A few weeks ago, Forbes featured an article focusing on what questions to think about before beginning a college search. The article examines the core of what a student should consider at the beginning of a college search – big picture questions — which often tend to be overlooked:

“Do you want to go to college? Why? What do you want from your educational experience?”[1]

As important as it is to dig deep into the foundational reasons for wanting to attend college, the self-reflection shouldn’t end there. Once you have determined that college is the right next step, it’s equally important to unpack the ways in which a college may or may not fit.

What is fit? Fit refers to how well a school matches the person you are and who you want to become. It refers to everything from the academics available to student organizations to location to diversity.

Here some areas to take into consideration when evaluating college fit:

Academic Fit

This is the starting point of most college searches. It doesn’t matter how amazing a school may be; if it doesn’t offer what you want to study, it’s not a fit. But there is more to academic fit than just checking if a school has your major. Most colleges offer biology programs, but on a closer look, their focuses can be very different, ranging from marine biology and ecology to molecular and biochemistry. Does the department at a given school focus on your interests?

Beyond the available majors, what is the learning environment like? Are there rigid requirements for your intended major, or are you able to create your own and explore? Are your first year classes held in a lecture hall with 200+ other students or do they meet in small, intimate classrooms? Consider the environment where you think you will be the most successful.

Academic Resources

Available academic resources at colleges can vary greatly. A school may have free tutoring, writing centers, academic advisors or mentoring. It may offer an honors program that provides additional academic opportunities and support. Brainstorm what resources would be helpful for your academic success—keeping in mind that almost everyone faces some sort of academic hurdle in college!

Geographic Location

How far away do you want to be? Do you want to be able to get home by car or are you comfortable being a plane-ride away? If you’ve grown up in a city, what does a rural campus feel like? If you are from a small town, does a city center feel exciting or overwhelming? Geographic location can also extend to culture. If you come from the South, would you be okay with no access to sweet tea 9 months out of the year? If you are from the coast, would you feel comfortable landlocked?

Weather

For students who have never lived in snow, the middle of winter in upstate New York can be a wake-up call, no matter how excited you were on that first day of snowfall. Students who are used to seasons are often surprised by how much they miss seeing the leaves change. Have you experienced weather in other climates? How does the weather impact your mood or your focus?

Housing

What type of housing does the school offer? Is it co-ed or single-sex? Are there rules associated with the housing? Is housing guaranteed all four years? If not, where do most students tend to live? Some schools have specific substance-free housing, or themed dorms. What type of home best fits you?

Diversity

Diversity in college doesn’t simply refer to ethnic diversity, though this is often a large part of the conversation. Diversity also refers to economic diversity, geographic diversity, political diversity, diversity in academic interest, and so on. When you are thinking about the diversity represented in a student body, think about how easily you’ll be able to find people who you can relate to. Additionally, consider if there will be also be people who have different perspectives than yours and how that can add to your experience.

Student Organizations & Sports

If you are interested in playing a sport, making sure a school offers that specific sport is obvious. But there are many other activities beyond sports that add to your daily life and your college experience. Are there activities that excite you? Academic clubs or research labs that catch your eye? There’s no shortage of things to do on a college campus (there’s even Quidditch!), but make sure your passions are represented.

Additional Resources

If you have a physical disability or a learning difference, it’s very important to investigate how a college will accommodate you. Not all colleges are equally good at providing resources for all types of students. Look into what’s available and if there is an associated cost before making the decision to apply.

Financial Aid and Merit Opportunities

Finding a financial fit is just as important as an academic one. Have an honest conversation with your family so that everyone is on the same page about what you can afford. If you know that financial aid will be a pivotal part of your decision, look for schools that meet 100% of demonstrated financial need and/or schools that do not include loans in their financial aid offers (meaning that the financial aid package is only comprised of grants and scholarships!). Also, consider in-state public options and colleges that are generous with merit aid. While a sticker price tag shouldn’t deter you from applying to a school that’s a great fit (you never know what aid you will receive), you do want to make sure that you will have options that fit your financial situation.

Seem like a lot to consider? It is, but don’t fret. Just ask questions. Your school counselor, college admissions officers, current students, alumni – they are all happy to help you navigate fit.

If you’d like more information on fit tailored specifically to you and your interests, don’t hesitate to reach out to our counselors here at Mosaic College Prep! We’d be happy to help.

[1]https://www.forbes.com/sites/brennanbarnard/2018/05/21/ask-these-questions-before-starting-the-college-search/#64fba48767cd