“The particular way in which a thing matches something else.”
This is the Oxford Dictionary definition of “fit,” a word constantly buzzing around the college admissions sphere like a busy bee.
Now that SAT and ACT are largely ignored by colleges, college fit has become one of the top criteria for students choosing colleges and colleges choosing students.
Three admissions officers highlight how to demonstrate “fit” for a college and why it matters.
- Prove that you know how to engage with others and enjoy it
- Demonstrate a track record of wisely using your resources
- Show colleges that you’re independent
Engaging with others
It’s a very humanistic place. If a student’s not wanting to engage with others, it might be a tough fit for you, because we’re very people oriented… For us, it’s a lot about the fit… It’s not a matter of just ripping through our rubric, scoring a student, and giving a paragraph overview. It’s about wanting to know them start to finish, how they’ll fit in on campus, what they’ll bring as a student. — Aaron, Soka University admissions officer
Let’s say a college admitted a student who did nothing but attend class, keep to herself, and ignore all her classmates. This student would not add much value to the community. The other students who are excited to be there might wonder, “Why is she here?”
Colleges want to make everyone in the community feel welcome. One way by doing that is by admitting enthusiastic students who will naturally welcome each other.
How? To show you can engage with others, use the essay or extracurricular activities record to retell stories of leading a club, initiating a