b'STEP 4: Do Fit Research STEP 5: Plan for College VisitsRead pages 14-15 of the Guide. Read page 22 of the Guide.Selecting the college that is the best fit for youThe best way to decide if a school is the right fit for youacademically, socially, and financiallywill be the key is to visit. Prepare carefully over the summer to ensure youto your success. Take time over the summer to do fit gain the most from every college visit experience. Virtual research and find the schools that are right for you. visits are a great way to take advantage of travelingto far away places without having to leave your home. Fly-In Identify the right fit for youprograms such as the Discover Swarthmore program at Determine the factors that are important to you in a Swarthmore University makes visits affordable. Students college by completing the Find Your Fit worksheet experience an all expense paid immersive experience. on page 20 of the Guide. Some Fly-In programs do come with an application fee. So check in with your school counselor for fee waivers.Research colleges in depth At the beginning of the summer: Fit research is thorough, investigative research that uncoversthe academic, social, and financial characteristics of a Check out college admissions offices online. Look for college. There are a number of online resources to help you: links such as book a visit, campus visit, or informationCollege Greenlight, www.cappex.com/greenlight,sessions to register for tours and open houses. Check with searches for and offers fly-in programs, scholarships,the college admissions office for up-to-date information.and summer opportunities with financial aid. The week before you visit: Big Future by the College Board,Prepare the questions you will want to ask. Review https://bigfuture.collegeboard.org/, profiles collegesthe Questions to Ask on a College Visit activity on and sets up searches based on your choices. page 23 of the Guide.College Navigator, https://nces.ed.gov/collegenavigator/, If in-person, print the schedule for your visit and searches for colleges based on your preferences. a campus map. Im First, www.imfirst.org/colleges, searches for and Plan what you will wear. Remember, you will be making offers profiles of colleges that support first-generation-an impression on college officials, so dress appropriately, to-college students. even if you are visiting virtually. If in-person, be sureCollege websites offer specific details about all aspectsto wear comfortable shoes, as you are likely going to of fit. Most colleges have social media pages you cando a lot of walking and standing.follow. Many offer student blogs that provide different perspectives about campus life and programs. During your visit:Complete the Heights Philadelphia Fit FormTake notes during your tour.Once you have narrowed your search, begin exploringTalk to current students if possible.which schools will be the best fit for you. Complete theIf in-person, enjoy the campus. Eat in the dining Fit Form on pages 24-25 of the Step Up to College Guide hall or student center, and walk around the university for each school to which you are considering applying.campus and the surrounding community.When completed, the Fit Form will help you determine whether the college is a good academic, social, and After your visit:financial fit.Write down your impressions after touring each school. Send a thank you email to the admissions officeto demonstrate interest.'