Let’s say you want to go out for dinner tonight. A simple google search for “Italian food” will probably yield hundreds of options, so you’ll need to filter the results even more. After narrowing down the options by neighborhood, star rating and business hours, you still have a ton of choices… How do you choose where to go?  

If you’re like most people, you’ll probably read the customer reviews next. You might take a look at the menu or scroll through any photos that have been posted. In other words, you’re trying to make your decision based on factors that aren’t as easily quantifiable. Instead of wondering “Which restaurant is best?” — ask yourself, “Which dining experience is the best fit for me?” Because if you don’t like the cuisine, then even a five-star restaurant won’t provide an enjoyable dinner!

This “best fit” analogy can be applied to your college search. As you think about where you want to apply, you may initially be attracted to top schools by the programs and opportunities that they offer. But don’t forget that a college experience is made up of more than just a major. Consider the following as you research your ideal academic learning environment:

• Do you want to focus on one field of study, or would you like to combine and explore multiple subjects? 
• Is being part of a collaborative learning community important to you?
• Does the idea of applying your learning to the real world excite you?

It’s okay if you don’t have a specific academic pathway in mind before you apply. But activities like visiting campus, shadowing a class or looking at what’s offered in the course catalog can help you find a school that complements your learning style.

Another important factor to consider during your college search is the kind of community structure and campus lifestyle that you want. At Rice, our residential college system provides a unique source of support to our students. Which facets of a community matter to you the most?

• Do you want to be part of a diverse student body? 
• Is the school located in a small town or in a big city? 
• Are there opportunities on campus to engage in community service and internships? 

When you take a tour or speak to campus representatives, note the characteristics that matter to the university’s community. You can get a feel for the tone and values of the student body through campus media like the newspaper and radio station while student groups and clubs can tell you a lot about school culture. And if you have the opportunity to ask students about their own experiences, this will give you an insider’s look at what the community is really like! 

Ideally, a student and a school each bring out the best in the other. The more that you approach the college search process with personal fit in mind, the better your application can show why you and the university are a perfect match!

- Steffannie Alter ‘19

- Karen Martinez Perez ‘24 (Published 11/27/24)