| There are plenty of good colleges. But just because | | | | What are my strengths? Knowing your strengths and |
| a college is popular among your friends or highly | | | | weaknesses can help you find a school where you |
| ranked by a magazine doesn't mean it's a good fit | | | | are more likely to succeed. Do you need study |
| for you. | | | | groups to be successful? Do you prefer alone time? |
| Hanging out with your high school friends can be part | | | | Do you work better in large lectures or small |
| of college, but it shouldn't be the focus. Attending a | | | | discussions? Do you like tests or long-term projects? |
| college just for the comfort of your friends and the | | | | Find what a school emphasizes before you say yes. |
| parties that will ensue is a quick path to dropping out. | | | | What's my address? Something that is important, yet |
| Similarly, just because a college has a prestigious | | | | often overlooked, is a school's location. A big city |
| basket weaving major doesn't mean you will feel | | | | offers an endless amount of fun and nightlife, but the |
| comfortable on campus. | | | | campus may be spread throughout. Some schools in |
| To find the college that fits you must weight many | | | | smaller towns are community anchors. Recreation |
| factors. Here are five questions to ask when looking | | | | activities at these schools are more focused around |
| at potential colleges: | | | | the university. Also, keep in mind the environment. |
| Do they have what I need? There are a couple of | | | | Does the weather suit you? Too much heat or cold |
| basic questions you should ask yourself when | | | | could make your school year miserable. You may |
| choosing a college other than "How many of my | | | | want to look at schools in areas that suit your |
| friends will be there?" First, ask yourself "What is my | | | | outdoor recreation needs. Not every school is located |
| passion?" What are your future goals? If you want | | | | near hiking trails in the mountains or surf-friendly |
| to be a writer look for schools with strong English | | | | waves. |
| and communications programs. If you want to be an | | | | What's plan B? Many students change their major |
| engineer then a small liberal arts school may not have | | | | once enrolling in college. Some even go through three |
| what you need. | | | | or four areas of study. So before you commit to a |
| What's my size? Do you want to go to a big school | | | | highly specialized school be sure of your passions. |
| or a small school? There are advantages and | | | | You don't have to decide on a major now. Giving |
| disadvantages to both. A big school can be | | | | leeway from the start of your college search could |
| intimidating and overwhelming, but it may offer more | | | | save headaches later. Examine more than one |
| programs, options and opportunities. Smaller schools | | | | academic department at your school, and see what |
| may offer more personal attention in the classes you | | | | other areas of study interest you. |
| take, but they may not offer as many majors. If | | | | During the college admissions process you may feel |
| you learn better with direct attention from a teacher | | | | as if you are auditioning for colleges. The truth is you |
| then perhaps a smaller school is best for you. If you | | | | are interviewing the schools, looking for the one that |
| don't mind the anonymity and enjoy seemingly | | | | fits you just right. |
| endless resources, look into the larger schools. | | | | |