Find the Fit!
The other day, I was returning (yet another) Amazon order to Whole Foods. I had ordered a much needed and great looking shirt only to find out that my build and stature is quite different from the brand model on the Amazon page. The style was right (preppy 80s throwback), the utility was right (warm and comfortable) but the fit was wrong.
For high school juniors, defining fit is job #1 this spring and the prelude to building a college list that aligns with your talents, strengths, and most importantly, your ambitions. For high school seniors, now is the time to revisit your drivers for applying to each school you received an “admit” decision and ensure that you have the information you need to make and celebrate your final decision.
For the students who I get the chance to work with, I talk a lot about “looking in” and “looking out” to determine the elements that matter most in the fit equation. We celebrate that fit is defined differently for every student and every family. Additionally, like trying on a new shirt, you might go through several cycles before the fit elements for you come into focus. Embrace that part of the journey and strive to ultimately identify multiple schools that fit.
To make this slightly less daunting, here are five buckets and some sample questions for you to take into consideration as you define your fit:
Academic
Do you want a school that allows you some time to explore subjects before declaring a major or do you want to get started right away in your planned field of study?
Are you a more effective learner when you can discuss ideas with your peers in seminar-style classes or are you better as a listener taking in material in larger lecture-style environments?
Financial
Can you afford the tuition and expenses without a debt burden and do you and your family deem the return on investment appropriate for your budget?
Does the school have resources to offer tuition discounts and merit scholarships?
Career
Are there substantial internship opportunities that allow you to get hands-on experience outside the classroom while building an experienced resume?
Are the alumni engaged in a manner where you leave with not only a degree, but a resourceful network to help you on your post-college pursuits?
Cultural
Does the campus provide you access and opportunity to get involved in activities that bring you joy and leverage your talents? (i.e. leadership, performing arts, volunteering, athletics, etc)
Is the social vibe of the campus aligned with your style and/or will the campus culture allow you to branch out and grow in ways you were limited in high school?
Setting
Is it important for you to be close to home or is it important for you to be far from home?
Do you want an experience where the campus is the hub of activity or where the city is the hub of activity?
For each of the above, there are easily a dozen other questions to ask, but hopefully these give you some starters to define for yourself. For juniors, you will want to find not one, but 8-10 schools that all fit you and your criteria so that you have a balanced list with a range of options that all excite you.
If you or someone you know could use support, coaching, or advising during this wildly wonderful time, please contact me directly at adam@maxcollegeadvising.com. I am an Independent Educational Consultant based in Boulder, working with students and families across the country. I was a former admission officer at Emory University and have an MBA in Marketing from the University of Texas. I am actively meeting with students in the Class of 2026 and 2027 who are looking for more personalized guidance and support throughout their college admission journey. You can find more information about my practice, credentials and philosophy at maxcollegeadvising.com.
