Matchmaker, Matchmaker, Make me a Match!

By Quetzal Mama • December 16, 2014

It’s the last two weeks before college applications are submitted. Students are making final decisions on where to apply and gathering final documents. With proper match-making on my mind, I wanted to share how the college match process is very similar to the personal online dating process.

How are match-making companies related to college admissions? Well, they know a few things about making a proper match. First, they know creating an ideal match is a two-way street. They know there are specific dimensions that dictate compatibility and that some of these dimensions are “deal breakers.” They also know that statistics concerning personal characteristics and traits can help increase the odds that a match will occur. The matchmaking tactics used by these relationship sites are fairly consistent with strategies I use to help my students identify a proper match.

In other words, it’s not a one-sided match where one tries desperately to “fit” the ideal of the other . . . Which leads me to an interesting phenomenon I observe each year. It is something I call the “overmatch” phenomenon. This refers to average to slightly above-average performing students who optimistically “shoot for the stars” in hopes that something – luck, or some other mysterious force– will somehow get them admitted to an Ivy League institution or highly competitive college. Don’t get me wrong. I love these kids – they have worked hard and they are hoping their hard work has paid off. However, they are going about the college matching process all wrong! They neglect to focus on how a college fits them, and spend all of their efforts focused on how they fit the college. Rather than focusing on a eHarmony match model, where dual compatibility is key, many students focus instead on forcing a “fit” to a particular university regardless of their academic profile.

These overmatch-ers know their overall profile of standardized test scores (ACT & SAT) and Grade Point Average (GPA) is not aligned with the profile of admitted students at their dream school, but they remain determined to press on. Even after I explain that admissions experts count a “match” as being within a 5% margin of the stats posted for the admitted freshman profile, and even though they know their margin is closer to 30 – 40%, these numbers of are no consequence to the “overmatch-ers.” They bought the Stanford sweatshirt and they are going for it!

This overmatch phenomenon puts me in a tricky place with my students. I don’t want to be the Grinch lady who spoils their dreams of getting admitted to a top tier college! I admire their high aspirations and commend them for reaching for the stars. However, based on my experience, the data I gather each year, and the profile of schools they are applying, it is not likely they will receive admission to these highly selective campuses. I don’t want to see these bright students miss out on an abundance of college opportunities because their college application focus is in the wrong place. Statistically, these “overmatch” kids tend to focus the majority of their applications to non-matched top-tier schools, leaving them with few college options come March 30 (when admission decisions are sent). So, this admission season, I created a three-step process to help students find their true “match” and avoid being left with few college options.

Step One

It’s About You – It’s Not About Them!

Consider the following criteria to determine whether the campus is a fit for you.

The Major Outstanding Curriculum? Highly Competitive? Research facilities? Internships? Renowned Faculty?	Campus Dimensions Small or large campus? Public or Private? Urban v Rural? Big Fish in Small Pond? Student/Faculty Ratio?	Long-Term Goals Graduation Rate? Resources for 1^st Gen? Leverage for Grad School? Yield of Admits for your Intended Grad School?
Non-Academic Does Religion Matter? Does Diversity Matter? Campus Culture? Intramural Sports?	Geographic Proximity Close to Home? In-state or out?	Financial How Much “out of pocket” What’s the EFC? Work Study Programs?

Step Two

Use Online Search Tools to Narrow Choices!

Search by size, geography

https://bigfuture.collegeboard.org/

Search by SAT or ACT Score

http://www.collegesimply.com/

http://collegeapps.about.com/

Search by Affordability

https://fafsa.ed.gov/

http://www.usnews.com/education/best-colleges/features/net-price-calculator

Step Three

Check the Numbers

You’ve Got to be At Least in the Ballpark

After narrowing college choices, follow this simple two-step process: Visit the “Admitted Freshman Profile” page for three schools considered. Compare that profile with the student academic profile. If it is within a 5% margin, it’s a match! Otherwise, it is considered a reach. I recommend students use the 80/10/10 rule:

The 80/10/10 Rule

80% should be strong “match” campuses

10% should be "reach" campuses

10% should be "safety" campuses

I also stress that no student should ever apply to a safety campus they have no intention of enrolling! By focusing on 80% of your college choices to properly matched schools, students will have the greatest odds of admission and the greatest odds of receiving a compelling financial aid package! Check out this article for more information on how to align an academic profile.

Of course, as matchmaking sites and Quetzal Mama both know, there is no absolute science in finding a perfect match. While admitted freshman profiles are indeed a strong indicator of a potential match, there is no formula that guarantees admission. Academic profiles also do not account for the holistic review competitive universities utilize to identify their freshman class. However, when students use the three-step rule above, they will definitely increase the odds of an appropriate match.

Don't forget to check out these books by Quetzal Mama!