<p>I'm still not decided on what college I'm going to attend but fortunately I've still got time to make up my mind. I wanted to know based on what you made your choice. My guess is you considered the following aspects: friends, state, capacities, climat, maybe sport,...
And what was the most important criteria in your case?</p>
<p>Thanks for your help.</p>
<p>$$$</p>
<p>When it came right down to it, I had several great options that I liked. Two of them offered much more $ than the others, so really that was the deciding factor. :)</p>
<p>Of course, I completely forgot the money factor.</p>
<p>I haven't decided yet, but I know the big factor for me will be location. After living in such a vibrant city for so long, I know that I need to go somewhere where I'll be entertained.</p>
<p>Yeah, I'm considering a college that's near a big city, not necessarly in the middle of it but something like 20-30 miles away.</p>
<p>The first things I considered were size and location. My initial list of schools (top-tier LACs and a few smaller universities, all in the north) had about 30 schools. As I thought more, I realized I didn't want to be at a single-sex school, a university, or in a large city, and narrowed the list accordingly.</p>
<p>The next things I looked at were academic and extracurricular offerings. I eliminated a few schools that didn't have what I was looking for academically, plus other things like no Jewish community, no LGBTQ community, etc. I also took a look at opportunities and resources at each school like honors programs, winter terms, and academic facilities. By that point I was down to 12.</p>
<p>With a list of 12 schools, I started reading student reviews to try to gauge "fit". I cut out a few that were reputed to be conservative or preppy, and then visited the rest, sat in on classes and did overnights to get a feel for the community. I also took a look at student life issues like housing, vegetarian food, accessibility and distance from home. Fit ended up being the most important criterion for me. I was willing to give up prestige or a huge endowment in order to be at a school where I'd be happiest.</p>
<p>I ended up with a list of 7 schools that I was willing to apply to, with a clear top choice where I got in ED. I'm really lucky in that money wasn't a factor in my decision, although I did end up getting a great merit scholarship.</p>
<p>I would eliminate "friends" from the list of factors. While it might be nice to have a built in buddy at a school where you know no one else, there is something empowering in going somewhere solo and making your way independently.</p>
<p>No one can tell you what will be key for you. Do you want urban opportunities? The solitude of a more rural environment? Is outdoor activity a thing? Intramural sports? D1 athletics? What about program??? Although you should always keep in mind that your intended major may not be where you end up. </p>
<p>I always reccomend the searches on collegeboard.com and princetonreview.com to help you begin a list. They give you a jumping off point from which to begin your search. Enjoy it!!!</p>
<p>Thanks, I'll definitely have a look at those sites.</p>
<p>education first, money second, location 3rd.</p>