philosophy
Our practice is based on trust, mutual respect, honesty, and integrity. Blue Moon recognizes that every individual is a unique constellation of strengths and needs and that each individual exists within a context that impacts them in multiple ways. Therefore, we believe that we cannot have a “one size fits all” approach, and it is our goal to meet each student where they are and provide them with an individualized plan. We take a strengths-based approach that recognizes that there are “good fit” schools for all students and opportunities for every student to thrive and to contribute positively to society.
As much as possible, we believe it is our responsibility to do what we can to eliminate bias in the system that is based on race, ethnicity, religion, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, socio-economic status, age, political affiliation, national origin, or disability. Our practice does not discriminate against students or families based on any of these characteristics.
The Four Elements of Fit
Note: Prestige/Reputation is not one of the elements of fit!
As students embark on the college search process, they often hear the same refrain: “You have to find the right fit!” This common wisdom from college admission professionals sounds logical, but what does it mean? Without a definition, students are left with the idea that when they visit a campus, they will “just know.” While some students do have this experience, many do not, and either way, it doesn’t necessarily mean that the school is a “good fit.” So what is “fit” and how do we find it?
In our view, “fit” has four elements: academic, social, growth opportunities, and financial. Within each element, there are questions to ask yourself and questions to ask of the colleges.
Academic
Questions to ask to determine academic fit:
Does this school have the majors that I am interested in?
If I’m not certain about my major, can I change easily? Or am I pretty much locked in?
If I’m undecided about my major, what support does this college have for undecided students like me?
How do I best get information from a class? Am I a “sponge” who likes to listen and soak up information? Or am I someone who benefits from interactive discussions?
Collaborative or competitive? Am I a person who enjoys and rises to competition with my peers? Or do I prefer collaborating with my peers through group study sessions and/or group projects (assuming everyone is pulling their weight)?
Do I benefit from being the “smartest in the room” where I can learn easily, go deeper, and help others who are struggling? Or do I benefit from being with peers I must keep up with? Am I “scrappy” in that way where being with stronger/faster/smarter peers makes me work harder and achieve more? Or is it better for me to be somewhere in the middle?
Social
Questions to ask to determine social fit:
Which of my identities are central to my experience? Gender Identity/Expression? Race/ethnicity? Sexual orientation?
What communities am I a part of that are important to me? Religious? Political? Communities related to my interests/hobbies? Communities related to my identities?
Do I value being with people who share my identities and communities? Do I value being with people who are different from me? Both?
What groups/organizations on campus will I want to be part of? What groups/organizations am I happy exist even if I don’t want to join?
What is the overall “vibe” of the campus? Frat parties and football games? Academic lectures from outside speakers? Protests and activism? Creative and artsy? Dedicated to service? Career-oriented? Which of these am I attracted to? Am I finding evidence of the “vibes” I want on campus (through website, viewbook, campus visit)?
Are there people who look like me here? Are there people who look different from me here? Do those people sit together in the dining hall?
Are “people like me” treated with respect and dignity by people different from me?
Opportunities for Growth
Questions to ask to determine growth opportunities:
What percentage of students study abroad in a short-term program?
What percentage of students study abroad for a semester or more?
What percentage of students complete at least one Internship and/or Co-op?
What research opportunities exist for undergraduates, either independently or in a professor’s lab?
How easy is it to join (or start) a club? Is an application required? Or are clubs generally open to anyone who wants to join?
Are there intramural or club teams that I am interested in joining?
Financial
Note: Final determination about financial fit will have to be made at the end of the process when you receive the financial aid package, including need-based grants, merit scholarships, and “self-help,” which includes federal loans and Work Study. However, some basic questions can be asked during the search process.
Questions to ask to determine financial fit:
How much money have we saved for college?
Do we have assets we can use to pay for college?
Will there be help from family members (grandparents, for example)?
Will we be eligible for federal aid?
Will we be eligible for institutional aid at some/all colleges?
What can we afford to pay for college from our annual income?
What is the total cost of attendance at each college?
What percentage of need does the college meet?
What is the likelihood of a merit scholarship at this college?
Some good resources exist for understanding the true cost of college:
Jeff Selingo’s Buyers and Sellers List
Federal Student Aid Estimator: filling this out will help you determine whether you will be eligible for federal student aid or whether you will be relying on merit scholarships
“Stacey is like a therapist and career coach but overall, just a really good listener. She can synthesize all of the information that she is receiving from various sources and come up with options to try. Kids feel very heard and valued. Parents are happy their child is finding their way with Stacey’s coaching and mentoring.”
“Stacey was the only reason we stayed sane during our college search process! Before we even began our search for our oldest daughter, we turned to Stacey for guidance. Within minutes of our first meeting our anxiety dissipated as Stacey helped Julia clarify the size, location and type of school she was seeking. Stacey guided us through the entire process, keeping us all grounded . She helped Julia apply to schools that were appropriate for her interests and personality, gave her feedback on her application essays, and advised us with issues related to financial aid and scholarships. Julia was accepted to every school she applied to—which is as much a testament to Stacey’s skills as a college counselor as it is to Julia’s achievements!”