<p>I find that a lot of people get stuck looking at rankings and cost, etc. and offer miss out the most important factor: does the school match you? Will you be happy there? Is it the RIGHT FIT?</p>
<p>I know it sounds silly to make your decision based on the weather, but a bunch of research has found that students who are happy get the highest grades. So I guess a big factor is what your life will be like: size of city, weather, international student population (if it is your case), social life… what can you do outside of class: sport, intramurals, clubs, parties, etc.</p>
<p>You’re better off at a lower-ranked school where you’ll be HAPPY than at a top school that you hate. That’s what I think anyway…</p>