Getting that fat envelope from the school of your dreams requires figuring out exactly which school that is — and that takes introspection and research, not extra supplemental essays.

So before you pore over information about class sizes, majors and male-to-female ratios, ask yourself: What are your values? What’s your learning style? Which classes do you enjoy? What makes you happy? What are your goals?

Keith Berman, president of Options for College, a counseling and consulting firm in New York, calls this the “collection phase.” He recommends making an activity list, journaling to put words to feelings you’ve never expressed, and talking to your guidance counselor, favorite teacher or parents about your interests and skills. You should also write a resume.

“The idea that there’s one magical fit for every student is a fairy tale,” says Jayne Fonash, guidance director at the Academy of Science in Sterling, Va. “There are several schools where you can be happy.”