Build Your Perfect College List: Module 3
Non-Academic Fit Factors
Welcome to Module 3 of Building Your Perfect College List! In Module 3, we will discuss how to take your foundation to the next level while exploring the NON-ACADEMIC FIT FACTORS you should consider in Building Your Perfect College List.
The college transition is certainly academic but it is also social, geographic, environmental and support based. Having the right options available for your student will be necessary for them to effectively manage their self-regulation, time management and needs awareness skills. By identifying these non-academic areas of interest your student should be in a better position to make a successful transition to college life which will hopefully contribute to them having a great college experience!
Module 3 will help you:
- Consider non-academic factors such as social, geographic, club/activities, alumni associations, and more.
- Ask questions of your student and your family so you can identify the environment that will enable your student to thrive in college.
- Confirm your assumptions are correct about the college’s environment by doing research and asking the right questions.
- Ensure you are on the right track and/or identify gaps to explore more thoroughly.
- Envision what it will be like to be a student at each college.
Your Homework For Module 3:
Download our Non-Academic Factors Handout.
List all the non-academic and non-financial criteria that are important to you and your student such as:
- How far away from home is he/she willing to go?
- What types of activities and clubs might they be interested in?
- Do they like a city, suburban, or rural environment?
- Do they want to live on campus or off?
- Do they have particular food requirements?
- Are sports or Greek life important to them?
From the college’s website, YouTube, and other sources we provide in Module 3, rate the criteria for the schools you are considering and compare the results.
Check out the Module 3 worksheet to see more questions to research and topics to discuss with your student.
We understand that your student is going to college primarily for academic reasons. However, it is also critical to make sure your student is comfortable and confident with the atmosphere they will be in throughout their college life.
