It’s a Match! Rethinking the College Search

“College is a match to be made, not a prize to be won.” The origin of this quote has a bit of mystique; however, it has been attributed to Ms. Martha McConnell, the former Executive Director of Colleges That Change Lives. No matter the origin, it is a quote that embodies what the college process should be focused on. 

Today, in the competitive landscape of college admissions, the focus is often on rankings, brand name, or perceived reputation. We focus on what sounds good to share at a party, or a family luncheon; what we can proudly wear on a t-shirt or sweatshirt; or even display on our coffee mugs, water bottles, or the decals on our cars. In the end, far too often, many of us look at college as a prize to be won. This approach may create a sense of euphoria and even a bit of superiority to present the appearance of winning, but is that the goal of the college process?

I would argue no, but as a professional in this field for nearly two decades, this is what I have seen become the center of the college process. A hyperfixation on acceptance to a university simply because of its name and perceived reputation, while a lack of focus on whether this “good college” is the best fit for me. Why does fit matter? Think about it: if adults went through life making transformative decisions without first determining whether it was a good fit for them. For example, think about purchasing a home just based upon the neighborhood, think about planning a wedding solely because of the venue, better yet, buying a car based upon name alone and not researching to see if the neighborhood has a strong school system, if the wedding venue matches your wedding vision, or if the car meets your family's needs? This sounds like a terrible plan, right? Then why would we allow students who are applying to college to do this? Your student is selecting a place to call home for the next four years. Yes, they can transfer, but honestly, transferring is hard. So why not try to get it right the first time and focus on finding the best-fit colleges to apply to?

Academic Fit
Does this college offer the type of teaching and learning experiences I need to be a successful student? 

Personal Fit
Do the college’s values align with what I value? Does this college offer programs that I want to engage with? 

Financial Fit
Can our family afford this college? 

These are all questions to think about to determine fit in your college search. If you are curious about what else to consider when it comes to fit, please reach out - I would love to connect. Remembering what is important will help your student create a personalized list of colleges that make sense to them and ultimately land at a college that will become home for the next four years.