b'15HOW I FOUND MY FITWe asked recent high school graduates to share how they found the colleges that are the best academic, social, and financial fit for them: STARTING YOUR COLLGE SEARCHI joined many virtual meetings and talked Originally, I did not want to stay in stateto current college students one-on-one to fullyand wanted to move far away, but then myunderstand every aspect of each college. I soonPhiladelphia Futures advisor got me in touch realized that Bentley College was the perfectwith two students at Lehigh University who size for me and not too small, as I had previouslygave me a lot of insight. I relied on their advice, thought. Try to be as open-minded as possibleas well as that of my brother, who is a current when choosing the right college for you!college student, to make the decision. KIONA JOHNSON TAMMY ADEGBAYEEsperanza Academy Charter School, Class of 2021 Northeast High School, Class of 2021Bentley College, Class of 2025 Lehigh University, Class of 2025The most important factor for me was the The first thing I looked at was majors,environment in which I was going to learn. because I want to be a civil engineer. AfterGoing to a college in which other students are alsofinding colleges with that program, then I looked trying to persevere will make me feel more atat financial aid. Once I narrowed it down to home. At the end of the day, you need like-minded my top three colleges, I chose based on school peers to celebrate your victories with you. culturebecause it matters who I am going to That is why I chose Carnegie Mellon.spend the next four years of my life with! MATEO RUIZ EDGAR SANCHEZEsperanza Academy Charter School, Class of 2021 Kensington Health Science Academy, Class of 2021Carnegie Mellon University, Class of 2025 Drexel University, Class of 2025Diversity was important to me in finding While location was a big factor, I alsomy fit. I am someone who loves to learn looked at financial aid because comingabout different cultures and meet new people, from a low-income family, I knew if the money so I applied to colleges that are diverse was not right, that I would not be able to attend.when it comes to gender, race, and even I am thankful that Johns Hopkins Universityreligion. I thrive better when I leave both offered me the money I needed tomy comfort zone and challenge myself, which attend and was also out of state, whichI will certainly do at Drexel University.made it a perfect fit for me. OLUWAPELUMI OJO SOVEYRA HERNANDEZGeorge Washington Carver High SchoolEsperanza Academy Charter School, Class of 2021of Engineering and Science, Class of 2021 Johns Hopkins University, Class of 2025Drexel University, Class of 2025'