How to Use the Common Data Set to Pick Targets (2025)

The Common Data Set (CDS) is a school’s annual stats sheet. Used well, it helps you judge selectivity, plan your testing strategy, and spot merit or need-based aid signals. Follow this simple method to turn CDS pages into a balanced list of reaches, targets, and likelies.

What the CDS is (and where to find it fast)

• It’s a standardized report colleges publish each year (PDF or web) for researchers and families.
• Search trick: type [College Name] Common Data Set 2024–25 or site:.edu "Common Data Set". Check Institutional Research, Fact Book, or Admissions pages.
• If the newest year isn’t posted, use last year’s CDS and the school’s “first-year profile” page together.

The sections that actually matter

• Admissions (Section C) — applications, admits, enrolled; test policy; middle 50% SAT/ACT; GPA/class rank; and C7 “relative importance” of factors (rigor, GPA, essay, ECs, recommendations, talent, etc.).
• Financial Aid (Section H) — % with need, % of need met on average, average need-based grant, % receiving non-need (merit) awards, average merit amount.
• Student Body & Outcomes (Sections B & I) — size, retention, and graduation rates. These speak to fit and ROI.

10-minute workflow to label each college

1. Record three numbers: overall admit rate; SAT/ACT middle 50% (or GPA guidance); and whether testing is required/optional.
2. Note C7: circle what the school values most (rigor, GPA, essay, ECs, talent). This tells you where to spend time.
3. Glance at H: do they meet a high % of need? Do many students receive merit? This sets money expectations.

Simple rubric: reach, target, likely

• Likely: you’re near the 75th percentile (or well above GPA guidance) and overall admit rate ≳ 40%.
• Target: you sit in the middle 50% (or at campus median GPA) and admit rate ≈ 20–50%.
• Reach: you’re below the 25th percentile or admit rate ≲ 20% (treat ultra-selective programs as reaches for everyone).

Adjust for program. Direct-admit majors (CS, engineering, nursing, business) are often tighter than campus-wide rates.

Use C7 to aim your effort

• If rigor and GPA are “very important,” keep senior schedule strong and explain context (blocked APs, dual-enrollment).
• If essay is “important,” invest in drafts and clear impact stories.
• If talent/portfolio matters, prioritize polished work samples over extra generic activities.

Testing plan from the CDS (submit or hold?)

• Compare your score to the middle 50%. At/above the median → sending helps. Well below → consider test-optional.
• For math-heavy majors, weigh section scores (math) more than composite.
• EA tip: you can apply test-optional for EA and add scores for RD if they improve.

Read Section H to set budget expectations

• Need-based schools: high “% of need met” and strong average grants → great for high-need students.
• Merit-forward schools: high % receiving non-need aid and large average merit → good for middle-income merit hunters.
• Action: note scholarship priority dates; many merit awards require earlier apps than RD.

Major-level reality check (don’t get surprised)

• Confirm if the college admits direct to major or pre-major. Direct admits can be far more selective.
• Write down prerequisites (calc, lab sciences, auditions, portfolios) and plan your senior courses accordingly.

Copy this mini worksheet for each school

• Admit rate: ____% | Middle 50% SAT/ACT: ____ / ____ | Test policy: req / optional
• C7 top factors: __________________
• Section H (need met % / merit % / avg merit $): __________
• Major notes: direct admit? prerequisites? __________________
• Label: reach / target / likely | Round: EA / ED / RD

Build the list (safe mix for 2025)

• Pick 2–3 reaches you love and can afford if admitted.
• Pick 3–5 targets where your data fits the middle 50% and aid looks workable.
• Pick 2–3 likelies you’d be happy to attend (bank admits early with EA).

Bottom line

Use the CDS to replace guesswork with data: middle 50%, admit rate, C7 priorities, and Section H aid signals. Adjust for your major, label each school, and file early where merit and housing prioritize early applicants. That’s how you turn a PDF into a confident 2025 college list.