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It’s decision time! You’ve gotten into your favorite colleges and universities and now you have to choose one that you will attend in the fall. Before you make this decision let me remind you, as someone who’s been through college, the worst-case scenario is a bad semester and a quick transfer to a school you think you’ll like better.

The question you’re asking yourself when deciding where to go next fall should not be “What college is perfect for me?” Instead, you should ask yourself, “What college is the best fit for me?”

I like lists, so here’s a list of other questions you should ask yourself to help determine if a school is a good fit for you:

1) What do you do on the weekends?

a. Many big state universities and some smaller private schools have developed the reputation of being a “party school.” If you desire a quieter environment, a smaller liberal arts college may be a good fit.

b. Best Source of Information: Word of mouth. If you have older siblings or friends who are in college or recently graduated, talk to them about the schools you’re looking at. Most college kids are aware of most colleges’ reputations.

2) What do I want to study?

a. Your answer doesn’t have to be “Molecular Biology in Eco-Friendly Urban Environments.” If you have a general idea, say “Business”, than you’ll be able to compare the specific schools at the universities you’re considering.

b. Best Sources of Information: The universities’ web sites, Princeton Review, or U.S. News

3) Where do I want to go to college?

a. Do you want to be close to home? Do you want to have warm weather all year round? Do you want to be in a city, near a city, or far removed from all traces of civilization?

b. Best Sources of Information: Google Maps, Climate Zone, College Board, Cappex, YOUR OPINION!

4) Where are my friends going?

a. This is an important and oft-forgot question. I went to school with some acquaintances from high school, and came out very close with one. You have to decide if you want to go with your best friends, if you’d just like some familiar faces, or if you really want to go and meet a completely new group of people. The most basic advice I can give: by the end of orientation, you will likely know who some of your closest college friends will be, whether you’ve known them for 10 years or 10 minutes.

b. Best Source of Information: Your friends.

If you’re still struggling with this tough decision after reading this blog, here’s a fun little quiz to help ease your mind:

http://quizfarm.com/quizzes/new/foreversportiii/what-college-should--you-go-to/#

What else are you considering in your decision? What schools are you deciding between? Talk about your experience in the comment section or on our Facebook fan page!

Filed under: Discus Dan • College Prep • College Admissions