How do you tell which college is the perfect fit for you?
First of all, you have to feel at home and comfortable because after all you could be possibly spending the next 4+ years of your life there. You have to observe the student body and ask yourself these questions: Would you fit in? Do you like their style of clothes? Do they have similar wealth to your own? Do they have a strong school spirit? If you liked what you saw, then the school could be a good option for you. There are other factors to consider like size, sports, pre- professional programs, etc.
There simply is no substitute for spending a few days DEEPLY IMMERSED on campus.
You’ll know it when you’re on campus. When you take a step on campus, interact with the students, sit in a class, etc., you’ll know if a college fits you. It’s not even a “yeah I like the campus.” You will LOVE it.
I think fit is over emphasized, and certainly do not look for a “perfect” fit. No student entering 1st year knows if they will find friends, do well in classes and feel comfortable. Almost every 1st year student is freaked out. I remember having a long talk with my older sister about my concern about fitting in at my chosen school. That was a long time ago.
You should visit and get a vibe. Maybe an overnight visit will help. Do a plus/negative list. If a school has a liberal reputation and you are conservative, add to negative. If it has a great reputation for your preferred major, add a double plus, etc.
What matters to you the most? Prestige, weather, athletics, …etc?
You’ll figure it out.
You may think you know going into the whole nutty college app process that you want a big / medium / small school … in / near / far from a big city with / without greek life … etc. etc. but you could very well change your mind! IF your kid is pretty confident in his/her major / area of interest, make that the driving factor for determining the “list.” If not, visit a range of schools in his “stats range” - small LAC, big state w/ an honors college, etc. Honestly, you may find that what they think they want changes radically from mid-Junior year to mid-Senior year (at which point all the apps are out and you’re generally in limbo-land). My S ended up changing area of interest but was still adamant he wanted big city. My D always thought she wanted small LAC but towards the end decided she wanted a more “medium sized” school. I guess what I’m trying to say is keep your options open: academically, socially, and especially financially. “Vibe” definitely plays a big role when you get close to the finish line. Good luck!
No college is a fit unless it accepts you and your family can afford to send you there.