How to Use a College’s Strategic Plan to Find Your Perfect-Fit School

Choosing a college is one of the most significant decisions in our students’ academic and professional journey. While many students focus on campus life, location, or reputation, there is an often-overlooked resource that can make a big difference: a college’s strategic plan.

Strategic plans outline a college’s priorities, goals, and direction for the next five to ten years. They serve as a blueprint for institutional growth, covering areas such as academic innovation, community engagement, research investment, diversity initiatives, and sustainability. Essential College Coaches encourage our students to study these plans to determine whether a college’s long-term vision aligns with their major and professional goals by:

Matching Academic Interests to Institutional Growth

If you are passionate about a particular field like renewable energy, artificial intelligence, or global health, a college’s strategic plan can tell you if it is investing in that area. Schools will highlight future expansions of academic programs, new research labs, or partnerships with industry leaders. Choosing a college that is growing in your intended major means you will have access to cutting-edge opportunities, funding, and faculty expertise.

Aligning with Career Preparation Goals

With the high cost of college, it is important to study a college’s job outcome success rates. Colleges vary widely in how they approach career development. Some emphasize experiential learning through internships and co-ops; others prioritize research or entrepreneurship. Strategic plans frequently outline their commitment to workforce readiness, support from local employers, and alumni networking success, all good indicators of how well this college will support your career path.

Understanding Institutional Values

A strategic plan reflects a college’s core identity and mission with detailed plans. Does this college prioritize sustainability, global citizenship, or innovation? If you are motivated by a particular set of values, ensuring they match the college’s strategic focus can lead to a more fulfilling experience academically, socially, and professionally.

Planning for Long-Term Relevance

Higher education is evolving quickly. By choosing a college with a forward-thinking strategy, you are investing in an education that will remain relevant as technology, industries, and society changes. Schools that demonstrate agility and innovation in their plans are more likely to prepare students for careers that do not yet exist.

How to Find and Use Strategic Plans

Most colleges publish their strategic plans on their websites, often under “About,” “Institutional Research,” or “Office of the President.” When reviewing them:

·         Identify recurring themes or strategic priorities.

·         Note upcoming investments in your field of interest.

·         Compare how different institutions describe their future direction.

Essential College Coach’s Tip

Essential Coaches teaches our students the importance of matching their college search to the college’s strategic plans to find the RIGHT-FIT COLLEGE. By taking this extra step, our students find colleges that match their academic passions, professional ambitions, values, and future goals.