How do I build a college application strategy as a high school junior?

Start by narrowing colleges with four filters: academic fit, financial fit, personal fit, and admissions likelihood.

Academic fit means majors, class style, size, and opportunities you actually want. Financial fit means using each college’s net price calculator early so you know whether it is realistic before you get attached.

Then sort schools into rough categories. A reach is a school where admission is unlikely for most applicants, or where your grades and scores are below or around the school’s typical admitted range. A target is a school where your profile is solidly in range and you would be genuinely happy to attend. A likely school is one where your academic profile is clearly above the usual range and the cost also works.

The important part is that these labels are not just based on prestige. For very selective colleges, almost everyone should treat them as reaches, even with strong stats.

Build a spreadsheet with columns for major, size, location, cost, deadlines, testing policy, essay requirements, and notes from visits or research.