Every fall, the pattern repeats itself. Anxiety escalates as students and parents follow the paucity theory of college admissions. That theory‘s premise: When a resource is scarce – the number of spots available at elite and highly selective colleges – then it must be more desirable.

Admittance to Stanford, for example, is like winning the lottery. Last March, about 5 percent of applicants were accepted. Taken in reverse, 95 percent of applications were denied. That’s an A on the “rejection” scale. Is anyone’s heart rate increasing?

But there’s another way to view college admissions, and that’s from an abundance perspective. This approach requires open minds – from students, parents and high school counselors – and thorough investigation.

The United States is blessed with a diverse array of colleges and universities. According to College by the Numbers, of the more than 2,000 four-year schools in the United States, only 135 accept fewer than 50 percent of their applicants. In college admissions terms, that means the vast majority of colleges and universities are accessible to most students, including some that open admission to all who apply.

The abundance perspective reframes the question from “Will I get in?” to “What do I want my college education to be like?” And determining that answer, which is inherently personal and unique to each student, helps students find colleges that are the best match for them.

Though highly individualized, “fit” isn’t elusive. It requires reflective self-knowledge on the part of the student, as well as research skills to ascertain what colleges offer in both tangibles (think majors) and intangibles (think subjectively along the lines of quality of life).

Several search engines exist that students can use to assess the tangibles. How do I figure out, for example, what schools offer equine studies in the western states? Websites like BigFuture and College in Colorado make that part easy. (And undecided students, don’t despair: At most colleges, students declare majors during sophomore year.)

Deciphering the intangibles is harder. First, students need to reflect on their needs, personalities and values. Figuring out who they are and what matters to them is essential in determining which academic and social environments will nurture their development and prepare them to become contributing citizens in the future.

Only then can students assess which colleges meet their criteria. For example, what qualities would they like to see in their classmates? Some examples: athletic, intellectual, social, hard-working, conservative, activist, engaging. In terms of learning styles, do they prefer lectures or small group discussions? Experiential or traditional? Do they want a campus that empties out every weekend for students to play nearby, or one that offers on-campus activities to entertain students? How is school spirit demonstrated? To answer these types of questions, there are resources that can help.

The Fiske Guide to Colleges provides both quantitative data (such as standardized test scores) and qualitative narratives about many universities. Students can read through the descriptions and highlight things they like. Noting what they’re drawn to helps students identify characteristics beyond major and location that are important in their search process. Prioritizing four to six key traits is generally sufficient without becoming overwhelming.

Open-mindedness is crucial when evaluating colleges with less recognizable names. Colleges That Change Lives describes 44 such schools. With so many fine options nationally, it usually takes some digging to reveal ones that fit. Every college has advantages and drawbacks. Armed with their key criteria, students can assess multiple schools based upon meaningful attributes.

Now the next challenge – and an essential component of fit – is paying for a college education, which for most people represents the second largest investment (after purchasing a home) made over their livespan.

Colleges themselves are the leading source of grants (aid that doesn’t require repayment). Applicants in the upper quartile of a college’s academic profile often qualify for merit scholarships ranging from a few thousand dollars to full rides. At CU Boulder, for example, Colorado residents with 3.8 GPAs and 28 or higher ACT scores receive a minimum tuition discount of $2,500 annually. Many private colleges offer generous need-based scholarships and/or limit students’ loan burdens to manageable sums. Information is power when it comes to paying for college.

Selecting a college is typically the first significant decision students make for themselves. Embracing an abundance perspective and making well-informed choices immediately reduces stress levels and ultimately generates more positive outcomes.

Gisele Pansze is an independent educational consultant. Reach her at [email protected].