Every student’s situation is unique, with different advantages and challenges. That’s why finding “Best Fit Colleges” requires balancing Academic, Social, and Financial Fit.
- Academic Fit
- What is your Weighted and Unweighted GPA?
- Have you taken academically rigorous courses?
- What are your SAT/ ACT Test Scores? UCs and CSUs are now Test Blind, but at some schools test scores can benefit.
- Do you have some majors in mind?
- Do you have a pre-professional focus, like medicine, law or business?
- Do you have a preferred school size and class size?
- Do you prefer an Open or Core Curriculum?
- Do you think you’d do better with a quarter system or semester system?
- Social and Cultural Fit
- What extra-curricular activities do you want to continue (athletics, art, music, student council, debate team)?
- What ethnic, economic, and religious demographics make you most comfortable?
- Do you want a liberal or conservative campus – or a place with both?
- What geographic locations would you consider? What’s the right distance from home?
- What is your MBTI personality type? What are your RIASEC skills and interests?
- Do you want support for a physical or mental health concern, such as allergies, anxiety or depression?
- Financial Fit
- Do you know the Cost of Attendance (COA) at a UC, CSU, Community College, other State Schools or at a private university?
- What is your family’s budget for college?
- Do you qualify for Need Based Aid?
- Do you qualify for Merit Based Aid and Scholarships?
- What is your FAFSA- Expected Family Contribution (EFC)?
- How much student loan debt can my child manage after he/she graduates?
- How stable is my financial situation given the pandemic and recent economy?
Finding “Best Fit Colleges” is all about identifying schools that meet your requirements as closely as possible!