Wed, Jul 27, 2022 11:40 AM

When figuring out which college your student should attend, be sure to consider which school is the BEST FIT for them and your family based on these 4 Fit Types: Financial, Academic, Social, and Geographic.

Financial Fit is determined when you confirm the total Cost Of Attendance (COA) for the college fits your family’s budget. This is the most important criteria regarding fit of a school. The other three categories could be a perfect fit, but if the final price tag is more than your family can afford – then your son or daughter needs to have backup colleges they love as well that DO fit your budget.

Academic Fit is determined by your student’s ACT/SAT scores (unless they applied Test-Optional), GPA, and rigor of courses taken. If they are in the range the college accepts, your student is more likely to do well attending the college. Plus, if they are in the top 25% of applicants their odds of getting accepted will increase (unless it is one of the highly rejective colleges). And don’t forget, if they are applying to a college that gives out merit scholarships – they will more likely receive some money.

Social Fit is determined by your student fitting in with the student life on campus. This can be discovered by looking at the college website and the list of clubs/activities offered and if possible making an in-person visit to the college to get the vibe on campus. Does this college feel like it could become your students home away from home for the next 4 years?

Geographic Fit is determined by the distance the college is from home and if your student is comfortable traveling far distances or being away from home over an extended period of time. By the way, mom and dad get a say in how far from home your student will be as well because distance, while exciting at first, can become a problem for some students.

Ranking each college on these 4 key Fit Types will allow you and your student to narrow down their school list and help them pick a place where they will thrive, not just survive. By taking college fit into consideration – success with a college can be achieved.

By the way, the easiest way to help your student pick the right college financially is to have you and your student complete my College Financial Aid and Scholarship Course: Show Me Where To Find The Money. It is a ‘do at your own pace’ video series to help guide you through the College Money Talk that needs to take place ASAP!

Need help with the College Admissions Process, Finding Scholarships or with Financial Aid?

Schedule your Meeting with Dan Bisig – TODAY!