Civilian College

Rank factors that are most important to you.

1. Low Tuition Cost 

2. Small Class Sizes 

3. City Location 

4. Reasonable Acceptance Rate 

Assign factors a percentage of importance to you.

1. Tuition Cost = 50% 

2. Class Sizes = 25%

3. Location = 15%

4. Acceptance Rate = 10%

Assign a scoring system based on your priorities.

1. Tuition Cost 

1 = Not Affordable, 3 = Expensive, 5 = Affordable 

2. Class Sizes 

1 = Large, 3 = Medium, 5 = Small 

3. Location 

1 = Rural, 3 = Small City, 5 = Large City 

4. Acceptance Rate 

1 = Highly Selective, 3 = Selective, 5 = Not Selective

Score colleges of interest against one another.

1. University of Kentucky

.50(5) + .25(1) + .15(3) + .10(5) = 3.7

2. Notre Dame University 

.50(3) + .25(5) + .15(1) + .10(3) = 3.2

3. Harvard University 

.50(1) + .25(5) + .15(3) + .10(1) = 2.3

4. University of Arizona 

.50(5) + .25(1) + .15(5) + .10(5) = 4.0

1. Safety Schools - High likelihood of acceptance.

2. Target Schools - Most likely will be accepted.

3. Reach Schools - Small likelihood of acceptance. 

Balance your applications between these types of colleges. Keep your options open. Play it safe while also aiming high.