This question is more important than any essay, interview, test score, GPA, research project, community service, etc.
We are all much more likely to be successful in environments where we thrive.
Here are 8 considerations students should take into account when exploring colleges:
- Academic Programs: Do they offer the majors (or flexibility) you’re interested in? What’s the advising support like?
- Size & Setting: Would you feel more at home on a big campus or in a small, close-knit community? Urban, rural, or suburban?
- Learning Style: Do you thrive in seminar-style classes, large lectures, or hands-on learning environments?
- Campus Culture: What are the values, traditions, and social life like? Can you see yourself in that environment?
- Support Services: Look for academic help, career guidance, mental health resources, and more.
- Diversity & Inclusion: Will you feel seen, supported, and safe?
- Opportunities Beyond the Classroom: Are there internships, research, or study abroad programs that excite you?
- Affordability & Financial Aid: Does the school offer strong aid or merit scholarships that make it realistic?
Fit goes beyond name recognition — it’s about finding a place where you can grow, contribute, and feel at home.
Helping students find their best-fit school is one of the most important parts of my work as there is real magic in knowing your college feels like home.