1. Define what “fit” really means
2. Clarify your admissions profile
3. Use reach, target, and likely correctly
4. Build and refine your longlist
5. Evaluate academic and career alignment
6. Check the financial reality
7. Visit and engage strategically
8. Narrow to a final list
9. Plan your application rounds
10. Keep your list flexible but disciplined
11. Put it all together
12. Next steps