Download Our Free 'Evaluation Matrix' Tool

Here’s a tool to help evaluate and strengthen options

How to ‘Matrix’:

Choose 3 - 7 criteria to rate your options against, phrased as “Will it…” “Is it…” or “Does it…” Write these across the top.

Write your options down the left side

Create a rating scale: “A – F” or “great – terrible” (Avoid using numbers—they tempt people to total them and draw erroneous conclusions)

Working down each column, evaluate each option against one criteria at a time

When the matrix is complete, review it and decide which options should move forward and/or how to strengthen option(s) that scored low

When to ‘Matrix’

To measure options against specific criteria

To pick the best and identify improvements

Reviewing this list, we might look at the options and either

Determine how to improve the ability to spend time with family if you went to Davidson

Determine if there’s a way to make State more affordable

Try to make sure that University College has sufficient expertise given the choice of majors