Is Google Good Enough to Create a College List?

Written By Sara Kunkle

If you’ve ever typed “best colleges for psychology” or “top schools in the South” into Google, you’re not alone. Google has basically become the first step in everything, including figuring out where to spend the next four years of your life.

But here’s the question:
Is Google good enough to build a smart, personalized college list?

Spoiler alert: kind of… but not really.

Let’s talk about where Google helps, where it misleads, and how to build a list that actually fits your goals, budget, and life.

What Google Gets Right

Google can be a great starting point. You can:

  • Discover schools you’ve never heard of

  • Compare acceptance rates and SAT/ACT ranges

  • Peek at student reviews

  • Find niche programs (shoutout to Equine Business Management)

  • Access school websites quickly

If you want a broad overview, it’s fast and easy.

But building a good college list takes more than just clicking on “U.S. News Top 20” or scanning Reddit threads.

Where Google Falls Short

1. It’s Not Personalized

Google doesn’t know your GPA, your financial aid needs, or whether you want a quiet campus or a spirited football culture.

You might end up with a list full of “prestigious” schools—but none that are actually right for you.

2. It’s Biased Toward Rankings

Spoiler: most “Top 10” lists are based on outdated or one-size-fits-all metrics. What’s “best” for one student might be totally wrong for someone else.

3. You Miss Financial Fit

Google rarely shows net price calculators, merit aid stats, or how generous a school is with need-based aid. That can lead to heartbreak when acceptance comes without the aid package.

4. You Overlook Hidden Gems

Amazing smaller colleges, honors programs at public universities, and regional schools with great outcomes? They’re usually buried under SEO-heavy giants.

What Makes a Great College List?

A smart college list includes a mix of:

  • Reach Schools: Slightly above your stats, worth the challenge

  • Fit Schools: Solid alignment with your academics and profile

  • Likely (Safety) Schools: Schools you’ll almost certainly get into—and would be happy attending

And it’s based on:

  • Academic goals

  • Career interests

  • Learning style

  • Campus culture

  • Financial affordability

  • Location and size preferences

Google won’t ask you about those. A great counselor (hi 👋) will.

How to Use Google the Right Way

✅ Use Google to:

  • Search for specific majors or programs

  • Read real student reviews on Niche and Reddit

  • Research location, size, and campus vibe

  • Find virtual tours and events

🚫 Don’t use Google to:

  • Copy someone else’s college list

  • Assume “top ranked” means “best fit”

  • Skip deeper research or campus visits

Final Thoughts from College Refocus

Google is a powerful tool—but it’s not a strategy.
Think of it like GPS: it gives you options, but you still need a destination. That’s where guidance, reflection, and expert support come in.

Your college list is your launchpad. It should be thoughtful, realistic, and tailored to you—not what the internet says is “best.”

Call to Action

Feeling stuck or overwhelmed by all the college options online?

📅 Schedule a College List Strategy Session with College Refocus and let’s build a list that matches your goals, your budget, and your vibe.

Forget guesswork. Let’s get intentional.

Sara Kunkle
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