JMAC

Happy Mother’s Day to everyone who is also on this journey ✨

Junior winter and spring are when many students begin building their “college list.” Too often, though, that process starts in the wrong place—prioritizing name recognition and prestige instead of self-reflection. A more effective approach begins with deeper questions: In what social, academic, cultural, and geographic environments do I actually thrive? What do I need in place to feel supported, successful, and well? On which campuses would I feel grounded not only on my best days, but also on my hardest ones?⁠
At its core, the college search is about belonging. Finding the right schools requires intention, honesty, and time—time to reflect, research, and imagine where a student can truly grow across all areas of college life and beyond.⁠
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The research included in this post is from Jeffrey Selingo's Dream School.