Why Have We Dummied Down FIT?
‘Fit’ is perhaps the most often used word in the college search process. There’s also no other word that evokes more eye-rolls from parents and students outside of perhaps ‘holistic.’ It’s a simple three-letter word with complex components that are sometimes difficult to explain and quantify. Maybe this is why so many involved in the process have allowed the term to be minimized. With three of ten full-time college students changing schools or dropping out of college completely before the beginning of the sophomore year, can we really afford ‘FIT’ to be redefined as a superficial want list?
Fit is defined by the individual and requires a student to look inward in order to act outward. This reflection can be very valuable and provide a wonderful growth opportunity. It can also be tiresome as it’s not common practice to self-reflect on our successes, happiness, and failures. Acting outward, or searching and visiting schools, takes time along with trial and error. Similar to reflection this can also frustrate students and their families.
A concoction of reflection frustration and college search annoyance has influenced many in the process to narrow a very important component of the college search process, FIT, down to: What size school do you want?, What geographic area do you want to be in?, and what do you want to study? These surface level questions are far too elementary to provide a student an understanding of the fit factors that will predict academic success and emotional happiness in a new educational environment. This type of inquiry requires very little thought and will provide (students, parents, and counselors) little or no insight into the needs of the student, creating further irritation.
Everyone involved in this process must promote making reflection common place and recommend early exploration. This advanced venture will save families time and aggravation in the college search process. It is a counselor’s responsibility to educate families that the college search, application, and selection process requires time and effort and the investment will result in a greater opportunity for success in the future. Everyone must resist the temptation to dummy down the process; shortcuts produce short sided results.
Archmere Academy is a private, Catholic, college preparatory co-educational academy,
grades 9-12 founded in 1932 by the Norbertine Fathers.
grades 9-12 founded in 1932 by the Norbertine Fathers.
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