What Really Interests You?
Even if you have no idea what you want to major in, start thinking about what classes and activities you enjoy most. Focus on the subjects and activities you’re most passionate about and look for schools that offer programs in those areas.

Jamie Heisler, a recent graduate of William Woods University in Fulton, Missouri, has been singing, dancing, and acting since she was four years old. When she looked at colleges, her preference was a school with a strong theater program.

“There are lots of schools with good theater departments,” says Heisler, “and some of them, like New York University, are very prestigious. But the important thing to me was to get stage experience right off the bat.”

She researched schools near and far from her home in Portland, Oregon, and finally chose William Woods, where she landed a lead role her very first semester.

“Your major should be a primary factor in choosing a college,” says Carol Descak, director of admissions at Wheeling Jesuit University in Wheeling, West Virginia. “Talk to faculty, current students, and alumni. Ask what makes the program at one college different from or better than the same program at another school.”

Descak also recommends that students ask about special opportunities for research, internships, and mentoring. Be sure to observe the campus facilities—are the labs, art studios, and other resources up-to-date and fully equipped?

Don’t forget to consider extracurricular activities—after all, college life is about more than just hitting the books!

What Is Realistic for You?
Be realistic about your academic abilities and look for a school that matches them. Before you invest time and money in applying to any school, find out the average GPA and test scores for freshmen, and the percentage of applicants who are accepted. Apply to schools that best fit your academic profile.

“Given the increase in the number of students applying to four-year schools,” says Keith Gramling, director of admissions at Loyola University in New Orleans, “many universities haven’t increased the size of their freshman class [and they have grown even more selective]. See if you are a likely fit for that academic community.”

You should also consider the cost of tuition, the percentage of students who receive financial aid, and the average amount received. This information will help you and your family decide whether the school will be financially feasible.

How Independent Are You?
Some students thrive in environments where they can call the shots day to day. Others prefer to have a little handholding, at least during the first year. “If you’re not sure which category you fit into, ask yourself, "Do I take the initiative to deal directly with teachers and administrators?" advises Kelly Tanabe. Also, talk to current college students about the campus style—are students expected to follow strict rules and regulations, or is the lifestyle more laid-back? In some cases, applying to a school that’s farther away from home might actually increase your chance of getting accepted. “Geographic diversity is a prized commodity for a college community,” says Michael Maxey, dean of admissions and financial aid at Roanoke College in Salem, Virginia. “A student coming from an underrepresented area can be positive [factor] in the admission process.”

How Will College Compare to High School?
Your high school experience can tell you something about the type of college you might want to attend, as well as your learning style. Think about your high school. If you attend a small school with kids you’ve known since kindergarten, do you find it comforting, or are you bored? Conversely, if yours is a large urban or suburban high school, do you enjoy the diversity, or do you feel overwhelmed?

Rachel Emery, who attended Annville-Cleona High School in Annville, Pennsylvania, admits that she asked questions incessantly—a habit that sometimes got on her teachers’ nerves! “The best way for me to learn is through interaction,” Rachel explains. At Wellesley College in Massachusetts, she found an environment that fostered her learning style with small, discussion-based classes and professors who were involved and engaged with their students.

On the other hand, some students prefer to take classes in large lecture halls where they can soak up the basics and then go to study on their own. To find a college that matches your learning style, ask about average class sizes—especially for the subjects you’re most interested in. Find out as much as you can about how classes are structured: is there opportunity for interaction and discussion, or are most courses taught through lectures?

Are You Serious About Sports?
Athletics can add a whole new dimension to your college search. If you’re a serious athlete, start by realistically assessing your abilities and considering which schools are most likely to give you a team jersey. Talk to the coaches at your high school and at the colleges you’re interested in and ask them to assess your chances of making the team. “If you’re a student athlete,” says Mike Frantz, dean of enrollment at Wilkes University in Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania, “be honest with yourself and expect the same level of honesty from your potential coach. Discuss what skills you have and what you will need to improve to become an impact player.”

For more information, visit the National Collegiate Athletic Association’s website: www.ncaa.org.

Weighing Your Options
Once you’ve determined what’s important to you, it’s time to look at the colleges that fit your priorities. Here are some factors to consider:

• Public or private? Public or state schools usually charge less for tuition than private schools, especially for in-state residents. But private colleges often offer more financial aid, which can offset the difference in cost. And while state universities have a reputation for large class sizes, don’t base your decision on this generalization: Many public schools offer a personal, student-centered environment that’s similar to that of smaller private colleges.
  
• Large or small? Large schools offer a wide variety of courses and majors, but the bur-eaucracy can be daunting and professors may be less accessible. Small schools generally offer a low student-faculty ratio and plenty of interaction with faculty, but course offerings and activities may be more limited.
  
• Urban, rural, or suburban? In a big city, you’ll discover a plethora of exciting activities that can enrich your college experience, from concerts, theater, and art ex-hibits to shopping and club hopping. How-ever, if you’re an outdoors type who enjoys hiking, or a nature lover who prefers starry skies to city lights, you might be happier at a more rural school. Looking for the best of both worlds? Consider a suburban school with easy access to the city.
  
• Consider other paths. Perhaps a four-year college or university simply isn’t right for you at this point in your life. There are plenty of other options, including two-year schools, trade schools, military service, volunteer organizations such as the Peace Corps, or part- or full-time employment.

Whatever you decide, always keep an open mind about all your options. That will lead you to the education that’s best for you.

Article courtesy of www.careersandcolleges.com