Find Your College Fit

If college is in your future plan, it's important to start exploring different colleges/universities and the programs they offer early in your high school career. Don't wait until senior year to figure out your next steps! Do online research by using Naviance Student.

Request information from the colleges that interest you, check out virtual tours, attend virtual college fairs and contact Admissions Counselors with any questions you have about their programs and campus life. Most colleges/universities have extensive resources available online to help you make informed decisions. 

Much of your college research can be done in Naviance Student. Every student at RHS a Naviance account. You can explore colleges and universities all over the US in a variety of ways by using Super Match, College Match, Advanced College Search and College Lookup.

Prioritize what you want to get out of college and make a list before you call or visit. 

• Do you want to attend a big school or would a smaller campus suit you better?  
• Does class size matter to you?
• Check out the cost of attendance: does it fit within your budget?
• Does the college/university you want to attend offer the program you need for your desired career goals?
• Do you want to stay in state or attend college in another state or even another country? 
• Do activities and clubs on campus matter to you?
• What about athletic programs, such as football, basketball, baseball and track? 
• Do you want to join a sorority or fraternity?  

Make a pros and cons list of all the things you've considered before making a decision on the college or university that best suits you. 

Did you know...

• Some colleges and universities offer free campus tours; however, campus tours may be limited/restricted or unavailable at most colleges in Fall 2021 due to COVID-19.  Many colleges and universities offer campus tours on a regularly scheduled basis. Call the admissions office at your school and book a tour. Get some friends together, grab some Dutch Bros and take a road trip to do a campus visit on a grading day!

• Some colleges and universities offer scholarship money for attending a "Preview Day." Check to see if your school offers one and sign up to attend (Limited/restricted during Fall 2021 due to COVID-19).  Colleges and universities usually offer a few scheduled dates each year where you can visit campus, spend the night in a dorm and attend informational sessions to learn what campus life is all about. Check each institution's website for the most current information, especially during COVID. 

• You can schedule informational interviews with an Admissions Counselor by calling the institution's admissions department. Sometimes this interview is part of your campus tour, but it is a good idea to call to see if you need to schedule an additional meeting with a counselor or academic advisor. Write down the questions you have prior to your informational interview. 

• If you are involved in sports or music, try to schedule a meeting via phone or virtual chat with the coach, instructor or department head at schools on your college list. Contact information for advisors, coaches and department heads can be found in the staff directory on the website of your desired school(s). 

Use the resources available in the College and Career Center to find the right college for you! https://bigfuture.collegeboard.org/find-colleges/how-to-find-your-college-fit/college-search-step-by-step