If you have ever meet with a US university admissions representative, they will often talk about “best fit” for their school. What does this mean? With over 4,500 colleges and universities, there are significant differences even amongst the most selective schools. Determining in what kind of environment you learn best in, what sorts of activities you still want to do, and what values do you want your peers to share will be key to finding your “best fit” US uni.   

Vela Education helps students find their ideal US university by asking clear questions and carefully listening to what students want. We also provide up-to-date data and research so students and families are making informed decisions. These are Vela Education’s criteria to help a student find the best school for them.

• Learning Environment: Unlike the UK, US schools vary in size a great deal! Some US schools have over 40,000 students and some as few as 1,200. The size of a university can shape the student experience. If you prefer working closely with your teachers and sharing ideas in class with your peers, a mid-sized to small school might be best. However, if you prefer being independent and finding your niche within a large and diverse community, a larger school might be right for you! Reflecting on how you learn is the first step to determining your “best fit” school.

• Student Culture: Attending a US uni is about more than just studying. International students are often interested in going to school in America because of the community ethos of most US schools. Researching how schools facilitate community through traditions and student activities is key to finding the right school for you. Also, what social values school’s care about can also shape student life. Do you want an environmentally conscious school? Then ask about sustainability initiatives! Are you interested in social justice?  Then look at these schools who make changing the world a key part of student life. If cheering on schools teams and being part of an exciting sports culture is important to you, think about attending a school with athletics at the heart of student life.

•  Geography: The United States is a large and diverse country! Where you go to school often determines a great deal about your quality of life. The US has large urban areas as well as beautiful rural counties. What kind of environment do you prefer? Also, does the weather affect your mood? The US has almost every climate imaginable! Many students begin their US university search by selecting a few regions that have the types of cities or countryside they life, as well as the weather they prefer.

• Outcomes: Some students want to go to where their heroes earned their degrees! Or some students are very concerned about what they options they will have after graduation. If this is the case, then do some careful research and do not rely on hearsay! Sergey Brin, one of Google’s Co-Founders, actually earned his BA from the University of Maryland though he is often associated with Stanford. If you dream is to work in finance, you might be surprised to learn that the CEO of Goldman Sachs, David M Solomon, did not go to the University of Pennsylvania’s Wharton School of Business. Rather, he graduated from Hamilton College with a degree in politics and government.  If “return on investment (ROI)” is important to you, many studies have tracked this data! Georgetown University’s Center for Education and the Workforce recently published an extensive study about US schools and ROI. This report also as great ways to search for specific schools and fascinating data graphs!

An expert college advisor at Vela Education will help you sort through all four criteria as you create an ambitious and responsible application list! A great way to start the process is with a strategic consultation.  We are here to help.