The College Search: Finding Your Perfect Match

Much has been written about the college search and finding the “perfect” college, including the importance of tangible factors like location, size, academic atmosphere, and campus culture. While we will explore each of these elements, it is also important to frame the conversation about “fit.” The wonderful thing about having so many colleges to choose from (approximately 3,000 four-year colleges in the US alone) is that you could find yourself happy at a number of them.

When you think about your college match, you should be thinking about a place that challenges you academically, encourages you to grow socially, and makes you feel supported in community.

Each of these factors can mean different things to an individual. Challenging academics for one person could mean a variety of courses and research options in their field. For another student, it could be an honors college at a public university, or even still a school that provides proper support for a student with learning differences. Social growth can also be seen in different ways, from attending a college far from home, to exposing yourself to different opinions, or deepening your interests through new extra curriculars. Finally, community is probably the most nebulous idea of the three. Some students want an atmosphere where they can attend Division 1 sports that embrace school spirit, others want a more intimate environment where they can connect with professors in small classes. Some students are simply searching for a place that embraces their unique interests after feeling that was lacking in high school. We are lucky to have so many options in the college search process, and the key is to define what YOU are looking for and narrow down your search from there.

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THE COLLEGE SEARCH: ACADEMICS

When considering academics in your college search, most people think about school selectivity. However, so much more goes into a good academic fit. Of course, you will want to find out if a school offers your major or area of interest, but we encourage you to dive deeper. What courses are offered? What are the professors researching? Are their opportunities for undergraduate research? If so, when can you begin?

You will also want to think about the classroom atmosphere. What are the average class sizes? Is it difficult to get into courses in your first and second year? Do professors or teaching assistants teach introductory courses? All of these are important components to the academic experience at a school.

Finally, explore the specialized options at each college you are researching. Do they have a required core curriculum or distribution requirements? Can you study abroad, participate in a co-op, or take courses at nearby colleges? Finally, if you are looking for a specialized curriculum in an area like business, engineering, architecture, or support with learning differences, what kind of programs does each school provide?

THE COLLEGE SEARCH: PERSONAL GROWTH

While it sounds basic, there are many practical logistics to consider when exploring college fit. Distance from home, size of the school, setting (urban, rural, enclosed campus, etc.), and religious affiliation are all factors to consider when determining if a college is a good fit for you. Additionally, if you identify as a woman or BIPOC student, you may want to look at all women’s colleges or Historically Black Colleges or Universities (HBCU) that offer a nurturing environment for students who have been historically excluded from higher education.

Begin to think about how you envision your days at college. Do you want to be involved in arts or music? Are intramural sports your passion? Do you want to debate politics and engage with local policy? Or would you prefer to volunteer in organizations that serve the local community? Once you begin to consider how you plan to be involved while in college, you can search each school you are considering to see what kinds of clubs and activities they offer in those areas.

THE COLLEGE SEARCH: CULTURE

Campus culture can often be boiled down to the “vibe” you get from the school. Is it relaxed, competitive, liberal, conservative, artsy, diverse, or athletic? Try to determine what atmosphere you would like during your college experience and begin looking at schools that mirror your taste.

You may also explore the weekend life at each college you are considering. If you are traveling far from home to attend college and you will be staying on campus each weekend, it would be important to find out if most students do the same. Another social consideration is Greek life. Some schools offer fraternities and sororities, and it would be wise to determine how much of the social life is determined by these groups. Regardless of your social preference, you will want to make sure that the college you attend offers you those options.

KEEPING AN OPEN MIND

While there are many factors to consider when determining your “perfect” college, remember to prioritize the ones that mean the most to you and not get bogged down in the details. For every highly selective school that “ticks all your boxes,” bear in mind that there are several other less selective schools that will also fulfill your image of a “perfect” college. Remember that this school will be your home for the next four years, a time of great personal growth, and propel you successfully into your next ventures!

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Nellie Brennan Hall

Senior Private Counselor at Top Tier Admissions

Nellie has spent her entire career in teaching, admissions, and counseling. As Associate Director of Admission at Brown University, she spent nearly a decade recruiting and evaluating applicants. In her role as chair of selection committees, Nellie made executive decisions on applicants and also served as a central member of the athletics committee. Armed with a nuanced view of the review process in highly selective institutions, Nellie moved into college counseling at independent schools, helping students craft essays and guiding them through every stage of the college search and application processNellie’s students have gained admission to the top schools in the country, among them Harvard, Yale, Brown, Dartmouth, Columbia, UPenn, Northwestern, Duke, Johns Hopkins, Georgetown, Amherst, and Middlebury. Nellie graduated from Harvard and holds an M.Ed. from Notre Dame in Secondary Education and an Ed.M. from Harvard in Higher Education, where she was awarded the Pforzheimer Fellowship.

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