How To Determine Geographic Fit of A College?

Wed, May 28, 2025 11:30 AM

When helping your high school student research potential colleges, it’s important to consider more than just academics, cost, and social life—geographic fit plays a huge role in whether a college will truly feel like home. For the next four years, this campus will be where your student lives, studies, and grows, so you want to ensure it’s a place where they will thrive—not just survive. Start by mapping out the distances of each school on their shortlist. How far is each campus from home? Will they be close enough to come home for weekends or holidays, or will travel be a challenge?

Transportation is another key factor. If your student doesn’t plan to bring a car to campus—or if freshmen aren’t even allowed to have one—then it’s critical to research nearby airports, train stations, or bus lines. What might seem like a small detail now could become a major inconvenience later. Travel should be manageable, safe, and affordable. These are conversations worth having now so that both you and your student are prepared, informed, and confident in the decision-making process.

With my personalized college consulting services, your family will feel supported every step of the way. I help parents and students take the guesswork out of college admissions, ensuring your student ends up at a school that matches their academic goals, social needs, and geographic preferences. Let’s make sure this next chapter is the right fit. Schedule your FREE 15-minute Discovery Zoom Meeting with me today and let’s get started on building a strong path toward your student’s dream college.