College Decision Lab
A weighted decision tool with transparent math, teaching prompts, and PDF export.
Formula shown on the UI
Final Score = Σ (Normalized Weight × Criterion Score), where Normalized Weight = Raw Weight ÷ Sum of All Raw Weights.
Teaching Panel
This section explains the model so the user learns while deciding.
How weights work
Weights express importance. If one criterion matters twice as much as another, give it about twice the raw weight. The app normalizes the weights for you.
How scoring works
Each school gets a score on each criterion, usually from 1 to 10. Higher means better on that specific criterion.
What the total means
The final score is a weighted average. It reflects your priorities, not a universal truth. Change the weights and the ranking may change.
Why scenario testing matters
Run the tool under more than one scenario. A school that wins only under one narrow set of assumptions may be less robust than one that stays near the top across scenarios.
Criteria and Weights
Use any positive numbers. The app normalizes them automatically.
0.147
0.132
0.147
0.132
0.118
0.118
0.103
0.103
Why normalized weights matter
The raw values express preference. Normalization turns them into proportions that sum to 1.000.
Example
If Academic Fit = 8, Cost = 4, and Internship Access = 8, the total raw weight is 20.
Normalized weights become 0.400, 0.200, and 0.400.
Current total raw weight
68