It’s a Process: When “Un-Fit” Might Be the Perfect Fit
Have you ever felt stressed after a college visit, whether in-person or virtual, because it didn’t feel like "the right fit"? You’re not alone. Lots of students think they need to find a school where they can immediately see themselves fitting in—a place where everyone looks like them, shares their interests, and feels familiar. But here's the thing: if you're searching for the "perfect fit," you're probably going to end up frustrated.
Let's be real—finding the perfect college isn't as important as you think. You’re going to grow no matter where you go, and the truth is, most students can succeed at a wide range of schools. The experiences that define your college journey—like making lifelong friends, facing challenges, or discovering unexpected opportunities—aren’t something you can plan for. And those experiences are what matter most.
Yes, college will be full of highs and lows. You’ll take some great classes, meet amazing people, maybe go through a breakup or two, and be thrown into situations you didn’t see coming. But it’s in those unpredictable moments that you’ll grow the most—whether that’s learning to see the world in new ways or realizing how much you still have to learn. That’s why choosing a school that doesn’t feel like a perfect fit can actually be a good thing. It’s the “un-fit” parts of a place that might push you to step outside your comfort zone and grow.
So, what does "fit" really mean? Here’s the deal: fit isn’t something you find, it’s something you grow into. A good-fit college doesn’t have to feel perfect from day one. Imagine if your college experience felt exactly like high school. Would you really grow that much? Probably not. The point of college is to challenge yourself and help you evolve into the next, best version of yourself.
That doesn’t mean you shouldn’t think about what matters to you in a school—like location, size, or academics. But don’t get caught up in the idea that everything has to be perfect. Sometimes, the best college experiences happen when things don’t feel quite right at first. It’s in those moments that you’ll discover new possibilities and experience a much more interesting transition into adulthood.
To learn more about building an awesome college list, check out “How to Build a Great College List From the Ground Up.”