Prema
First, I think that finding your college of choice has to be based on the direction you are leaning in major-wise, if you have one. If you don't have one, then it should be based on a general area of subject matter that you are interested in. Secondly, I would say that if you have a specialized area you are interested in, find out about it and go for it! I am in film school, and was lucky enough to have parents who supported my decision to enter into such an 'artsy' field. No, there aren't a huge amount of options for film school (especially if you aren't financially advantaged), but there are a handful, and you'll probably find what you're looking for at one of them. This goes for all specialized fields. And for people like me who are in that 'lower' financial bracket, financial aid is much more prevalent than you think. Find out everything you can before discounting a school as 'out of your range.' One last thing--don't judge an entire school based on your experience with one or two people you meet when you visit, or heresay.
Cynthia
Three words: Do not settle. If you have a passion, persue it wholeheartedly. If you are unsure of what to do, do not worry. The school which seems best at first may turn out not to be, and that is okay. You must keep in mind that although schools are often chosen for their academic excellence, an enormous part of the learning experience in college happens outside of the classroom. For most students, this is where they will get their first taste of independence. Choose a school that you connect with--academically, emotionally, and mentally; a place where you can explore yourself and really discover who you are.
Ann
Sure, academics are important. Sure, choosing the name of the school on the diploma is something to consider. Sure, money is a major factor. But remember, choosing a college is more than that. Unlike high school, college isn't somewhere you leave at the end of the day. College is where you eat, where you sleep, where you work, where you play. College is where you live. Make sure, when you choose the college, that you are also choosing a place that you will call home for the next few years. This is the place where you will do your laundry, where you will get sick, where you will meet your life-long friends. When visiting a campus, ask yourself, "Can I really see myself here, in this place, with these people day after day and year after year?" And if the answer isn't a resounding "Yes!" then it's time to keep looking. And once you've found it, and you've made it there, take advantage of it! Get to know all the new people around you. Check out everything going on in the area. Remember, it's more than your school, it's your home.
Phillip
The best piece of advice that I could possibly bestow upon anbody in the process of picking a college, is to "Go with your gut feeling." Yes, you need to pick the school where you know you will get the best education you possibly can, and your gut instict will almost always point to that school. You need a place where you can socially fit in. For example, if you go to a school that has a reputation for being extremely conservative, you wouldn't want to go there if you didn't fit the role as a quintessential student for that school. Also, don't let anybody influence your decision. It's your education, and ultimately your future that you're deciding on, so any outside influences or "distractions" could be detrimental in the long-run. Nobody is as capable of making the decision as to which college you should attend as you are. Good luck!
Michael
Since every college has something to offer, choosing one is not only practical but personal. Start by meeting with faculty and then students to guage how you will fit in. Visit the school two weeks after open house if possible. Get details about scholarship opportunities and course requirements so that you know what your getting yourself into. I the end, follow up with trying to meet with proffessors and discussing how they plan to help your career. Every facet of the school from campus life to academic integrity will affect you in your first few years away from home, so weigh them heavily and go for what feels best.
Marianna
I believe one of the most positive experiences about choosing colleges is visiting them. Even if they are across the country, try and visit so you can get a feel for the campus and the overall atmosphere. Pictures wont do any place enough justice, and risking moving your like for the next four years to a place where you do not feel comfortable can really bring down your grades, social life, and entire outlook on life.
Another option I would recommend for choosing the best college is looking through the classes they offer because you never know what you might end up enjoying and pursuing a career in. I know plenty of students who chose a major that they loved and then discovered new and completely unrelated interests that made them change majors and even schools.
Lastly meeting with your potential teachers and classmates is a huge part of getting to know the campus and social life. Those conversations during my visit to the school were what mostly helped me make my decision.
Erik
Take your time but do realize you can always change your mind. Stick with your decision for at least a year to honestly jusdge the campus and people there.
Katie
You can't pick a college because of it's name. you have to go and see the environment you will be learning in, the most important thing is your environment because if you don't like it you won't thrive. I love NCSA becuase it isn't a college but a second home, that kicks your but every day and brings out the best in you!