Decision Day is approaching, and as a high school senior, you’ve probably already heard this phrase about a hundred times: “It’s all about finding the right fit.” 

But what does that actually mean? 

As an admissions counselor, I’ve had this conversation more times than I can count. Students sit across from me (on campus or on Zoom), acceptance letters in hand, and say, “I just don’t know how to tell which one is right.” 

First, take a deep breath. The fact that you’re thinking carefully about this tells me you’re already approaching it the right way. 

Let’s break it down. 

Start with how you want to feel 

When you picture yourself walking across campus on a random Tuesday in October, what do you see? 

Do you want small classes where your professors know your name?
In between classes, do you want to run into people you recognize?
Is it important to have space so you can explore who you are becoming—academically, socially, spiritually? 

Fit isn’t just about rankings or majors. It’s about college being a place where you feel known, challenged and supported.  

At Northwest Nazarene University, for example, students often tell me they chose us because when they visited, it just “felt different.” That’s hard to measure on a spreadsheet. But it matters. We do college different—and for many students, that difference shows up in relationships, mentorship and community. 

Look beyond the website 

Every college website looks polished. Every campus tour hits the highlights; I know, I give them. So how do you dig deeper? 

Ask me the real questions: 

• What happens if I struggle in a class?
• How accessible are professors outside of lectures?
• What do students do on weekends?
• Is it easy to change majors?
• What’s chapel like, and how can I grow in my faith?
• Do people seem genuinely happy here?

Talk to current students. I can even connect you with a few. Ask them what surprised them most after enrolling. Their answers will tell you more than our website ever could. 

Think about your growth, not just your major 

It’s important to love your academic program, of course. But you also need to look at what happens outside of class. Look at internships and extracurriculars. Look at location and entertainment, and recreation opportunities. How about opportunities to explore and expand your Christian faith? Read alumni stories and look at outcomes after graduation. 

Here’s the BIG question: Will this place help me grow as a whole person? 

College is four years, but it shapes the next forty. The right fit should stretch you academically while also giving you room to discover your strengths, your voice and your purpose. 

At NNU, undergraduate programs are designed to be rigorous, but also personal. Professors aren’t just experts in their fields; they’re mentors who invest in students. Our kind of environment can make a big difference, especially if you’re still figuring out exactly where you want to land. 

Pay attention to your gut 

Sometimes students try to logic their way into a decision that doesn’t sit right in their gut. 

If you felt energized during a campus visit, that matters.
Can you picture yourself in the residence halls? That matters.
When you finish your campus tour thinking, “I belong here,” that really matters! 

This decision is personal. 

Remember: There isn’t only one “right” choice 

Here’s something I wish every senior understood: you are not choosing the only path your life can take. You are choosing a place for your next chapter. 

The right college is the one where you’ll engage, ask questions, build relationships and say yes to opportunities. A school can offer all the resources in the world, but it’s your involvement that makes it transformative. 

So as you weigh your options, look for the place where you feel seen. Where you’ll be challenged. Where you can imagine becoming a fuller version of yourself. 

That’s the “fit” that really means. And when you find it, you’ll feel it!