Choosing a College - 10 Factors to Weigh

Choosing a college can be daunting. By now you have realized there are a lot of colleges out there. In fact, there are more than 3,000 colleges across the country and it may feel like everyone has sent you a brochure. How do you decide which college is for you?

How do you choose the one that's right for you? Here are 10 factors to consider as you decide which school will give you your ideal college experience:

Degree Programs: If you have already figured out what your major is, definitely look at colleges that are strong in that program. If you have no idea what you want to study, choose a school with a wide range of degree programs to explore and eventually choose from.

College Type: Private, public, religiously affiliated, single-sex or co-ed - there are many types of colleges and all offer benefits and drawbacks. Consider carefully who you are and where you will fit in.

Student Body: Do you want a college where you'll be surrounded by students similar to yourself, or are you looking for change and diversity? College brochures and websites will provide student demographics such as male-to-female ratio, average student age, and geographic, ethnic and religious diversity.

Size: A tiny liberal arts school and a huge state university will give you two very different college experiences. Visiting large, medium and small schools will help you get a feel for which size is best for you.

Learning Environment: Consider factors like a college's average class size, student-to-teacher ratios and whether mainly professors or graduate assistants teach classes. Think about what type of learning environment suits you best. Do you learn better through discussions or through hands-on activity? All of these are factors that will impact your academic experience at college.

Distance from Home: Some students want to move far afield. Others want to stay in familiar territory. How far from home do you want to be? Some students want and need to have the support of friends and family nearby. Others want to experience life in an entirely new part of the country.

Location: Do you want the center of activity to be your college and the small town it is in, or are you seeking a major metropolitan area where you'll enjoy the benefits of city living? Do you like it hot or cold? Snow in the winter, or swimming? Beach or mountains? You get to choose some of these things as you go off to college.

Campus Life: What do you want your college experience to be like outside of the classroom? What is important to you in terms of extracurricular activities, social life, school spirit and traditions and housing options?

Cost: Don't limit your college search because of costs - financial aid and scholarships can do a lot to offset cost differences between two colleges. For first-generation students there may also be merit aid. Think realistically about how your education will be funded, and find schools that work within your financial circumstances.

First Impressions: When you have narrowed your selection, visit the top two or three colleges you are considering. Spend some time on campus talking to students. Sit in on a class and grab a cup of coffee in the student union. There is no substitute for being there. It is the best way to get a real feel for a college and decide if it is "the one." Throughout your college search, go with your instincts and believe in first impressions.