Hi,

I am in process of shortlisting colleges, however I am facing significant amount of problem in deciding the parameters to shortlist (Lets assume i have a good score and a good chance of making it to all the colleges, open to both 1 and 2 yr courses)

Background
- Like everyone esle in this world, i want to make it to a Ivy league college
- Currently, i am thinking of majoring in finance, but u never know, the focus might change after i join a particular colleges, so shortlisting on basis of finance is bit of a problem
- Objective - I significant push in my career (a long term perspective)

I have tried to divide the colleges into 3 categories
- Ivy league (Harvard, stanford, kellogs and the likes)
- Very good schools (Darden, Michigan, Haas etc)
- Good schools (Mcommbs, Kelley, UNC etc)

Now coming to the problem - I be extremely happy if i make to any of the Ivy and very good colleges - but the problem is the list is too long (~20) to apply to all the above mentioned colleges

For instance - i cant differntiate between a Chicago or a Columbia, or between a Ross and a Haas. Both colleges are equally good, with few difference here and there. But i cant seem to idenity parameters based on which, i can narrow down the list. Few things, which i have considered so far

- Eliminate colleges, with less number of seats and very low acceptance rate. For example Stanford and Haas
- Although, i would like to major in finance, but i would like to avoid colleges, which have major focus on Quant skills. For instance a MIT (I am not aware of many names, which can come in this list, let me know, if you people are aware of colleges, which lay or have quant as a major part of the curicullam)

In addition, it would be great, if you guys could help me out on some shortlisting parameters or mention few sources, which help in the shortlisting process

Thanks,
SM