When I was in high school, there were only two things I cared about when applying to college: size and location. Coming from a small, private school I wanted to go to a school where I could get lost in the crowd and always meet new people. I also wanted to stay in Texas because that’s where I was born and raised and I was afraid to branch out. I ended up graduating from a great school in Texas where I received a quality education, but I struggled academically and socially at times. While I do believe that part of the issue was due to my lack of self-advocacy skills, I also believe that my school was not a fit for me.
What is college fit? College fit is a school that meets your needs – academically, socially, and financially. Furthermore, the environment will foster your growth and personal development. There are so many factors to consider when examining fit: location, size, campus life, diversity, majors, campus resources, scholarships, financial aid, etc. What factors are important to you? What do you hope to get out of your college experience? These are are valid things to consider as you craft your college list. If I had known about the concept of college fit in high school, I would have been more intentional about the schools I applied to. I didn’t consider what kind of campus life I wanted to experience during college or if I would want to go to a liberal arts college vs research university. I didn’t push myself to learn about schools that I wasn’t familiar with or consider all of my academic interests.
Knowing yourself, your interests and strengths, and brainstorming what you want to get out of your college experience is beneficial while crafting your college list. Your college fit should also be encompassing of your college match (the school that aligns with your academic profile). While it’s true that we go to college to pursue an education that will help prepare us for future careers, it’s also a point in our lives where we will meet new people, build lifelong friendships, and gain a new perspective on life. Your fit will enhance your experience as you develop as a student.
Finding your college fit is an ongoing process. Your interests may change throughout high school or you may learn about colleges that you have never heard of before which is totally fine! Visit colleges with your family (many are offering virtual tours and meetings), speak with admissions counselors and current students, and attend college rep visits/college fairs at your high school. These are great opportunities for you to ask questions and gain more insight into what prospective colleges have to offer.
Having trouble getting started? I recommend looking at BigFuture. They have a robust college search engine to help students research their college fit: Finding Your College Fit | Getting Started with College Planning (collegeboard.org)
Remember, your path to college begins with you. Start early and be open to the process! You’ve got this.
College in Me 