Find the Right Fit

Here are some questions to consider when choosing a college. Take the Printable Form with you when you visit the College Counselor. 

Size 

The size of a university can affect class sizes, access to a variety of majors, research opportunities, and personal experience. Think about the settings in which you typically thrive...will the student population of your college/university be important to you?

Type of School

Are you interested in a public or private institution? For what kind of degree (and experience) are you looking? Identifying this characteristic will help you narrow down your choices.

Academics

Are you still trying to figure out your major of interest? Perhaps a college or university with lots of options is best. Know for sure that you want to study something specific? You can shorten your list by seeking out schools that offer that degree.

Student Life

Interested in Greek life? Are you interested in athletics? Do you want a school with a fantastic outdoor recreational or extracurricular theatre program? Do some research to make sure your life outside the classroom will be satisfying.

Setting

What is your ideal college campus? Is it in or near a city? Does it need to be close to wilderness and nature? How close or far away would you like to be from home? Never underestimate the importance of location in terms of your own interests and needs.

Director of College Counseling Rob Lamb led a professional roundtable discussion at the 2019 Association of College Counselors in Independent Schools (ACCIS) Conference on finding the right fit.