With college admissions decisions looming, it’s time for parents and teens alike to shift focus from just “getting in” to finding the right fit for a transformative college experience. Beyond the headlines, it’s crucial to prioritize a place where your teen will truly thrive. But where to begin? Here are some essential questions to consider:
Financial Sustainability: Can we comfortably manage the expenses for the entirety of their college journey, including unforeseen circumstances that might extend it?
Academic Pressure: Is our financial support contingent upon an impossibly high GPA, potentially jeopardizing their mental well-being?
Adaptability: Will the college environment accommodate changes in their academic or extracurricular interests without compromising their happiness?
Extracurricular Opportunities: If their interests or athletic pursuits shift, will they still find fulfillment and engagement within the college community?
Social Considerations: Is their desire to attend this college tied solely to a specific friendship or relationship that might evolve?
Intellectual Stimulation: Will the college environment challenge them to explore new perspectives and engage with diverse viewpoints?
Personal Commitment: Are they prepared to invest themselves fully in seizing the opportunities available at this college?
To build on these questions, I’ll share a practical approach to college selection that’s anchored in an acronym to help you focus on college fit. It is FACTS:
Financial: Ensure that the college’s cost aligns with your family’s financial capabilities and long-term plans.
Academic: Look for programs and resources that support your teen’s academic interests and potential career paths.
Career: Evaluate the college’s track record in preparing students for post-graduation success, including internships, job placement, and alumni networks.
Timeline: Consider the duration of the academic programs offered and how it fits with your teen’s goals and aspirations.
Social Fit: Assess the college’s campus culture, extracurricular opportunities, and support services to ensure a well-rounded college experience that’s mindful of personal wellness.
Remember, finding the right college isn’t just about prestige or acceptance rates. You, of course, dream about more than a fleeting sense of pride when you place a college sticker on your car — your teen’s college choice is about finding a place where they can grow, thrive, and become the best version of themselves. By asking the right questions and considering the FACTS, you can help your high-achieving teen embark on a fulfilling college journey.
Fitz has dedicated the entirety of his 28 year career to encouraging higher education opportunities. He worked in the Vanderbilt, Duke Law and St. Lawrence admissions offices prior to serving as an enrollment management consultant for 200+ selective colleges around the country. He created Find The Right College to make trustworthy college counseling more accessible. Fitz is also the father of two teens so he also understands first-hand the challenges associated with a college search.
