How Do You Know If A School Is A Good Fit?

Applying to College
1

<p>OK, I am new to this and this is the first time my parents are going through this too, as they did not go to college. Is the best way once you have narrowed your choices down for location, size,etc.......to look at the SAT scores and see if you fit into their range? I do fit into many of my picks but my GPA is not necessarily there, due to a very unsuccessful 9th grade year.</p>

<p>Do you think if my SAT'S are in line with their average admitted student I should still apply or do you think if my GPA is not also in their range, its a waste of time and application money?</p>

2

<p>My advice on how to decide if a college is a good fit, is to first determine what your needs are. Like you mentioned: Do you like schools in big cities or small cities? Do you like a small school or a big school? Think about why these answers are important to you. And, make sure you pay particular attention to the environment. Things like conservative or liberal......cold or hot.....outdoors recreation or big city social life. Do you want to live close to the folks or not?</p>

<p>Each is important. I have seen numerous students who brush these things off and then are miserable for instance, because they're not hangin with their friends. As you can see picking a college may be up to your level of maturity at the time and what you're willing to tolerate or compromise on in the future.</p>

<p>Once you built of a list of potential colleges, it's time to examine each by things like academics and living conditions (dorms/social life). For example, if you are especially interested in Chemistry, then pick schools that have strong Chemistry departments. They don't have to be the best in the nation.</p>

<p>Now, if you have the chance to visit a college or interview with someone that went there, that will also help you to get an idea of what it's like.</p>

<p>Next, you want to narrow things down to perhaps 5 to 10 colleges that you are interested in and can apply to. Don't worry about costs just yet, since many college will meet your money needs. Better yet, now is the time to think of choosing a college like you would buying a car. You want to get the best deal. If you've done your "homework" in picking out 5 to 10 colleges that are ok with you, then this will make sense, especially since all of them would work.</p>

<p>Included in these 5 to 10 colleges should be top ones on your list...perhaps more like a dream college and, a couple colleges that you know you can get into with little difficulty and you would still like.</p>

<p>Finally, submit your applications to each college. Interesting you will learn a lot about each one as you go through the application process. Some may treat you like a number and some may treat you like a real person with interest. This "gut" feeling you get will also be important.</p>

<p>When the day comes that you receive your rejections and acceptances, you'll be well prepared for any of the possibilities. Each college will not be totally prefect, but one....perhaps two will feel right and accept you, and the price will be right.</p>

<p>A final note: Colleges base their decision to accept people on much more than SAT/ACT or grade averages. Too many students now have very high scores. So, now colleges look at other factors like your application essay, your involvement in the community, what you did beside academics and in general, how well you fit the college's student body. For many colleges, it's what you dream about and what you'll do with that....your integrity. </p>

<p>Your job will be to somehow tell them that, and the two most important ways are the essays, short questions and perhaps a personal interview.</p>

<p>Good luck</p>

3

<p>It depends on what schools you are talking about. Look at the percent of accepted students too. If it is fairly high - APPLY.</p>

<p>The real problem might be if you are "shopping" for merit aid. For instance, if your parents can afford any school OR if they have low income and you will definitely qualify for aid, it is less of an issue. If you are in-between, well, you want to be at the top of their applicant pool to be awared merit aid (assuming they give it out).</p>

<p>Does that help? It's complicated!</p>

<p>Maybe you should list your stats and what schools you have in mind - or what geographic area, your major (if you know it), and other criteria.</p>