College Match: Qualities That Will Make A College Right For You

Dr. Steven R. Antoff

www.schoolbuff.com

Quality #1 - Size
High desire for accessible teachers 1 2 3 4 5 Low desire for accessible teachers
I would likely get better grades in small 1 2 3 4 5 I would likely get similar grades in small
classes or large classes
More discussion-oriented classes 1 2 3 4 5 More lecture-oriented classes
I learn best discussing ideas/ interacting 1 2 3 4 5 I learn best by reading / listening / taking
with the instructor and other students notes
Desire for tutors/ extra assistance 1 2 3 4 5 No desire for tutors / extra assistance
A close knit, family like environment 1 2 3 4 5 A place where I can blend in with the
crowd
Assume Size as follows: Small = under 3,000 students; Medium = between 3,000 and 10,000 students; Large =
between 10,000 and 20,000 students; Largest = over 20,000 students
Based on the above size definitions, check the sizes of college do you feel are best for you:
_____ Small ___1__ Medium _____ Large _____ Largest

Comments about size of an ideal college: (WHY)

I don’t want a college that’s too big because I don’t want to be in a college just for academics or the athletics. I
also want to make friends and meet new people. I want a sense of closeness in the community.

Quality #2 – Academic Environment

Very intellectual / scholarly emphasis 1 2 3 4 5 Balance between intellectual / social
sides of campus life
Ready / Able to handle the most vigorous 1 2 3 4 5 Ready/Able to handle normal academic
academic environment pressure
I want/need learning resources such as a 1 2 3 4 5 I have no need for these learning
learning center, tutors, extra time on resources.
tests, etc.
Other Academic / Curricular Qualities: Check any below that you would like in your college.
_____ Internships / work experiences
____1_ Considerable freedom in choosing courses
_____ Programs for students with learning style differences (LC, ADD, ADHD, etc)
_____ Independent study options
___1__ Applying what I learn to real world problems
_____ Preparation for the military
___1__ More hands-on learning opportunities
_____ Counseling / psychological / medical services
___1__ Courses geared to my specific academic / career interests
_____ Excellent study abroad programs
____1_ Research Opportunities
_____ Personalized academic advising
_____ Personalized career advising

Survey from College Match, by Steven R. Antonoff

_____ Writing center

Is there anything else related to the academic environment that is important to you? If so, describe it here:

Quality #3 – Academic Offerings

A liberal arts and sciences college is best 1 2 3 4 5 A college that will prepare me for a
specific career after four years of college
is best
I want a broad based education so as to 1 2 3 4 5 I would like to focus on classes that are
consider several careers relevant to my current career interests
What subjects would you like to learn more about and/or will consider as a major or minor?:
History/Archaeology

What career(s) have you considered? If none, say so.

Not sure yet

Quality #4 – Cost / Availability of Financial Aid

Cost is a major factor in choosing a 1 2 3 4 5 Cost is a minor factor in choosing a
college college
I need to do a thorough search of 1 2 3 4 5 No search of financial aid options is
financial aid options necessary
Cost will lead me to an in-state college… 1 2 3 4 5 Cost will not lead me in these directions
or to one that costs less… or where I can
get a scholarship
Comments about cost/financial aid in your college search:

Quality #5 – Religion
Religious life is an important factor in 1 2 3 4 5 Religious life is not a factor in choosing a
choosing a college college
I want a college where religious life is 1 2 3 4 5 No emphasis on religious life
emphasized
I ‘d like to be at a college with many 1 2 3 4 5 Having many students who share my
students who share my religious religious background is not a significant
background college planning variable
Comments about religious influence:

Survey from College Match, by Steven R. Antonoff

Quality #6 – Ethnicity
It’s important that I attend a college 1 2 3 4 5 It’s unimportant that I attend a college
where there are many students who where there are many students who
share my ethnic /racial heritage share my heritage.
Comments about racial/ethnic issues in my choice of college:

Quality #7 – Coeducation or Single Sex

What kind of school will you consider?

