How Our Matching
Algorithm Works
We use admissions research and multi-factor scoring to help you understand where you stand at thousands of universities—and build a balanced college list.
Comprehensive Data
What We Know About
Each University
Our database doesn't just list universities—we maintain 25+ data points per institution, updated annually from official sources including Common Data Sets, IPEDS, and institutional research offices.
Admission Statistics
- 5-year admission rate trends
- Early vs. regular decision rates
- Yield rates by applicant profile
- Waitlist conversion statistics
Academic Profile Data
- Middle 50% GPA ranges (weighted/unweighted)
- SAT/ACT middle 50% by section
- % submitting test scores
- Class rank distribution
Financial Information
- Tuition & fees breakdown
- Average merit aid by profile
- Net price by income bracket
- % receiving need-based aid
Program-Specific Data
- Major-specific admission rates
- Program ranking indicators
- Research opportunities
- Graduate school placement
Campus & Culture
- Student body demographics
- Campus size & setting
- Student satisfaction scores
- Retention & graduation rates
Institutional Priorities
- Demonstrated interest importance
- Legacy/athlete considerations
- Geographic diversity goals
- Test-optional policy details
Six Dimensions of Analysis
The Science Behind
Your Match Score
Our algorithm evaluates your profile across six key dimensions, weighted according to admissions research on what matters most to colleges.
Academic Performance
We analyze both weighted and unweighted GPA, contextualizing your performance within your school's grading scale and comparing against each university's admitted student profile.
Standardized Testing
SAT and ACT scores evaluated against each school's middle 50% range. Superscoring supported.
Course Rigor
AP, IB, and honors courses evaluated in context of what's available at your school.
Extracurriculars
Quality over quantity. Leadership roles, commitment depth, and impact weighted.
Awards & Recognition
National, state, and regional honors tiered by selectivity and relevance.
Demonstrated Interest
Campus visits, interviews, and early applications tracked per school.
Build a Balanced List
Understanding Your Match Categories
We classify schools into four categories to help you build a balanced college list with realistic expectations.
Safety Schools
Your academic profile significantly exceeds the typical admitted student. High probability of acceptance with potential merit aid.
Target Schools
Your profile aligns well with admitted students. Solid chance of admission with a strong application.
Reach Schools
Your profile is slightly below average for admitted students, but strong essays and demonstrated interest can make the difference.
Far Reach Schools
Highly selective admissions. Worth applying if you have a compelling story, but include plenty of targets and safeties.
Beyond Borders
Global University
Matching
Applying from outside the US? We convert international credentials—IB, A-Levels, and more— so you can see how your profile compares against US and UK university requirements.
North America
Primary coverage
- Common App & Coalition tracking
- ED/EA/RD deadline intelligence
- Canadian OUAC support
United Kingdom
A-Levels & UCAS support
- UCAS tariff point conversion
- A-Level/IB grade requirements
- Oxbridge interview likelihood
Continental Europe
IB & Abitur support
- Bologna system compatibility
- English-taught program filter
- Tuition-free options highlighted
Asia Pacific
CBSE & regional systems
- Singapore, HK, Australia focus
- International student quotas
- Visa pathway information
Built for International Students
Whether you're applying from overseas or looking to study abroad, we handle the complexity.
Transparency Built In
Confidence Indicators
Not all predictions are created equal. Our confidence system tells you how reliable each match score is based on the data you've provided.
Complete profile with GPA, test scores, activities, and courses. Our most accurate predictions.
Key metrics available but some areas incomplete. Good estimates with room for refinement.
Limited data available. Complete your profile for more accurate match predictions.
Graceful Degradation
Even with incomplete data, our algorithm provides useful insights. When information is missing, we:
- Redistribute weight to available factors
- Adjust confidence levels accordingly
- Suggest which data would most improve accuracy
- Never penalize you for test-optional applications
Under the Hood
Why "Just SAT Scores"
Isn't Enough
A 1500 SAT doesn't mean the same thing at every school. Our algorithm understands context, institutional priorities, and the holistic nature of modern admissions.
What Simple Calculators Get Wrong
Most college match tools use a basic formula: if your GPA is above X and your SAT is above Y, you're a "match." This ignores decades of admissions research showing that context matters more than raw numbers.
- A 3.8 at a competitive magnet school ≠ 3.8 elsewhere
- Test-optional shifts how other factors are weighted
- Institutional priorities vary by year and cohort
- Demonstrated interest can swing decisions 20%+
Our Multi-Factor Approach
We model admissions the way admissions officers actually make decisions—considering the full picture across six key dimensions, using research-validated weights, and comparing your profile against each school's admitted student data.
Weighted Multi-Factor Scoring
Instead of binary "match/no match," we calculate scores across six dimensions. Your match score combines academic metrics, activities, and institutional fit to give you a comprehensive admission likelihood.
Match Score = weighted combination of GPA, test scores, activities, course rigor, awards, and demonstrated interestResearch-Based Factor Weighting
Our weights are informed by NACAC surveys and admissions research. We know GPA matters more than test scores, and that demonstrated interest can make a real difference at many schools.
Demonstrated Interest Tracking
We track which schools consider demonstrated interest in admissions decisions. For those that do, we factor in campus visits, interviews, and early applications to adjust your match score.
International Credential Conversion
We convert international qualifications—IB scores, A-Levels, German Abitur, French Bac, and Indian CBSE— into comparable metrics so you can be matched against US and UK university requirements.
Our Foundation
Built on Research, Not Guesswork
Our methodology synthesizes findings from leading admissions research to ensure our predictions reflect how decisions are actually made.
Studies from NACAC, College Board, and peer-reviewed journals on admissions factor weighting.
Published guidance from deans of admission on what they prioritize in applications.
Historical Common Data Set information and admission statistics from universities.
Key Research Informing Our Model
Our factor weights are informed by published admissions research and NACAC survey data, reflecting how admissions officers report prioritizing different application components.
Ready to find your best-fit schools?
Complete your profile and get personalized match scores for thousands of universities. It's free to start.