5 Essential Tips for Finding a College That’s a Perfect Fit

(co-authored with UniTru)

Choosing the right college is a life-changing decision. Whether you're looking for a small liberal arts school, a bustling city campus, or something in between, finding a place where you feel comfortable and can thrive academically is key. Here's a quick guide to help you discover a great-fit campus for your academic and personal journey.

1. Identify Your Academic and Career Goals

The first step in finding a great college is understanding what you want to achieve academically and professionally. Are you drawn to a specific major or field? Do you need a school with strong internship programs, research opportunities, or hands-on learning? Make sure the college you choose offers the resources, courses, and programs to help you succeed in your chosen path.

Start early and know that your criteria will change along the way. It’s rare to “feel ready” to start the college process, but starting well in advance will empower you to feel prepared later. As you research college websites, read through department pages, schedule college visits, and tour campuses, be sure to take notes about the features that you like and even factors that you find unappealing about colleges. These notes will guide you in refining what you ultimately want out of your college experience and provide valuable insight on how to best prepare for a career.

Pro Tip: Talk to your friend’s older siblings or family members who have studied different subjects and are pursuing different careers. This will give you a clear picture of what they offer and if it aligns with your goals.

2. Consider the Campus Size and Community

Size matters when it comes to college campuses. Some students thrive in large, bustling environments with endless extracurricular opportunities, while others prefer smaller, more intimate settings with closer student-faculty relationships. Additionally, consider the community atmosphere—do you want a close-knit campus where everyone knows each other, or do you prefer a bigger environment where you can meet new people every day?

While a larger school has more students on campus, some students feel lost in the crowd. A smaller college with fewer students can make it easier to develop close friendships. A common misconception is that larger schools offer more opportunities. Even smaller schools can offer 100+ clubs and organizations to join.

Pro Tip: Visit campuses in person or take virtual tours. You’ll get a feel for the campus vibe and see if it aligns with your expectations.

3. Evaluate the Location

Location plays a huge role in your overall college experience. Some students love the energy of a big city, while others feel at home in a quieter, more rural setting. Do you want a quintessential college town, an urban setting, or the feel of a residential neighborhood? Think about what type of environment will keep you motivated and focused during your studies.

Don’t forget to factor in proximity to home, cost of travel, amount of green space on or near campus, weather conditions, safety, and access to internships or employment opportunities that are relevant to you.

Pro Tip: Spend time researching the surrounding area of the colleges on your list. What activities, amenities, and opportunities exist off-campus? Talk to people who have done different things, and make sure the location supports your lifestyle and interests.

4. Check Out Student Life and Extracurriculars

College isn’t just about academics—it’s also about personal growth, making lifelong friends, and getting involved in activities you’re passionate about. Whether it’s athletics, arts, community service, or leadership opportunities, a robust student life can significantly enhance your college experience. Consider how important it is for you to be involved in clubs, sports, or Greek life when choosing a school. While researching the college’s website, thoroughly review their “Student Life” page to see how students engage with each other outside of class.

Another factor to consider that can impact campus life is whether the college is a commuter school or primarily residential. A commuter school means that most students live off-campus. This could influence the level of campus social activities offered or potentially make the campus setting more quiet after class and on weekends. For some, that sounds appealing; for others, it’s not and ideal atmosphere for their college experience. Ask yourself, “What is the college vibe I am looking for?” and then ask the right questions!

Pro Tip: Explore student organizations, social media, and event calendars of colleges you're considering. Connect with current members to see if the experience matches what's advertised, giving you a real sense of campus life.

5. Take Financial Aid and Scholarships into Account

Cost is a major factor in finding your best-fit college. While tuition can seem overwhelming, financial aid, scholarships, and grants can ease the burden. Make sure to research the financial aid packages of each college, and don’t forget to apply for scholarships outside of the schools themselves. Try using the Net Price Calculators on the college’s website to see how much financial aid is available to you.

Each college sets its own tuition and living costs. Depending on where you live, your in-state college may be affordable, but in other areas, a bordering state may offer a financial incentive to attend their school. Your college cost can also change based on the exact GPA and SAT or ACT score, which also varies from college to college. By researching a college’s financial aid and scholarships in advance, you can see which schools will ultimately be the best option for your student.

Pro Tip: Seek local or community scholarships that match your background and goals. Ask friends who’ve won scholarships for advice—this can greatly impact your financial planning.

Make a Game Plan

We don’t recommend relying on rankings or pre-generated lists when figuring out which colleges to apply to. By using the tips we gave you above, you can structure a successful research plan, empowering you to make a thoughtful choice about the schools that will truly be best for your child.

Remember that the best thing you can do is start this process early! It makes the process fun and enjoyable when you have time to contemplate your options rather than trying to figure everything out and make significant, expensive decisions at the last minute.

Pro Tip: Looking for support in this process? Conscious College Planning offers a suite of tools and resources to help you and your child find colleges that are a perfect fit, including a partnership with UniTru!

Discover Your Dream Campus with UniTru

UniTru connects you with real students currently attending your potential dream college! Offering personalized insights into their studies, personalities, activities, and campus vibe. Get honest perspectives through private, virtual Facetime-style tours and consultations!

Contact Jackie with Conscious College Planning to set up your personalized tour!

Jackie Postelnick - Founder & Coach

jackie@consciouscollegeplanning.com

(847) 254-9541