With over 4,700 degree-granting colleges and universities in the US, helping your child find the “best fit” can be an overwhelming challenge. It’s easy to get caught up in the hype about a handful of colleges. But your child is an individual with special talents and strengths. You want to be sure the school matches your child’s unique qualities.
Understanding a college’s personality — who they really are, what they value, what kind of students do well on their campus — is extremely valuable when compiling a college list. As part of our individualized work with students and families, I scour the country to find the best fit colleges for our students.
Here are a few of my top picks:
Reed College (OR)
Students at Reed College have a deep devotion to learning, and a true calling to their academic passions. Reed’s rigorous Humanities 110 first-year writing course offers an introduction to humanistic inquiry, including topics such as “Exile and Return: The Ancient Mediterranean” and “Governing the Self and the Polis: Athens.” By graduation, “Reedies” really get a degree in critical thinking.
University of Washington (WA)
With over 1.3 billion dollars in research funding, University of Washington supports student research in all disciplines, not just STEM fields. And their Foster School of Business accepts first year students to get started on coursework right away. With an overall admit rate of 45 percent, the University of Washington is definitely one of my favorite public school options this year.
Case Western (OH)
Case has a “single door admissions policy,” which allows students to combine interests in four undergraduate schools (Engineering, Nursing, Business, and Arts and Sciences). They offer a seminar-style classroom approach to Gen Ed courses and focus on hands-on learning. To them, “geek” is chic.
Could you see your child at any of these colleges? By visiting over 25 campuses each year, I capture interesting fun facts to share with our students and families. Check out more photo albums and quick takes on my college visits by following us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.
If you work with us, I will learn about what makes your child unique, and I’ll find lots of college possibilities to consider. We offer families comprehensive services to help identify the best fit colleges for our student’s lists, essay work, extracurricular activities, test planning, resume development, interview prep and so much more.
Let’s talk about your child’s college planning needs. Schedule a free phone consultation today.
