How SchoolScout works

Build your profile

Start by filling in your profile on the left panel of the Advisor. The more detail you provide, the better the analysis.

• GPA and test scores (SAT/ACT)
• Academic interests and intended major
• Extracurriculars, strengths, and goals
• Home state and family income range
• Any specific preferences — size, location, setting

Generate your college list

Click Generate report. SchoolScout analyses your profile and produces a personalised list of reach, match, and safety schools — each with a concise fit summary explaining why it made the cut.

Deep Dive any school

Each school card has a Deep Dive button. This runs a detailed analysis covering:

• Academic programs and faculty strengths
• Campus culture and student life
• How well the school fits your specific profile
• Admissions context and selectivity notes

Look up Aid & Scholarships

For each school, tap Aid & Scholarships to get an estimate of:

• Need-based aid packages and net price
• Merit scholarship opportunities
• Deadlines and application requirements for aid

Get engagement strategies

The How to Engage button gives you school-specific advice on how to strengthen your application:

• Essay angles and "Why this school" hooks
• Demonstrated interest tactics
• Campus visit and outreach recommendations
• Timeline and key dates

Save, share, and export

Once your report is ready:

• Save — store your report to come back to it later
• Share — generate a read-only link for parents, counselors, or friends
• PDF — print or save a clean version of your full report
• Duplicate — copy a saved report as a starting point for a new one

Explore the College Search

The Search page lets you browse 6,000+ colleges independently of the advisor. Filter by location, size, type, cost, and more. Each college page includes:

• Admissions stats, costs, and financial aid data
• Academic programs and degrees offered
• Recent news and YouTube videos
• Interactive campus map
• Link to the official College Scorecard