<p>This is a very important aspect of college choice and am trying hard to help my D find a good "culture" fit. I think it can be hard to determine before you are actually there--but you should talk to a lot of people who have been there recently as well as when you visit and what they all keep coming back to is the '"dominant culture". Some types seem to be: leftish intellectual, artsy-dance, theatre oriented, preppy-athletic, pre- professional ambitious, party school often with strong Greek scene, city as campus, demanding academics with many requirements vs. free-wheeling define your own concentrations, politically active, supportive-hand-holding vs. sink or swim on your own, strong community-close-knit vs. everyone does their own thing or finds a clique, tolerant diverse vs. dominant single religion or conservative outlook--these may overlap somewhat, of course.</p>
<p>If you are an individualist with a strong sense of what you want from college and one school has an outstanding program in your field ( and perhaps offers you good financial aid) you might still want to go to a school where you don't fit the dominant scene. Most bigger universities will provide a number of different scenes and cultures on one campus. </p>
<p>Check out how most people spend their free time. Are these activities that you would enjoy? You don't have to fit in with the majority but there should be a sizable minority with whom you could feel at home and people who share your degree of seriousness about studies (or your dedication to having a good time no matter what). Are at least some people dressed in a way you find comfortable? Will your strengths be appreciated here--social as well as academic? Is there room to grow--a chance to encounter some types not yet familiar to you without a permanent alienating sense of culture shock that makes you want to get away quick? Does this community make you feel like you could and would contribute to its quality and also reap some rewards?</p>
<p>Coping mechanisms with a "wrong fit" are deep commitment to academics or getting in with a strong interest group--cultural, religious, political, community service, sports--that will satisfy your need for companionship--sometimes just a few good friends are enough. Or do a Junior Year Abroad and then work hard on graduating Senior Year.</p>