planning in high school](https://blog.mtparanschool.com/topic/college-planning-in-high-school) - [how to choose a college](https://blog.mtparanschool.com/topic/how-to-choose-a-college) - [tips to choose ideal college](https://blog.mtparanschool.com/topic/tips-to-choose-ideal-college) - [advanced high school courses](https://blog.mtparanschool.com/topic/advanced-high-school-courses) - [100% college acceptance](https://blog.mtparanschool.com/topic/100-college-acceptance) - [choosing which college](https://blog.mtparanschool.com/topic/choosing-which-college) - [AP classes in high school](https://blog.mtparanschool.com/topic/ap-classes-in-high-school) ![WingTips banner](https://blog.mtparanschool.com/hubfs/2023%20wingtips%20General%20Header.jpg) ## *WingTips* Welcome to *WingTips*, a Mount Paran Christian School Blog. The MPCS Blog features many independent school contributors and thought-leaders. ### Subscribe Here! --- ### Recent Posts --- #### Learn More About MPCS ### Recommended Series #### PRIVATE SCHOOL PRIMER: - [How School Choice Programs Increase Educational Opportunities for Families](https://blog.mtparanschool.com/how-school-choice-programs-increase-educational-opportunities-for-families) - [5 Tips for Making the Middle to High School Transition](https://blog.mtparanschool.com/5-tips-for-middle-to-high-school-transition) - [What Families Should Expect](https://blog.mtparanschool.com/from-the-teachers-desk-what-families-should-expect) - [2 Most Important Things to Consider When Choosing a Preschool](https://blog.mtparanschool.com/2-most-important-things-to-consider-when-choosing-a-preschool) - [4 Benefits of Choosing a K-12 School for Life](https://blog.mtparanschool.com/4-benefits-choosing-k12-independent-school) - [3 Reasons Why I Believe in Christian Schools](https://blog.mtparanschool.com/3-reasons-why-i-believe-in-christian-schools) - [7 Tips for Affording a Private School Education](https://blog.mtparanschool.com/7-tips-for-affording-a-private-school-education) - [4 Reasons We Chose Mount Paran Christian School](https://blog.mtparanschool.com/4-reasons-we-chose-mount-paran-christian-school) - [How to Choose the Best Private School for Your Family](https://blog.mtparanschool.com/how-to-choose-the-best-private-school-for-your-family) - [4 Methods to Meet Every Learner Where They Are](https://blog.mtparanschool.com/4-methods-to-meet-every-learner-where-they-are) #### PARENTEd. TALKS: - [Helping Students Boost Their Brain Capacity for Success](https://blog.mtparanschool.com/helping-students-boost-their-brain-capacity-for-success) - [Teaching Children Fiscal Responsibility](https://blog.mtparanschool.com/teaching-children-fiscal-responsibility) - [Tips for Parents to Help Teens Avoid Drugs and Alcohol](https://blog.mtparanschool.com/parented-tips-parents-help-teens-avoid-drugs-alcohol) - [Excelling in the Midst of Adversity](https://blog.mtparanschool.com/excelling-in-midst-of-adversity) - [3 Tips for Navigating the Hidden Dangers of Social Media](https://blog.mtparanschool.com/parented-3-tips-navigating-hidden-dangers-social-media) - [The Blessing of a B Minus](https://blog.mtparanschool.com/parented-wendy-mogel-blessing-of-a-b-minus) - [Real Talk for Moms](https://blog.mtparanschool.com/parented-real-talk-for-moms) #### COLLEGE SERIES: - [Finding the Right Fit - An Individualized Approach to College Counseling](https://blog.mtparanschool.com/finding-the-right-fit) - [ParentEd.: Here’s What You Need to Know About College Admissions](https://blog.mtparanschool.com/heres-what-you-need-to-know-about-college-admissions) - [To Save or Not to Save: 529 Plans are the Question](https://blog.mtparanschool.com/private-school-529) - [College Admissions: A Marathon, Not a Sprint](https://blog.mtparanschool.com/college-admissions-a-marathon-not-a-sprint) #### FROM THE TEACHER’S DESK: - [The Importance of Play](https://blog.mtparanschool.com/the-importance-of-play) - [What Families Should Expect](https://blog.mtparanschool.com/from-the-teachers-desk-what-families-should-expect) - [Play is Learning Through the Arts](https://blog.mtparanschool.com/play-is-learning-through-the-arts) - [4 Tips to Capture the Minds of Your Students](https://blog.mtparanschool.com/4-tips-to-capture-students-attention) #### CHRISTIAN LIFE: - [What is a Covenant School?](https://blog.mtparanschool.com/what-is-a-covenant-school) - [Seeing Through a New Lens: A Biblical Worldview](https://blog.mtparanschool.com/biblical-worldview) - [Faith and Intellect as One](https://blog.mtparanschool.com/faith-and-intellect-as-one) - [Philosophy of Belonging: 4 Tips for Fostering a Diverse Culture](https://blog.mtparanschool.com/4-tips-fostering-diverse-culture) - [Innovation in Education: Teaching Cultural Awareness](https://blog.mtparanschool.com/innovations-in-education-teaching-cultural-awareness) - [A Call to Brotherhood: Martin Luther King Jr.’s Wisdom for Today](https://blog.mtparanschool.com/call-to-brotherhood-mlk-wisdom-for-today) - [CommUNITY: How Do We Love One Another?](https://blog.mtparanschool.com/how-to-love-one-another) - [Campaign for CommUNITY](https://blog.mtparanschool.com/campaign-for-community) - [How to Raise Empathetic Children in Today’s Culture](https://blog.mtparanschool.com/how-to-raise-empathetic-children-in-todays-culture) - [Imageo Dei: Why Diversity Matters](https://blog.mtparanschool.com/imago-dei-why-diversity-matters) - [Praying for Their Future](https://blog.mtparanschool.com/praying-for-their-future) *Providing academic excellence in a Christ-centered environment, Mount Paran Christian School unites with home and church to prepare servant-leaders to honor God, love others, and walk in Truth.* shield\_divider.png ![](https://blog.mtparanschool.com/two_column_files/c1qytvpcecnqjrq3jmik.webp) best-of-cobb-footer.png [![Best of COBB Winner](https://blog.mtparanschool.com/two_column_files/ti9kmypqeyitndjq73rh.webp)](https://info.mtparanschool.com/best-private-school-in-cobb-county) #### Mount Paran Christian School 1275 Stanley Road NW Kennesaw, GA 30152 P: (470) 250-0008 [Google Maps](https://maps.app.goo.gl/GTD8r1s5SeQuPtGW6) - 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