Mar 20 (edited) • 🎓 Strategy Posts
2️⃣🏛️ School Selection 102: How to Research and Find YOUR Best Fit!
So, you've built a balanced school list—but how do you know which schools are the best fit for YOU?
To apply strategically, you need to research beyond ranking and prestige. Here’s how to find your best-fit schools (while gathering insights for your supplemental essays in the process!).
🔍 Step 1: What Actually Matters?
Focus on what will shape your experience the most:
📏 Size & Class Style – Large university vs. small college? Lecture-based or intimate discussion-based classes?
📚 Academics – Does it offer strong programs in your major? Research & internship opportunities?
🏫 Campus Culture – What’s the student vibe? Academically intense, large social scene, Greek culture, artsy or sports focused? Extracurriculars / clubs that interest you?
📍 Location & Lifestyle – Urban, suburban or rural? Distance from your family home? Cold or warm climate? On-campus dorms in close-knit community vs off-campus apartment living? Dining options?
💰 Financial Fit – What’s the actual cost after aid? Use Net Price Calculators!
🚀 Prioritize what matters most—academics, social life, campus extracurriculars or affordability. Know your non-negotiables!
🖥️ Step 2: Best Research Tools
🔹 College Board BigFuture – Compare stats, admission rates, & programs
🔹 Common Data Set (CDS) – Find real admission & financial aid data
🔹 YouTube & YouVisit – Virtual tours & student vlogs
🔹 School Websites & Q&As – Admissions, majors, scholarships
🚀 Track your findings in a School Research Spreadsheet—this saves time for applications & essays.
✈️ Step 3: Do You Need to Visit?
Campus visits are great but will NOT impact your chances of admissions. Use visits for your benefit—not to impress colleges.
🏛️ If Visiting In Person:
✔️ Join a tour—but explore on your own.
✔️ Talk to students about real campus life.
✔️ Visit dorms, libraries, & dining halls.
💻 If Visiting Virtually:
✔️ Watch campus vlogs & virtual tours.
✔️ Join student panels & admissions Q&As.
✔️ Use Google Maps to explore the area.
🚀 Ask yourself: “Can I see myself here for four years?”
💭 Your Turn: What’s YOUR #1 priority when choosing schools? Drop a comment below! ⬇️
🔥 Next Up: Choosing Your Major & Minor Strategically (Part 3 in the series!)
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2️⃣🏛️ School Selection 102: How to Research and Find YOUR Best Fit!
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