Control the process; don’t let the process control you!”

Location is Key to Finding the Right Social Fit

When I was growing up in Watertown, New York, I was fortunate like so many of you to have a family structure that instilled the values of hard work, commitment, pride, and how to treat a neighbor with courtesy and kindness.  These values made me who I am today and fine-tuned my moral compass.  As I left home for St. Lawrence University, those teachings were really put to the test. Throughout my college career, I had to rely on that compass to navigate the right course for me. 

One thing college freshmen quickly learn is that college living is a chance for you to explore and experiment.  It is a time for social growth, and for continued physical and emotional maturation. So often, the college social environment will serve to define who you are—for the good and the bad.  The choice you make in selecting a college—and the social environment that comes with it—will provide an important backdrop for the choices you make during college and beyond.  It is critical, therefore, to find the right social fit.

Location. Location. Location.  The real estate business has many well-known adages, but perhaps none more so than this one. The same can be said for selecting the right college, too.  Location is key to finding the right social fit. Here's an example:

I once had a client (I'll call him "Trevor") who was an exceptional swimmer at a suburban Rochester high school.  As a breast-stroker, his times ranked among the state's finest.  Not surprisingly, he received letters and phone calls from college coaches across the northeastern United States. Among them was my alma mater, St. Lawrence University, a Division III school for swimming; another included Fordham University, a Division I school.

Trevor visited both schools, among others, and he met in person with the coaches during his tours of their facilities. He sought guidance from his counselors and learned about the fine academic reputations of both institutions. He learned about the lower enrollment at St. Lawrence (approx. 2,100 undergraduate, 190 post-graduate), and at Fordham (approx. 8,400, 7,600 post-graduate). But most important of all for Trevor, he learned first-hand the vast differences in the location of each university.   

In this regard, the two schools could not be more different. They offer an environment at opposite ends of "social spectrum". St. Lawrence is located in Canton, NY, a small town in northern-most New York that is located, by anyone's definition, in a remote area of the state. The closest "metropolitan" area is my hometown of Watertown, about 60 miles to the west. Contrast this with Fordham University, which is located in the heart of New York City, perhaps the most vibrant metropolitan area in the world—full of arts and entertainment, post-graduate business opportunities, and vast cultural diversity.

Both schools wanted Trevor to swim for their programs; both offered financial aid packages that made each competitive with the other. Trevor's best times were easily of Division I caliber, so he would've found success with either program. But when it came to finally making his decision, Trevor opted for St. Lawrence University. Knowing Trevor as I did, I was not at all surprised, though his parents and friends were shocked.

Just as Trevor's example demonstrates, students and parents need to consider many factors in making their college selection—not the least of which is based on location. Just like home-buyers, the prospective college student will have a physical, "gut" reaction to each school they visit—good, bad, or indifferent.  Therefore it is very important to visit each school that you have an interest in.

Location of the school impacts so many other choices:

Proximity to home:  UCLA, for example, is an outstanding institution, but getting home for a few weekends per semester becomes a challenge on a number of levels. RIT is also an excellent choice, but how close to home is too close?  Many parents want their children to attend a college that is close enough to get to within a few hours, but far enough away to give their child a sense of independence and a full appreciation of the college experience.

Enrollment size:  A large enrollment equates to (a) large class sizes, (b) vast campuses, and (c) overwhelming bureaucracy. Finding the right social fit should include examining the size of the college—Small, < 2,000 students; Medium, 2,000 – 15,000 students; and Large,  > 15,000 students. The number of undergraduate students will have a big effect on your overall experience, playing a part in everything from the range of majors available to the amount of personal attention you'll receive from your professors. An entry level Accounting class at a large school might have 300 students sitting in a large lecture hall, and a professor whose scarce office hours are split among your 300 classmates.  The same class size at St. John Fisher College, on the other hand, may have fewer than 50 students enrolled—a huge difference especially for students who desire extra attention.

Rural vs. Urban:  In my example, above, Trevor did his homework and knew himself well enough to appreciate the slower-paced atmosphere that comes with the smaller, rural St. Lawrence campus. But other students are looking for an environment that offers myriad off-campus opportunities. There is no right or wrong answer here; it is a matter of what is the best fit for you. For example, a suburban campus often offers the security of a defined property with the convenience of a city in relatively close proximity. This could be beneficial when you are searching for internships or employment opportunities. Conversely, the rural environment may offer little opportunity for off-campus employment, nightlife, or even adequate housing.

Other considerations:

• Does your preferred school offer an extensive "Travel Abroad" program?
• Does your preferred school provide a well-staffed Career Placement Center that directs you to post-college work and academic opportunities?
• To what extent are internship and co-op programs available?
• What types of on- and off-campus housing is available? Is it adequate for your needs?
• Does your preferred school demonstrate a support of and sensitivity to Diversity?
• Want to wear your toga?  In other words, is "Greek Life" important to you?
• Does your preferred school provide ample services for students—medical, dental, security, and transportation? 

Each of these miscellaneous components to the "social fit" is important items to consider in the school you select.

Preparation is the key!  In order to make a well-informed decision, the high school student-athlete and parents should acquire and weigh information about colleges from as many sources as possible. Some of these sources are the athlete's counselor, coach, parents, and prospective college counselor and coach. Advice from other student-athletes can sometimes prove the most effective.  Ask the questions that you need answered to feel comfortable at your chosen school.  The reality is that you will likely spend at least four years there.  It is too expensive a proposal to come up short on information. 

“Control the Process; Don’t Let the Process Control You!”