It pays to consider these two concepts as guides.

Forbes reports.

What College “Match” And “Fit” Are All About

In the next few months, you’ll hear a lot about “match” and “fit” regarding colleges and their relationship to prospective applicants. The vast variety of four-year colleges and universities available to high school graduates can be daunting if they’re starting from scratch. Even if they have a preliminary list in mind, it pays to consider these two concepts as guides.

Many students have strong orientations toward particular institutions, often through family ties, school recommendations, or friends’ own experiences. Many have aspirational desires propelling them toward the Ivies or other high status colleges and universities. Considering “match” and “fit” can help balance those forces with the realities of an individual’s personality and inclinations.