Steven
I'm not sure it's about the right college, it's more about finding the college that will offer one the best opportunities after graduation. College is only four years of one's life, but professionalism is the rest of one's life. Get focused and stay focused. Focus more on the degree than anything for it's the degree that spells success.
Megan
Talk to students at the college and see if you can spend a night or weekend there or even a day of classes with a student to see how the school runs and if you enjoy it there.
Stephen
Find the college that feels right to you. Don't base it off of where your friends are going, or where you live at home, or anything like that. When something feels right, whether it be the college you go to or who you love or what to do with your life, you'll know it right away. Trust your own judgment, make your own choices, and be your own person. Follow your gut. This may not always turn out the best, but at least you can say it was your own decision, and no one else's.
Katie
Live each day as if it were your last. Have fun, work hard, and it will all pay off in the end. Try not to make money a determining factor. Although it can be an issue, there are many solutions to financial problems. Do what makes you happiest.
James
The most vital part of the experience is you, so you need to determine what is most important to you and have the biggest impact on your experience. Visit a lot of schools, stay overnight in the dorms if you can. Make sure you take care of the practical stuff first, ie making sure it has the program you want and it is economically feasible, and then concentrate on finding a place that feels right to you.
Corey
I would say that the most important determinant in making the decision between colleges is feel. Choose a school that you feel fits your needs. If you like a lot of people, choose a city school. If you like your space, choose one out in the middle of nowhere. Also look at the demographic of students that are already attending the school. If you like diversity in the people that you know, choose a school that has diversity. Look at how the students interact on campus. Are they out in the middle of campus playing ultimate or other outdoor games or are they inside studying all the time? If you get hungry on campus, eat in the dining hall. It is not going to be Mom's home cooking, so make sure that the food is good enough and offers a variety of choices. Then go to the student union. Ask for a list of all the clubs the college offers and make sure you have a place to fit in. I cannot stress enough that the biggest issue is choosing a place where you fit in and one that feels right. Also, get involved on campus early.
Molly
Visit the school, and go with your heart! Meet people who attend the school, and stick it in there! One you find the school for you, stay on the weekends and make friends!