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Career-First College Search

Find your perfect
college match

Tell us where you're headed — we'll show you how to get there.

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Weighted GPA includes AP/Honors bonus points
More Preferences
👨‍🏫 Professor Quality 5
🛏️ Dorm Quality 5
🎉 Student Life 5
🍻 Party Scene 5
🔒 Campus Safety 5
🍕 Dining / Food 5
💼 Career Placement 5
📖 Class Sizes 5
🌸 Campus Beauty 5
🌍 Diversity 5
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Your Matches

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How It Works

What do Safety, Match & Reach mean?

✓ Safety
Your GPA is above the school's average. You have a strong chance of getting in. These schools are your backups — still great options, just more likely to say yes.
⬡ Match
Your GPA is right in line with the school's average. You're a competitive applicant. Most students should apply to 3–5 match schools.
↑ Reach
The school's average GPA is higher than yours. Admission is less certain, but not impossible — especially with strong essays, activities, or test scores. Dream big!

Understanding Your GPA

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GPA is measured on a 4.0 scale. An A = 4.0, B = 3.0, C = 2.0. Some schools use a weighted scale (up to 5.0) for AP/Honors classes.
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Most colleges want to see at least a 3.0 unweighted GPA. Selective schools typically want 3.7+.
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An upward trend matters — getting better grades each year shows growth, even if your overall GPA isn't perfect.
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GPA is just one factor. Strong essays, recommendations, extracurriculars, and test scores can all help compensate.

SAT vs. ACT — Which Should You Take?

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The SAT is scored 400–1600. It focuses on reading, writing, and math. Most strong applicants score above 1200.
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The ACT is scored 1–36. It covers English, math, reading, and science. A score above 24 is considered good; 30+ is competitive for selective schools.
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You can convert: ACT 24 ≈ SAT 1160 | ACT 28 ≈ SAT 1310 | ACT 32 ≈ SAT 1450 | ACT 36 ≈ SAT 1600.
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Many schools are now test-optional — meaning you don't have to submit a score if it doesn't help your application.

How to Build a Smart College List

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Aim for a balanced list: 2–3 safety schools, 3–5 match schools, and 2–3 reach schools.
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Consider the net price (after financial aid), not just sticker price. Public in-state schools are often the best value.
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Think about graduation rates and career outcomes — not just rankings. A school that places well in your field matters most.
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Try to visit campuses if you can — the vibe and culture of a school is something no ranking can capture.
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Watch out for deadlines: Early Decision (ED) is binding, Early Action (EA) is not. Regular Decision is usually January 1st.

College Admissions Glossary

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Early Decision (ED): You apply early (Nov) and commit to attend if accepted. Binding.
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Early Action (EA): You apply early but aren't committed to attending. Non-binding.
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Regular Decision (RD): Standard application deadline, usually Jan 1. Hear back in March/April.
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Rolling Admissions: Applications reviewed as they come in. Apply early for best chances.
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FAFSA: Free Application for Federal Student Aid. File every year to qualify for grants and loans.
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Merit Aid: Scholarships based on academic/extracurricular achievement — not financial need.
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Need-Based Aid: Financial help based on your family's income and assets.
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Demonstrated Interest: Some schools track if you visit, email, or attend info sessions — it can help!
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Common App: A single application used by 900+ colleges. Write your essays once, apply to many.
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Waitlist: You're not admitted yet, but may be offered a spot if others decline. Worth staying on.
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Gap Year: Taking a year off between high school and college. Many top schools defer enrollment.
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Transfer Admissions: Applying to a 4-year school after starting at a community college or another university.

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