When most students think about “best-fit” colleges, they start with the most obvious checkboxes: good academics, solid ranking, nice campus, the right major. Of course you’re told to throw in Harvard or Stanford in there because who knows… right?
But if there’s one thing our admissions strategists want to remind you of, it’s this:
A college can look perfect on paper… and still be a terrible fit in real life.
So before you fall in love with a name or a campus aesthetic, ask these four questions. They’ll help you build a college list that’s ambitious AND aligned with who you are and what you need to thrive.
1. Where do people like me feel seen AND succeed?
Every college has students who thrive and students who transfer. The key difference? Fit.
Do you need the hustle and bustle of vibrant city life to stay motivated? One-on-one support from professors? An entrepreneurial lab? Freedom to explore your academic interests?
Look for forums, Reddit threads, or even niche YouTube vlogs from current students. Pay attention to how people describe their experience (and not just what they say).
A little tip: Try searching “a day in my life at ___” on TikTok or YouTube. You’ll learn more from one honest vlog than a million brochures.
2. What kind of person will I become if I study here?
Every campus has a personality. Some are cutthroat. Others are collaborative. Some reward creativity; others value tradition.
What kind of energy do you want to surround yourself with?
If you want to dive into the community culture, read the student newspaper or listen to a student-run podcast. You’ll quickly pick up on what the community values and whether it matches what YOU value.
3. What opportunities exist outside the classroom… and how easy are they to access?
Forget just checking boxes like “research” or “study abroad.” The real question is: are these opportunities actually accessible to students like you?
Ask:
Here are a few schools doing this right (we’re not sponsored, of course);
Northeastern University
Northeastern’s co-op program lets students alternate between full-time study and full-time paid work. Over 96% of students complete at least one co-op, and nearly 50% get job offers from those placements.
Boston University
BU offers global internships tied to academic coursework through its campuses in cities like London, LA, Paris, and Washington, DC. These aren’t just “study abroad” trips; they’re actual immersive career experience!
UC Irvine
UC Irvine’s Undergraduate Research Opportunities Program (UROP) funds student research and provides academic credit. It also connects students to off-campus internships in Sacramento and Washington, DC.
Stanford University
Stanford’s Biology department runs the B-SURP (Biology Summer Undergraduate Research Program), a fully-funded summer internship program for undergrads.
4. What’s the worst thing about this college? Can I live with it?
Every college has its drawbacks. Maybe the food’s bad. Maybe the winters are brutal. Maybe the student body is not international enough. Maybe they’re just a bit… cringe?
If you know your non-negotiables, then you’ll make sure you thrive at the college you end up at.
Tip: Search “___ university worst thing” or “what I hate about ___ college” and read with an open mind. Sometimes the negatives aren’t so bad, but sometimes they’re the reason students transfer out. That said, take it all with a grain of salt. People tend to post when they’re frustrated, not when things are going well, so don’t let one negative review outweigh the bigger picture.
College isn’t about finding the “best” school. It’s about finding the place where you can become the best version of yourself.
Want help finding the right fit?
Join our free webinar: GLOBAL IVIES STRATEGY — YOUR FUTURE-PROOF PLAN.
Because prestige isn’t limited to one country.
Date: July 12th (Saturday)
Time: 3:00 PM JKT | 1:30 PM IST | 9:00 AM BST | 4:00 PM SGT | 12:00 PM GST
Let’s help you find the right college, not just the right name.
