1. Selecting Schools Strategically Jane T. Robbins March 30, 2017
Finding Your “Fit”
Selecting Schools Strategically
Jane T. Robbins
March 30, 2017

2. The Two Questions Students ask: Parents ask: Can I get in?
Can I afford it?

3. Students and parents should ask:
Better Question
Students and parents should ask:
Does it fit?
Answer:
Two-sided analysis – Student and School
Involves five key factors – The Five P’s

4. Finding The Optimal Fit
First, “Know Thyself”
Then, Consider The Five P’s:
Program
Place
People
Price
Priorities

5. Finding The Optimal Fit
“Know Thyself” – Take a Personal Inventory:
Passions and interests (in and out of classroom)
Academic profile (grades/courses, test scores, class rank)
Personality and learning style
Strengths and challenge areas
Goals for college and thereafter
Limitations, if any
Remain:
Open-minded
Realistic and honest
Willing to critique self

6. Finding The Optimal Fit Program
Content
Majors and Programs
Distinctive Features
Honors and Dual Degree Programs
Co-ops and Internships
Study Abroad
Undergraduate Research
Learning Environment
Class Sizes and Student-Teacher Ratios
Faculty Access and Credentials
Living-Learning Centers
Service Learning
Leadership Development
Support Levels
Outcomes
Retention Rate
Graduation Rate
Jobs and Graduate School Placement
Loan Default Rate
ROI – Return on Investment

7. Public Honors Programs
Ask this Question: What Type of Support Does the Student Need to Thrive?
Private
“Elite” Schools
High
Public Honors Programs
Social Support and Integration
Large
State
Schools
Low
Low
High
Academic Support

8. Finding The Optimal Fit
Place
Public vs. private
Size (campus size and student-body size)
Location and distance from home
Proximity to extended family (access to support)
Climate
Rural, suburban, or urban environment
Well-bounded, distinct campus

9. Finding The Optimal Fit
People
Student body background and diversity
Academic profile of students (entrance difficulty)
“Personality” of the school
Campus life - activities and organizations
Athletic
Political
Cultural
Service
Greek Life
Interaction between school and community

10. Finding The Optimal Fit
Price
Know your financial situation (frank family discussion).
Who is paying?
What are your family’s financial resources for college?
Come up with a number your family can contribute.
Are you eligible for need and/or merit-based aid?
Are you and/or your parents willing to take loans?
Are you willing to be employed during school?
Understand the cost of college.
College costs vary widely.
“Total Cost Of Attendance” has multiple elements (direct/indirect).
Families are expected to contribute to extent they are able.

11. Finding The Optimal Fit
Priorities
School
Student
Academic Record
Admission Test Scores
Essays & Recommendations
Extra-Curriculars
Personal Qualities
Special Talents / Skills
Geography
Legacy / Development
Biographical Info (URM)
Demonstrated Interest
Program
People
Place
Price
Special Considerations
Athletics
Religion
Extra-Curriculars
Military
Special Needs
Limitations

12. Goal: A Well-Balanced “Portfolio” of Schools
Often Neglected
~ 75%
2 – 3
schools
~50%
3 – 4 schools
< 25%
2 – 3 schools

13. Websites and Tools for College Search
PVSCollegeCounseling.com - Recommended Portal
Quick Links Available From There Regarding:
College Search Engines and Guidebooks
Campus Visits and Virtual Tours
College Fairs and College Representative Visits
First Generation and Special Needs
NCAA Eligibility Considerations
Net Price Calculators and Loan Repayment Calculators
Financial Aid Planning
Scholarships and Loans
Gap Year, Military, and Other Alternatives
Helpful Websites and Search Engines for College Admissions, Financial Aid, and Athletics
(FAFSA application and information).
(Florida Academic Counseling and Tracking for Students - Bright Futures).
(comprehensive guide to financial aid; college cost projector tools).
(large free scholarship and financial aid search site).
(college cost calculator for four-year colleges within the US).
(“one-stop” college information on the Internet).
(student oriented college admissions information site).
(searchable database of colleges and scholarships).
(site helps match students to schools; links to virtual tours).
(college searches and comparisons; financial aid resources).
(test preparation – PSAT, SAT I, ACT, SAT II subject tests, AP).
(official College Board site for SAT information and application).
(official ACT site for test information and application).
(virtual college tours, webcams, campus maps, college videos).
(virtual college tours; database of colleges and scholarships).
(NCAA rules regarding eligibility, scholarships, recruiting, and amateurism).
(NCAA Eligibility Center; web application for athlete eligibility).
(general rowing/sculling information; links to college rowing programs).
(college recruiting athlete sign-up for posting contact info. and erg scores).
(Concept2 site for posting of rower’s name, club, and erg scores).
(college recruiting and training resources; collegiate rowing directory).
(Hillel’s website with guides to Jewish life on hundreds of college campuses).
(website of the National Catholic College Admission Assn.).

14. Key Take-Aways
Goal is the best “fit,” not the best “name.”
Know thyself and remember the Five P’s.
Build a diversified, well balanced college list.
Act with integrity.
Leverage PVSCollegeCounseling.com site.
Best “fit” analysis should take $ into account.

15. Selecting Schools Strategically Jane T. Robbins March 30, 2017
Finding Your “Fit”
Selecting Schools Strategically
Jane T. Robbins
March 30, 2017