Why College Fit Matters More Than Rankings
Vibe Check
FIND WHERE YOU WILL THRIVE
Choosing a college isn’t about picking the school with the “biggest name” - it’s about finding the place where a student will thrive, both academically and personally, through genuine engagement and involvement. Jeff Selingo just released his latest book Dream School about this very topic. Definitive research from Stanford in 2018 shows that long-term success after college depends far more on what students do in college - the relationships they build, their level of involvement, and their academic engagement - than on a school’s selectivity or where it falls in published rankings.
Why “Fit” Matters More Than Rankings
Stanford’s Challenge Success study concluded that engagement beats prestige: students who make the most of their college experiences are those who immerse themselves in academics, connect with mentors, and take part in campus life. The researchers found that metrics used in magazine rankings are often arbitrary and do not accurately predict the value or outcomes for students. In fact, “what students do in college is far more important than the type of institution they attend”.
College Rankings: What’s Missing?
Rankings can be useful, but only when paired with deeper research about real student experiences. Many rankings overlook critical factors like campus climate, student support, mentorship, involvement opportunities, affordability, or whether a particular campus aligns with a student’s goals and strengths. They also frequently rely on self-reported, sometimes inaccurate, data and fail to reflect the actual learning or well-being of students.
Pay Attention to:
Location: Urban, suburban, or college town environments feel and function differently. Consider how each aligns with student preferences and needs.
Social Life: During campus visits, notice if students seem happy and whether prospective students see “their people”—groups they can imagine connecting with.
Size and Culture: Is the campus buzzing with activity, quiet and close-knit, or something in between? Consider whether students feel energised or overwhelmed by the size, and the school’s values and traditions.
Academic Fit: Does the school offer the desired majors? Is the learning environment collaborative or competitive? Are there special programs, internships, or research opportunities that appeal to the student’s interests or goals?
The “Vibe” Factor
Sometimes a student just feels a “vibe” and a sense of belonging and excitement from a particular campus. I can’t tell you how many times my youngest said, “I can see myself here,” while we were on college visits. There’s no substitute for in-person college tours, where students and parents can explore these intangible qualities firsthand. For parents, it’s crucial to respect and support a student’s feelings and observations. Let students take the lead and pay attention to their instincts. Remember, you are not going back to college; this is about them!
Final Thoughts
Success after graduation is achieved not by attending a school at the “top” of a ranking, but by making the most of any campus through engagement, relationship-building, and embracing opportunities. Investing in finding the best-fit college, rather than chasing prestige, sets students up for lifelong growth and fulfillment.
