What is a "college fit"?

When you think about your dream college, what type of qualities do you think of? Do you want to attend a large university with 30,000+ students or would you prefer to attend a small university with 2,000 students? Do you want to live in a large urban city or a small rural town? Do you care about the amount of diversity on campus? Do you care if you attend a commuter campus or a campus where more students live on campus? 

These are only a few important questions you should ask yourself when thinking about a college fit. A “college fit” is a college or university where a student feels like they belong. Oftentimes, a student will apply or attend a certain college or university based on the advice of a family member or due to its reputation. However, it is way more important for a student to find a great college fit so that you will increase their likelihood of graduating from the college or university. 

Below are some questions you should ask when thinking about a great college fit for you:

• What is the university’s mission?
• How many students attend this university?
• What is the student-to-faculty ratio at the university?
• How many students enroll and graduate from this university?
• Does this university offer my desired major? Is my desired major impacted?
• How much diversity is at the university?
• Does this university have a strong support system for:
  • First-generation students
  • Students of color
  • LGBTQ+ students
  • Students from different religious backgrounds
  • International students
  • Undocumented students
• Does the university offer a great financial aid package for my family’s current financial situation?
• Is the university a commuter campus or do most students live in on-campus housing?
• Is the surrounding city of the university have a lot of activities that I am interested in? Do I feel comfortable living in the community?
• Can I bring a car to campus? If not, is there a good public transportation system?
• Are there opportunities for me to get involved in student organizations on campus?
• How far away do I want to live from my family? 
• During the holidays, am I okay with not spending all of them with my family if I live further away?
• Do I want to study abroad? What do the study abroad opportunities look like at this university?
• Are there internship opportunities for my desired major on campus or in the surrounding community?

Remember: A great college fit for your best friend or sibling may not be the best college fit for you. Also, a prestigious name of a university doesn’t mean it’s the best fit for you. Happy College Searching Season!