Read pages 14-15 of the Guide.
Selecting the college that is the best fit for you — academically, socially, and financially — will be the key
to your success. Take time over the summer to do “fit” research and find the schools that are right for you.
Identify the right fit for you   
Determine the factors that are important to you in a
college by completing the “Your Fit Profile” activity 
on page 15 of the Guide.
As you are doing your fit research, start creating your 
college list. Be sure to craft a well-rounded list that 
has “reach, safety, and target” colleges.
Research colleges in depth
Fit research is thorough, investigative research  
that uncovers the academic, social, and financial  
characteristics of a college. There are a number of 
online resources to help you:
•College Greenlight, https://eab.com/solutions/
college-greenlight/, searches for and offers Fly-in 
programs, scholarships, and summer opportunities 
with financial aid.
•Big Future by the College Board,  
https://bigfuture.collegeboard.org/, profiles colleges 
and sets up searches based on your choices.
•College Navigator, https://nces.ed.gov/college 
navigator/, searches for colleges based on your 
preferences.
•I’m First, www.imfirst.org/colleges, searches  
for and offers profiles of colleges that support 
first-generation-to-college students.
•College websites offer specific details about all 
aspects of fit. Most colleges have social media  
pages you can follow. Many offer student blogs  
that provide different perspectives about campus  
life and programs.
•Niche, www.niche.com, connects colleges and 
schools with students and families through profiles, 
reviews, and a college search database. 
Complete the Heights Philadelphia  
“Fit Form”
Once you have narrowed your search, begin exploring
which schools will be the best fit for you. Complete 
the “Fit Form” on pages 24-25 of the Guide for  
each school you are considering. When completed, 
the Fit Form will help you determine whether the  
college is a good academic, social, and financial fit.
Step 4: Do Fit Research

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