Many students approach the college application process with the belief that more is better when it comes to sending in applications. The thought is that more applications means a better chance of being accepted. They often begin this process by examining factors like location and size, and then they compile a large list of schools.

A smarter way to apply, however, is to filter your list of colleges by such criteria as average test score and GPA and then determine which schools are an ideal match based upon your personal data. Here is a guide for applying to colleges using this method.

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1. Assess your academic data: The majority of the time, you should only apply to schools where your high school GPA falls in the above-average or average number for incoming freshmen. The same is true for standardized test scores like the SAT.

Ensure your data is in line with those students who are typically admitted to the colleges in question. Take advantage of websites like the College Board or the College Compass version of U.S. News that allow you to filter institutions by specific ACT and SAT scores. You might also consider factors like your class rank and how it relates to the relative prestige of your high school.

Think about how often students from your high school or similar schools receive acceptances from the colleges that interest you. If it is rare, you likely need to be at or near the top of your class.

Finally, reflect on how challenging your schedule of classes was in high school. This determines how your GPA compares with those of other applicants, since not all GPAs are created equal.

One student I worked with in the past, for instance, applied to and was accepted at a number of top-tier schools despite what was, on its face, an unremarkable GPA. One reason for his success was likely because he had taken an extremely rigorous class schedule at a secondary school that is widely recognized for academic excellence.

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2. Recognize that you are more than just a series of numbers: Rely on your data as an initial filter, but remember that you have other attributes to offer as well. If you held leadership positions or won awards for your extracurricular participation in high school, share these details in your application.

Think about a unique life story that you will be able to effectively convey in your essay, and about other areas you excel in, such as music or athletics, that can compensate for a small weakness in GPA or test scores. Such experiences and skills can increase the power of your college applications.

[ Narrow down your college search with life and career goals.]

3. Consider your personal preferences: Your personal preferences should only come into play after you have built a list of appropriate colleges.

Even within the group of colleges that match your data, you will find wide variations when it comes to attributes like location, size, cost and academic programs. A tool like Parchment can help you streamline your research. Simply enter the attributes you desire in a program, like a major in biology or a school in Boston.

4. Divide, evaluate and apply: Divide the schools you plan to apply to into three categories based on your likelihood of acceptance: reach schools, 50-50 schools and safety schools.

Include a healthy mixture of all three and remember to consider every possible factor when assigning colleges to categories. Schools that may otherwise be reach schools can turn into toss-ups or safety schools if their programs match your interests and strengths.

Applying to college is never easy, but following these steps may simplify the process. Use your data to filter out schools where you may have zero chance of being admitted, and limit your reaches to two or three.

Be honest with yourself — it is better than wasting your time and money on applications that may be unsuccessful.

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Leverage Your Individual Data to Find a College Match originally appeared on usnews.com