About the Intervention
Find the Fit is an enhanced college advising program designed for high school students in Upward Bound projects, particularly targeting low-income and first-generation college-going students. The program aims to reduce college undermatch by helping students find colleges that align with their academic qualifications. Find the Fit consists of three components delivered during students' senior year: (1) personalized student folders containing college planning materials, activities, and handouts customized based on students' academic preparation and geographic location; (2) semi-customized text or email messages sent approximately twice monthly with reminders about application deadlines, financial aid, and college search activities; and (3) three live training webinars for Upward Bound advisors with an accompanying handbook. The program addresses three key challenges: logistics of applying to college, financial hurdles and misperceptions about costs, and limited expectations about college options. Implementation is flexible, allowing Upward Bound projects to integrate materials into existing advising activities as appropriate for their students' needs.
Statistical Findings
Positive effect: on applying to four or more colleges
Positive effect: on applying to colleges of higher selectivity levels
No effect: on importance students place on academic quality in choosing a college
No effect: on completing FAFSA by March 15 for students overall
Positive effect: on completing FAFSA by March 15 for Black students
Positive effect: on completing FAFSA by March 15 for students in lowest quartile of college entrance exam scores
More Intervention Details
Focus Areas
Economically DisadvantagedPrograms & Services
General Education, Title IDelivery Methods
Face-to-Face, Online – AsynchronousDisability Support
N/ATarget Groups
Student(s), Teachers/Instructional TeamsCitation
Alina, M., Amanda, P., Hannah, M. & Tamara, L. (2018). Study of Enhanced College Advising in Upward Bound: Impacts on Steps toward College. NCEE 2019-4002 (ED588782). ERIC. https://files.eric.ed.gov/fulltext/ED588782.pdf.
Study Demographics
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Geographical Setting
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