<p>So, I suppose there exists a perfect college for everyone. How does one go about finding their perfect place? What should be considered? How important really is prestige? Thanks</p>
<p>That’s the thing. The amount you personally care about those factors and others such as campus, diversity, activities, location, etc. are what makes a school the right “fit”. The best way to find out is to visit and do research and see if you like the programs and campus.</p>
<p>Theres no such thing as a perfect college, throw that idea away right now. </p>
<p>On a brighter note, try to use the following criteria when selecting a school.</p>
<p>A-Does it fit the size I want? Too big, too small? Does size matter to me?
B-Is the student body actually bright and not just smart? Do they care about what they are doing? Will I be able to find awesome friends here?
C-Are the professors accessible? Are they caring? Do I want them to know me? Do I not want them to know me?
D-Does the school have a decent program for my major? Does the school offer a lot of different majors?</p>
<p>Don’t look into prestige my friend. The general public has no idea what prestige is. IF you were to ask an average person what school is more prestigious, Arizona State University or Haverford, they would say ASU. Just look for the best education you can get, but remember to have fun when your there. Fun+degree=all that matters.</p>
<p>Thanks for the info</p>
<p>A lot depends on who you are.</p>
<p>I went to two colleges at undergraduate schools. One is liberal-art school with a lot of personal attention and another is reasonable big well known research school. </p>
<p>Needless to say, I like the second one better (since I transfer to that school later) because I am fairly independent person and I like to compete with the best and brightest. Also, there is just so much more opportunities (job opportunities, special project) in big well known research school. Of course, at research school, students are just numbers to professor. Still, during the down economy, it is well worth the tradeoff, IMO. </p>
<p>Of course, that big research school is not for everyone. A lot more student dropout while everybody in small liberal art school graduate in four years.</p>