Choosing the Best College for You

Deciding to go to college is one thing, choosing which school to go to is something completely different. How do you decide what will be the best schools to apply for, and which of those schools that you do apply to should you go to? Follow these simple guidelines and you posses the tools to choose the best possible college.

1. Academic and enrollment criteria. What are the requirements for each school that you would like to apply for? Do they have a minimum GPA required? What is the average SAT or ACT test results of the student body? Does this school even offer the major that you are interested in? It would do no good whatsoever to apply to a school that doesn't offer the degree you need or for which you are not academically qualified.
2. Location of school. Does your future college have to be far away from home, or does it need to be right around the corner? Should it be located in an urban setting or a rural one? Could you live there for an average of four years? What is the weather like; is it hot or cold? Where the school is located will play a huge impact on your final decision. Use questions like these to help narrow your list of finalists.
3. College size. This means not just student body size, though that does play a part. The sheer physical distance between campus buildings should be a factor in your final decision. You are going to be crisscrossing the campus for the next several years; what will the average travel time be between your classes?
4. College type. Do you want to go to a two-year or four-year school? Does the school offer any advanced degree programs in case you decide later to continue your education? Is it a public or private school; a religious or secular school?
5. Reputation of school. What is the reputation of the school in the area of academics and sports? Is the school known as a party school? Does the school have a reputation of student safety, or does there seem to be a lot of problems? What do your parents and guidance counselor know about the school? Do you know anyone that is currently attending the school? While the final decision as to which school is yours, you should also listen to more experienced individuals have to say in the mater and apply their input to your choice.
6. Cost of school. This could be the single most important aspect of your final decision. Be sure that you are aware of what the total cost will be. This means you should know what the cost of tuition, books, and living expenses will be. Will you need to look into getting a scholarship, or applying for work study?