In the pursuit of a successful academic and professional career, it's crucial to choose your university wisely. Contrary to popular belief, it's not always about the campus life, location, or size, but more about the ranking of the school and the strength of its alumni network, particularly within your desired major. Think long-term, your degree is meant to set you up for a 20+ year life.

Academic Excellence:

Begin your journey by identifying the universities with top-ranked programs in your field of interest. The quality of a school's program can significantly impact your learning experience, job prospects, and future opportunities. Researching university rankings in your major can help you understand where the school stands in terms of academic excellence and reputation.

Alumni Network:

An often underestimated aspect of a university's value is its alumni network. A robust and active alumni network can open doors to internships, job opportunities, mentorship, and industry connections. This network can also offer valuable insights into the industry you're preparing to enter, giving you an edge over others.

The Three Key Categories:

After extensive research, pick three schools:

• Primary School: This should be a high-ranking university with a powerful alumni network. It's the school you aspire to attend and believe will provide the best opportunities for your academic and career ambitions.
• Backup School: This should also be a well-ranked university with a substantial alumni network. While it's your second choice, it's still a school you'd be content attending, and that aligns well with your future goals.
• TAG (Transfer Admission Guarantee) School: This is a university that offers a Transfer Admission Guarantee program. By meeting specific criteria, your admission can be assured. This school acts as your safety net, ensuring you have a secure place to continue your studies. However, don’t do tag if they don’t have your major.

Bear in mind, there's no one-size-fits-all approach in picking universities. The best school for you is one that aligns with your academic and career aspirations. Make sure to conduct thorough research and choose universities that will propel you towards your academic and professional goals.