___1__ Coed _____ Women ______ Men

Quality #8 – Student Body Characteristics

1) circle all qualities that describe members of the student body at a college you would like to attend.
adventurous dress-conscious motivated social
aggressive energetic nonjudgmental spirited
ambitious focused open spontaneous
artsy friendly opinionated supportive
balance fun outdoorsy tightly-knit
career-oriented good values patient tolerant
caring idealistic politically active traditional
compassionate independent practical unconventional
conservative innovative realistic understanding
cosmopolitan laid back respectful interested in cultural
creative lawful risk-taking activities
diverse liberal scholarly interested in learning of
learning’s sake
down-to-earth moral sensitive
serious
List other characteristics you’d like to see in your fellow students:

If you circled more than 5 qualities, list your top five of the above that are most important to you.

A more traditional student body is best 1 2 3 4 5 An alternative, freespirited, independent

for me -minded student body is best for me.
Comments about students at your ideal college:

Survey from College Match, by Steven R. Antonoff

Quality #9 – Student Life
Check any that are important to you:

__1_ Most students live on-campus

_____ Lots of spectator sports
_____ An environmentally active student body
_____ Going to athletic games is a big social event
_____ Lots of students participate in intramural sports
_____ Fraternities / sororities are available
_____ Specialized programs for women / gal / multicultural students
_____ Lots of weekend activities
_____ The food is good
__1___ A safe campus
_____ Ramps / easy access to buildings
_____ Many leadership opportunities available
_____ Nice residence halls/living spaces
____1_ Where a sense of community exists
___1__ Where I’m recognized for accomplishments outside of class
_____ Where I don’t feel like a number
_____ Community service / volunteer opportunities
_____ Very spirited
Are there other characteristics of student life that will make your college experience a better one? If so, list them
here:

Quality #10 – Activities Available (including athletics)

List activities of interest to you here:

Wrestling, tennis

Quality #11 – Big Name School or Best Fit School?

The “name” or “prestige” of a college is 1 2 3 4 5 The fit of the college (size, academic and
most important in my college search social atmosphere, etc.) is most
important in my college search
Quality #12 – Admission Difficulty
The most selective colleges are 1 2 3 4 5 Less selective colleges are appropriate
appropriate for me for me.
Quality #13 – Location
Location is the most important factor in 1 2 3 4 5 Other factors are more important in
choosing a college choosing a college than location.
I’d like a college close to home 1 2 3 4 5 Closeness to home is not particularly

Survey from College Match, by Steven R. Antonoff

 important to me

Regions of the country

Pacific Coast States: Washington, Oregon, California
Rocky Mountain States: Montana, Idaho, Nevada, Colorado, Utah, Wyoming
Southwestern States: Arizona, New Mexico, Texas, Oklahoma
Midwestern States: North Dakota, South Dakota, Nebraska, Kansas, Minnesota, Iowa, Missouri, Wisconsin,
Illinois, Indiana, Michigan, Ohio
Southern States: Arkansas, Louisiana, Mississippi, Alabama, Georgia, Florida, South Carolina, North Carolina,
Tennessee, Virginia, West Virginia, Kentucky
Mid-Atlantic States: Maryland, Delaware, New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, Connecticut, (plus District of
Columbia)
New England: Maine, Vermont, New Hampshire, Massachusetts, Rhode Island

List those regions of the country, as described above, that you will consider in choosing a college:
New England, Mid-Atlantic States.

Indicate any states that you would particularly like going to college in (try not to think of specific colleges)
I don’t really have any preferences location wise.

Which of these options sound appealing to you as you think about the kind of place in which you will be
comfortable? Check any (or all):

___1__ In a major city

____1_ Near a large city, but not in it.
_____1 In a small town or a rural location (or where the college is the focus of the town)

Are there other location preferences? (e.g.: near a beach, near hiking / mountains, downtown of a huge city)

Quality #14 – Academic Success In College

Is there anything else a college could provide to help you accomplish your academic goals and do your best than
things noted in the qualities above?

Did you make the decision to go to college on your own? Did you consider or would you be interested in a gap
year between high school and college?

Survey from College Match, by Steven R. Antonoff

Quality #15 – Fitting In / Being Comfortable in College
If you were to visit a college tomorrow, is there anything else you would ask about or look for in addition to the
factors you have listed in the above qualities? (E.g.: a large number of days of sunshine, or snow, public
transportation, a lively music scene, or space for a hobby in your room) List any additional factors below:

Survey from College Match, by Steven R. Antonoff