Use this worksheet for a 5 to 15 minute first pass. Entries are temporary and are not saved when you leave or reload. Copy or print your work before leaving. Keep personal identifiers outside this worksheet.
A college's Common Data Set (CDS) can replace impressions with reported evidence. Keep the reporting year and the population beside every number. A CDS does not calculate an individual student's admission chance. If you are the student, record the source evidence; if you are a parent, review the findings with your student.
The Common Data Set initiative defines common data items and cohorts. Find each college's own file on its institutional research or official site. The latest available years can differ between colleges.
Identify the file before comparing numbers
Use the file's section labels and definitions. A search snippet may omit whether a figure describes applicants, admitted students, or enrolled students.
Record one evidence row for each question
Write "not found" when the file does not answer a question. A source page or section reference will let you revisit it later.
Interpret one number before using it
Suppose a college reports a test-score range for enrolled students who submitted scores, and your score is near its middle. It resembles scores in that reported group. It does not establish your admission probability, describe students who did not submit scores, or settle the current testing rule. An institution-wide rate may also hide differences among programs.
Check the intended major's admission route and the college's current testing policy on the responsible office's site.
Turn a gap into the next research action
Use the college research template for broader fit comparison. Keep this worksheet as the evidence layer.
For help interpreting college data alongside a student's goals and choices, discuss the research with IvyReady. A data table is not an admissions prediction.