While a college, especially a small one, often has a large of group people sharing the same special niche, there are always many “normal” people in every college. And the definition of “fit” is not quite obvious; it can be a great coach, an interesting major or just the welcoming and “right” student body. So, how does an AO look for “fit”? Or how does such “fit” help a student with relatively low stats get into a great, if not top, school?
For students with modest stats you probably need to look for colleges that have support mechanisms in place. This might be a set to start with: http://colleges.usnews.rankingsandreviews.com/best-colleges/rankings/national-universities/a-plus
Another recommended resource is Colleges that Change Lives. http://www.ctcl.org/
I think the fit part is more up to the student than admissions. Admissions will accept/reject based on stats, ECs, essays etc. but likely will not reject a well qualified “science kid” from a school that has a lot of “artsy kids”. In fact, they may welcome having a student with a diverse interest/background at the school.
However, in looking at LACs my D definitely felt there were some schools that were good fits and others that were not and it impacted where she chose to apply. The LACs each seemed to have a distinct “vibe” or personality. My D found some schools to be “too artsy” “too preppy” “too religious” etc. for her tastes. And the schools she didn’t pursue are great – she has friends at some of them who are wonderfully happy – it just wasn’t the right fit for my D. Happily she ended up at a school that is well suited to her personality and interests.
In contrast, once the kid decides to apply and the app is submitted, I think fit is from the college’s perspective. The have values they recognize and promote. They like kids who seem to share these, who show it.
As an example, D1’s school clearly likes kids with community engagement, creative ways they worked this, and who have made commitments over the years. You can apply with the highest stats in the world and if you are an isolated sort, you really don’t “fit.” You wouldn’t fit the colleges values and the experiences of the student body they have put together. No matter your major. Of course, there are exceptions.
What is an “AO”??? Fit is many factors. A great school for one is not good for another. Fit includes costs, academics, social and other factors you find worth considering. A great school is one with sufficiently challenging academics one can learn something but not so difficult a student is lost. A great school has a compatible peer group. This means enough other students with similar academic abilities as well as compatible lifestyles. It means majors and courses that interest the student. It means activities of interest. That’s one reason there are so many different colleges- one size does not fit all.
AO = admissions officer
I think fit can work both ways. I think it’s pretty clear for example that Tufts has a mission of global citizenship. Not everyone has to be an International Relations major, but it is probably helpful if you present that way. At another school a pure academic, might be a better fit. Most schools do have a wide variety of students though, so if you don’t fit the stereotype, you are not automatically out of the running.