Do I fit in? - Part 3

Perhaps one of the hardest things to figure out about a college is whether or not you, the person, will fit in with everyone else. You can ask specific questions about classes and activities, but how do you determine if you will fit it once the newness wears off?

Some students can walk onto a campus and just know or at least they think they do.  I've heard more than one student say "It just feels right" or "I can just see myself here," but if you don't immediately feel that way, does that mean it's not a good fit?  Maybe or maybe not.

You have to be careful about believing everything you read or hear. Some colleges have reputations for being party schools or nerdy schools. Some are considered super intense academically, while other are laid back, almost anything goes kind of places.  At least that's what other people say they are.  Listening to other people's opinions is part of your research, but you also have to be careful about their motivation.  It might seem odd, but when some people are unhappy with their own choices, they want others to be unhappy too; it's a validation of their feelings, if you will.  That's one reason why campus visits, including overnight stays and classroom visits, are so important.  We always suggest that you spend some time just sitting and watching the world go by.  You can tell a lot by watching how students interact with each other when they're walking to class or hanging out in the student center.  Mrs. Goldbach likes to tell students to be aware of how many students are wearing college themed t-shirts (not just any college, but the one they're attending). And if you're brave enough - and you should be - stop a random student and ask a few questions.  I promise most of them will be happy to talk to you.

When taking a campus tour, you should always walk up front so you can talk to your tour guide. He or she is a great resource, and chances are, if you get them talking, you can get more out of them than just the canned tour speech.  Ask how they would characterize the student body? Do most students tend to get along with other students? Do they feel supported by the faculty and administration? Do they support each other by attending plays, recitals, athletic events, speakers, etc.? Is the school politically active, service minded, or party central? Add their opinions to the mix but decide for yourself.

The Prospect, one of the blogs I follow, had a student take on whether or not a college's student body should matter.  Written by a current college student, it's a good perspective on fitting in, and I encourage you to read it.

So talk to lots of people, seek out multiple opinions, read the guidebooks, and spend as much time on campus as you can.  Slowly but surely you'll figure out if it's a good fit for you.