**US College database for international students**
Demonstrated Interest: what it is and why it matters
Making a college list is one of the first and most important steps in the application process. The number of colleges and composition of this list will vary from person to person, but every applicant should apply to a mix of reach schools, match schools, and safety schools. The average college list consists of 10-15 colleges.
It is not advisable at all to apply exclusively to reach schools like MIT, Stanford, and the Ivies. That said, there are many, many excellent schools in the US besides these colleges that you can apply to.
Since college search is a time-intensive process, you should start looking into colleges whenever you're reading this and keep a record of information you come across. Besides helping you keep track, this will later be useful in writing supplemental essays and in interviews.
Reading college websites thoroughly is a must. Website FAQs often contain important information about their policies and the opportunities they offer, which can vastly differ from college to college. These sites also have search options which can help you find something specific you're looking for.
Newsletters: Almost all colleges have a newsletter which you can subscribe to on their website. This will keep you up-to-date on your colleges of interest and often reveal useful opportunities and information about the college.
College information sessions: Colleges frequently host information sessions in which they discuss different aspects of their college. Most of these are interactive, so you can directly ask college representatives or admissions officers any specific questions you might have. You will also find recorded sessions on YouTube and college websites.
Common Data Sets: The common data set is a document disclosed by many colleges that details essentially every aspect of the school. This includes what the school prioritizes in first year applicants. You can find these on the web.
Social media and podcasts: All colleges are on social media and some host podcasts that you can refer to. College subreddits are noteworthy because besides college administrators, many students, alumni, and prospective applicants also participate.
