Bucking the Bias: Keeping an Open Mind During the College Search Process
College Solutions VPs and Senior Counselors, Terry Hurley-Maciulewicz and Patrick Zylka, recently completed a daring task: They visited the campus of The Ohio State University wearing their Michigan Wolverine fan gear! They weren’t just there to cause dirty looks (though they certainly received plenty); Terry & Patrick were out to drive home an important point about the college search process. Read on for their insights!
Patrick and Terry here. We recently embarked on a journey that, for two die-hard Michigan Wolverine fans, felt a bit like crossing enemy lines: a campus visit to The Ohio State University. Now, before you start picturing us in scarlet and gray, rest assured, our maize and blue loyalties remain firmly intact. However, as college counselors, our mission is to guide students to their best fit, and, sometimes, that means putting our personal biases aside, even for a few hours.
Both of us have always preached the importance of an open mind when crafting a college list, and our trip to Columbus served as a powerful, if slightly humorous, reminder of why. We encourage our students (and their parents!) to approach the college search with a sense of exploration, rather than a predetermined checklist based on reputation, rankings, or even, dare I say, football allegiances.
Finding the right fit is paramount. It's about so much more than just academics, though that's certainly a crucial piece of the puzzle. When we talk about fit, we're considering the entire student experience:
Campus Culture: Does the vibe feel right? Is it collaborative or competitive? Is there a strong sense of community?
Location and Environment: City, suburban, rural? How far from home? What's the surrounding area like?
Academic Programs: Are there strong departments in your areas of interest? What are the research opportunities like?
Social Scene and Extracurriculars: What kind of student organizations exist? Are there opportunities to pursue your passions outside of the classroom?
Financial Aid and Affordability: A practical but undeniably important factor.
Admittedly, walking through the Oval at Ohio State, we found ourselves subtly appreciating the impressive architecture and vibrant energy. The sheer scale of the campus and the breadth of academic offerings were clear. We saw students deeply engaged, passionate faculty, and state-of-the-art facilities. And yes, even a Wolverine can admit that the school spirit, while directed at the wrong team, was palpable.
Our visit solidified a key piece of advice we give all our students: Go into the process unbiased. Don't let preconceived notions or external pressures dictate your choices. A college that might not have been on your radar could end up being your perfect match. The best way to truly gauge a fit is to visit, ask questions, and imagine yourself thriving there.
So, while we might still wear our Michigan gear with pride, we returned from Columbus with a renewed commitment to open-mindedness. Because ultimately, helping you find your perfect college, even if it's one we might traditionally root against, is what truly matters. Go find your fit (and Go Blue)!