Finding Your Fit
If you’ve started thinking about applying to college, you’ve no likely heard someone talk about the term “fit”. College representatives and college counselors talk about how you should find the school that’s a good “fit” for you. (Some even say that colleges are also looking for students who are a good “fit” for them.) “Fit” can feel like an incredibly nebulous term. But, I would argue, there can be a lot of ways to think about this idea of “fit”.
Academic Fit
Maybe the most obvious factor when deciding where to attend college is whether it offers the academic program or programs you’d like to pursue. Find out what the program is known for. For example, the USC Viterbi School of Engineering is known for its Viterbi+ philosophy, which encourages students to think beyond just what they’ll do at the engineering school. Also, do your research to find out what classes you’ll take for your major and/or minors, what professors are doing, etc. If you can, speak with a student ambassador about their experiences. If you’re unsure about what you want to pursue in college, make sure the school is flexible when it comes to applying to different programs once you’re there.
Cultural/Social Fit
Make sure the school you’re looking at is also a cultural or social fit. For example, is Greek Life a huge part of the experience (like at some southern schools) and is that something you are or aren’t looking for? Does the school have specific clubs or organizations you did in high school and that you want to continue to pursue once you’re there? Are club and intramural sports important to you? What about competitive athletics or school spirit? (If you’re looking for school spirit, USC might be a great fit for you!) Are there strong cultural communities, if that’s something you want to consider. Take the time to research the extracurricular offerings at a particular school. It might take a lot of time, but it’s well worth it.
Location Fit
What kind of location do you want to go to school in? A rural, suburban, or urban area? If you like peace and tranquility, maybe a rural or suburban school is a better fit. If you’re looking for access to certain internships and opportunities or like a quicker lifestyle, perhaps a city is better for you. Make sure you feel comfortable with the place your college or university resides in because it’s going to be a huge part of your experience there.
Heart Fit
Heart fit is probably the most common way people think about the notion of “fit”. Does the school tug at your heartstrings? Another way I hear it described is as the school’s “vibe”. It’s not uncommon for students to find that a school is a good heart fit after they’ve visited the school—which is why it’s so important to visit and tour schools (at least after you’ve been admitted), if you can. That way, you can assess whether you see yourself walking to classes, grabbing lunch with friends, or studying at the library like the students around you.
Financial Fit
One aspect of fit that students don’t think enough about, in my opinion, is financial fit. In other words, can you afford a particular school? Keep in mind that a school’s “advertised sticker price” should not deter you from applying there—because you don’t know what your financial aid package will look like or what scholarships you’ll receive. But, once you have your options all laid out on the table in April, think about what makes sense for your family. Sometimes, that might mean foregoing a little bit of that heart fit. But, if you’ve been thoughtful about where you’re applying, you’ll certainly find a place where you’ll thrive.
Remember that there are a lot of things to consider when applying to colleges, fit being one of them. Hopefully, you’ll find many schools that are a good fit for you in different ways.
Written by: Anne Aubert-Santelli, Associate Director – USC Office of Admission