The College List Builder: A Step-by-Step Organizer
A step-by-step guide to creating a college list that aligns with what matters most to you.
With thousands of colleges to choose from, where should your teen apply? Many students feel overwhelmed or end up applying only to schools they’ve heard of—without considering what truly makes a college a good fit. Build It takes the guesswork out of the process, walking students through each step of crafting a balanced college list tailored to their goals, priorities, and strengths.
This clear, student-friendly guide helps teens:
✔ Identify their college must-haves (beyond rankings and prestige)
✔ Research schools with confidence and evaluate fit across academics, campus life, and finances
✔ Avoid common mistakes that lead to unrealistic or unbalanced college lists
✔ Create a final list that supports both their ambitions and well-being
By following this guide, students will gain the clarity and confidence they need to apply to schools where they’ll thrive.
Part of the Get It Write College Compass series—your go-to DIY resources for navigating the college admissions process with clarity and strategy.
Hundreds of students have successfully used the steps outlined in this workbook to create their balanced list of best-fit colleges.
“Thanks to your guidance and the Build It guide, I researched and narrowed down my best-fit schools, ultimately securing 13 offers of admission at my top schools and more than $1.5 million in scholarship money. As a Trustee Scholar at USC with full tuition covered, I can study biomechanical engineering on my way to becoming a doctor. I couldn’t have done it without you!.”
—Dominic, USC student
A step-by-step guide to creating a college list that aligns with what matters most to you.
With thousands of colleges to choose from, where should your teen apply? Many students feel overwhelmed or end up applying only to schools they’ve heard of—without considering what truly makes a college a good fit. Build It takes the guesswork out of the process, walking students through each step of crafting a balanced college list tailored to their goals, priorities, and strengths.
This clear, student-friendly guide helps teens:
✔ Identify their college must-haves (beyond rankings and prestige)
✔ Research schools with confidence and evaluate fit across academics, campus life, and finances
✔ Avoid common mistakes that lead to unrealistic or unbalanced college lists
✔ Create a final list that supports both their ambitions and well-being
By following this guide, students will gain the clarity and confidence they need to apply to schools where they’ll thrive.
Part of the Get It Write College Compass series—your go-to DIY resources for navigating the college admissions process with clarity and strategy.
Hundreds of students have successfully used the steps outlined in this workbook to create their balanced list of best-fit colleges.
“Thanks to your guidance and the Build It guide, I researched and narrowed down my best-fit schools, ultimately securing 13 offers of admission at my top schools and more than $1.5 million in scholarship money. As a Trustee Scholar at USC with full tuition covered, I can study biomechanical engineering on my way to becoming a doctor. I couldn’t have done it without you!.”
—Dominic, USC student
A step-by-step guide to creating a college list that aligns with what matters most to you.
With thousands of colleges to choose from, where should your teen apply? Many students feel overwhelmed or end up applying only to schools they’ve heard of—without considering what truly makes a college a good fit. Build It takes the guesswork out of the process, walking students through each step of crafting a balanced college list tailored to their goals, priorities, and strengths.
This clear, student-friendly guide helps teens:
✔ Identify their college must-haves (beyond rankings and prestige)
✔ Research schools with confidence and evaluate fit across academics, campus life, and finances
✔ Avoid common mistakes that lead to unrealistic or unbalanced college lists
✔ Create a final list that supports both their ambitions and well-being
By following this guide, students will gain the clarity and confidence they need to apply to schools where they’ll thrive.
Part of the Get It Write College Compass series—your go-to DIY resources for navigating the college admissions process with clarity and strategy.
Hundreds of students have successfully used the steps outlined in this workbook to create their balanced list of best-fit colleges.
“Thanks to your guidance and the Build It guide, I researched and narrowed down my best-fit schools, ultimately securing 13 offers of admission at my top schools and more than $1.5 million in scholarship money. As a Trustee Scholar at USC with full tuition covered, I can study biomechanical engineering on my way to becoming a doctor. I couldn’t have done it without you!.”
—Dominic, USC student