Choosing the right college is one of the most pivotal decisions a young adult makes, yet it’s not about aiming for the biggest names or top rankings. As I’ve found in my own college search, success in college selection is about finding a place that aligns with your academic and social interests, financial goals, and personal values. My name is Ethan Cloud, and I am a high school senior passionate about helping students navigate the college selection process as part of my work for #BecauseWeWill, a nonprofit campaign focusing on students interested in pursuing higher education. I’m excited to share what I’ve learned about finding the perfect college fit.
This week, I joined an esteemed panel of college experts for Finding the Right College Fit, a webinar designed to help students and families explore what truly matters in choosing the best school. I shared the screen with John Barnshaw from College Promise, who moderated our discussion, and guest speakers Richard Green from The College Board and Ida Hermosillo from Growing Inland Achievement. Together, we delve into the many factors of college admissions — from common misconceptions of students when applying to the thought process of what to look for — while also highlighting programs that can aid the search for the “right college.”
Here’s a look at the key topics of our conversation.
Looking Beyond the Rankings
My college search initially focused on rankings, aiming for top programs in finance and national security. However, I quickly realized that national standing isn’t everything. There are significant differences in academic offerings even among highly ranked institutions. Richard Green, Executive Director of BigFuture at The College Board, shared strategies for evaluating academic programs beyond rankings. His team at The College Board, responsible for the popular BigFuture tool, helps students identify colleges based on personal strengths, potential, and long-term goals rather than just rankings.
During the webinar, Richard also covered the biggest misconceptions students often have about college prestige and how these can limit their choices. For instance, he discussed how to use data from BigFuture’s College Search tool to identify programs that align with your unique needs and aspirations. Additionally, he provided guidance on using tools like the BigFuture planner to help students establish a structured approach to their search, including early planning and exploring career resources that extend beyond traditional college options. This segment is essential for students interested in how to weigh academic fit alongside other personal and professional priorities.
Campus Culture
Understanding a college’s campus culture is as important as academics, especially when finding a supportive and inclusive environment. Ida Hermosillo, Director of Network Engagement at Growing Inland Achievement, brings a wealth of experience in community-building and student support. She discussed strategies for evaluating campus diversity, inclusion initiatives, and support systems, all of which can significantly influence a student’s experience. Ida’s organization, Growing Inland Achievement, is dedicated to improving college attainment for first-generation and underrepresented students in California’s Inland Empire. During our conversation, she provided practical advice for assessing these factors at any school.
This portion of the webinar also covered essential questions students should ask themselves when considering how well a school’s values align with their own. For example, Ida explored how mentorship programs, academic advising, and social inclusion efforts contribute to a positive campus experience. I was particularly excited about this discussion as I seek a college with a strong community focus where I can continue my nonprofit work and engage in civic projects. Ida’s insights helped attendees look beyond brochures and websites to better understand the character and community of a school before committing.
A Student Perspective: My Journey To Finding the Right College Fit
As a high school student attending the largest high school in Virginia, balancing a heavy course load of AP courses with a passion for business, data analytics, and social impact, my search for the “right fit” has been shaped by more than academics. I shared insights from my experiences, including why major selection, campus location, internship opportunities, and campus culture are priorities. For me, finding a school with strong business and finance programs, an active alumni network, and community-oriented initiatives has been key. In this segment, I also discussed the unique stories of other students I’ve worked with through #BecauseWeWill who are navigating their college choices. From students who prioritize academic resources to those who seek out institutions with a strong social justice mission, #BecauseWeWill has empowered students to tell their stories and find their college fit. Lastly, I shared the challenges of staying organized through deadlines, handling financial constraints, finding support systems, and advice for other students facing similar obstacles.
Whether you’re a high school junior just beginning to think about college or a senior making final decisions, our “Finding the Right College Fit” webinar will provide insight, real-life stories, and direct guidance from experts in the field. You can review a recording of the virtual event here.