Tips to help choose the college that's right for you

1. Remember that understanding yourself is the most important factor in choosing the right college. The "right" one matches your needs and interests, not those of your friends or even your parents. Have a frank discussion with your family early on about college. Share your thoughts and ideas. Ask them to share theirs. Show them that you accept this decision as your responsibility and you are going to take it seriously.
   
   
2. Use size and location to narrow the field. How close to home do you want to be? What size is right for you? How large is too large? How small is too small? You need to know yourself to answer these questions, but once you can, you'll be able to zero in on serious choices.
   
   
3. Choose a college, not just a major or a sport. Finding a college that has the major or sport that you want is important, but take a broader look. Most students change majors at least once. Many athletes who intend to play a college sport change their minds. Put yourself in that situation as you make your decision. Would you still be happy there if you changed your mind? Are there still plenty of options for you to choose from?
   
   
4. Visit your final choices, even if you've visited before. Visit while classes are in session if at all possible. Take advantage of spring events for accepted students. Beware of judging a college based on the experience of one student. Talk to several.
   
   
5. Look for the right blend of challenge and comfort. If you're too comfortable, you won't grow -- and that's why you're going to college! If you're too challenged, you may be overwhelmed or miss out on the total college experience.
   
   
6. Look for opportunities -- academic and otherwise. Students who get the most out of college get involved in their learning -- and a whole lot more! Look for research opportunities, study abroad programs, internship and work opportunities, leadership and volunteer programs, clubs and organizations, athletics and recreation, music and drama, media opportunities, etc. Employers look for these types of broadening experiences.
   
   
7. Seek a college where you can find a mentor. Research shows that the students who get the most out of their college experience did so because they found a faculty mentor, someone who helped them go farther than they would have otherwise. When you visit a college, ask how accessible faculty members are to students. Try to assess how well students seem to know their professors.
   
   
8. Don't rule out a college based on cost until you know exactly what your cost would be. Understand how financial aid works. The forms you fill out tell you what your family should be able to afford for your education -- your Expected Family Contribution. Colleges will subtract this amount from the total cost of attending their institutions (including books, travel and miscellaneous expenses); the result will be your "need." Therefore, your need -- and your award -- will vary according to the cost of the institution. Colleges will attempt to meet your need by offering you a combination of grants, loans and work-study. (Remember, financial aid at many institutions begins to run out as the year goes on. Those who meet the priority deadlines will get the best awards. So don't wait too late to apply for financial aid!)
   
   
9. Remember that college is an investment. You are investing in your future earning power and life satisfaction. Borrowing a reasonable amount of money to afford the right college may be a wise decision. Talk with financial aid counselors about repayment schedules.
   
   
10. Realize that more than one college may be right for you. The truth is there are several colleges that can meet your needs. Weigh all the factors and your feelings, and if you just can't decide between two or more colleges, then probably either one is right for you.