Each intake, we get thousands of queries about the right way to shortlist Universities! (really, thousands). Our inbox is usually filled with questions like:
❓How should I shortlist universities?
❓What criteria should I keep in mind when shortlisting?
❓How many universities should I shortlist?
❓Will aiming for only top universities help me?
If you’ve ever lost sleep over these, you’re not alone.
Shortlisting universities sounds simple—until you start doing it. One moment, you’re checking rankings. The next, you're deep into tuition fees, LinkedIn alumni stalking, and wondering if your dream school has good biryani. (Important, I know.)
But don’t worry—I called in an expert for this one.
Meet Ruchi Khanted, an admissions pro who has guided thousands(literally) of students in choosing the right universities. (And no, just chasing rankings isn’t the way to do it!)
Let’s break it down step by step.
What Actually Matters When Shortlisting Universities?
📚 Curriculum Fit – You’re committing 2 years to this. Make sure the program aligns with your career goals. Specializations can make all the difference!
💰 Cost of Education – Your dream school shouldn’t turn into a financial nightmare. Consider tuition, living costs, and whether the ROI makes sense.
👩🏫 Faculty & Research – Planning to dive into research? Some universities offer way better opportunities and funding than others.
🌎 Location & Lifestyle – You’ll be living here for years. Weather, city life, and job opportunities—these things add up!
💼 Career & Job Prospects – Do they offer on-campus placements? What’s the post-grad employment rate?
🏆 Ranking (But Not Just That!) – Course-specific rankings matter more than overall rankings. A top engineering school may not be as strong for business.
🌟 Acceptance Rate – Be realistic. I can't emphasize this enough but If a university admits 5% of applicants, have a Plan B.
🎭 Extracurriculars & Networking – Clubs, events, and networking groups matter more than you think. Your future job could depend on the people you meet here.
😅 Friends, Family & Weather (Yes, Really) – Moving across the world? Consider where you’ll feel comfortable and thrive academically.
How Many Universities Should You Apply To?
Ummm...Even though there’s no "correct" number, Ruchi recommends shortlisting 6-10 universities to balance your chances and budget.
Applying abroad can get expensive—with an average application fee of $100 per university. So, let’s apply smartly and avoid burning a hole in your wallet!
Follow This Shortlisting Template:
✅ Safe Universities: Where you meet most of the admission criteria.
Also known as: “I got this.”
✅ Target Universities: Where your profile is on par with admitted students.
Also known as: “Let’s focus on cracking this one.”
✅ Ambitious Universities: Your dream schools. Tough to get in, but worth trying!
Also known as: “You know what? Why not!”
A smart mix of these ensures higher chances of acceptance + scholarship opportunities.
My 2 Cents?
Not a counselor but these are my thoughts, 🔥 a top 50 uni admit with scholarship > an Ivy league admit.
🔥 The ‘perfect’ university doesn’t exist—only the ‘right’ one for YOU does. (Chasing rankings without considering fit = recipe for regret.)
🔥 ROI matters more than reputation. What’s the point of a fancy degree if you’re struggling to pay it off for a decade?
🔥 A strong alumni network > university ranking. Connections will get you jobs, rankings won’t.
🔥 If your dream university doesn’t offer funding, it’s time to dream smarter.
🔥 Don’t blindly follow where your seniors went. Your goals ≠ their goals.
🔥 A great internship can do more for your career than a university name on your resume.
🔥 Weather, city life, and cost of living matter more than you think. You’re not just studying there, you’re living there.
🔥 The right specialization at a lesser-known school > A big-name school with a generic degree.
🔥 Sometimes, the biggest L is getting into an Ivy and realizing it wasn’t worth it.
Too much truth? You know me eh.... told you guys from start—unfiltered. 😉
By now, you’ve got a clear strategy. But what about convincing your parents that not every university needs to be an Ivy League or an IIM equivalent? That’s a battle for another day. 😆
For now, build your list smartly, apply strategically, and remember—your future isn’t decided by rankings alone.
Need help finalizing your shortlist? Talk to Ruchi for a FREE profile evaluation!
👉 Click here to book your free call!
So, there you have it—a complete, no-BS guide to shortlisting universities.
Now go get started! 🎯
Jai
