Find Your Match and Fit

Step 5 | 25 minutes

Instructions

You considered majors and degrees in the last step, and now it’s time to think about two other factors: match and fit. Complete the reading, watch the two videos, and then you'll be ready for your Step 5 Action Items.

Reading

As you read over these two definitions, how do you think factors of match and fit might help you in choosing a college?

  • “College Match" is about academics. It's how similar your GPA and test scores (ACT, SAT) are to the students already enrolled at certain colleges. If your GPA and test scores are similar to enrolled students and you meet any minimum entrance requirements, you have a good opportunity to be admitted and succeed there.
  • "College Fit" includes things like location, size, cost, and extracurricular activities. For instance, some people love the idea of a large college in a big city; others prefer a smaller college or a college close to home. While no college is perfect, some colleges are probably a better personal fit for you than others.

 

Video - Match and Fit

 

Video - CFNC College Search

 

Action Item

After you watch the CFNC College Search video above, go to CFNC College Search and experiment using the filters and reading the college profiles. Think about the concepts of match and fit as you use the filters to research options. If you are searching for colleges nationally, check the “Search Nationally” option in the CFNC College Search or try the College Board Search.

CFNC College Search

 

Additional Resources and Tips

For Students

Every August CFNC releases a document called Admissions Deadlines and Open House Information. Look at the last version to get an idea of the types of deadlines and keep a lookout for the new version coming in August 2023 (with deadlines for Fall 2024).

This is also a great time to talk with your parent/guardian, teachers, and other adults you know about where they went to college. Based on your goals and values, what suggestions do they have for you?

For Parents

Here are three quick ideas:

  1. As you think about your child and the concepts of match and fit, consider sharing the names of colleges you know about that your child should consider.
  2. Campus visits are a great way to finalize choices, and the spring and summer before the senior year are good times to plan a family visit to colleges.
  3. Now is also a good time to plan some discussions with your child about your expectations and plans. For instance, what are your plans for contributing financially to their education?

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