Finding the right college fit begins with understanding yourself, not scrolling through endless rankings. Before you can discover where you belong, you need to know who you are and who you want to become.

Today, I break down the essential questions high school students (9th-11th graders) should ask themselves before even thinking about the college application. 

• Why do you want to go to college? 
• What adjectives describe you now? 
• What experiences and opportunities are you looking for? 

These foundational questions aren't just philosophical exercises—they're practical tools that will guide your entire search process.

Beyond the practical benefits of college (like graduates earning approximately $1 million more over their lifetime than those with only high school diplomas), the college experience offers transformative opportunities. Whether you're seeking leadership roles you didn't have in high school, research experiences that spark your curiosity, or clubs that align with your passions, knowing what you want helps narrow your search to institutions that truly fit.

This episode kicks off a series on college searching, with future installments covering academic considerations, location factors, and admissions criteria. Connect with Jennifer at [email protected] or @CollegeTNT on social media to share your questions or suggest topics for upcoming episodes.

For more about me - my experience and my speaking, check out the links below.

You can reach me at [email protected].

https://www.linkedin.com/in/jenschoen/
https://www.firstgenfm.com/speaker-high-school-educators-students-parents