Choosing which college to attend is an incredibly exciting, yet trying adventure.  With hundreds of universities to choose from, it can be frightening and overwhelming at times.  However, with proper planning and a great deal or research, choosing the right college is easier than you think .  Keep these tips in mind as you embark on this journey.

Identify what qualities you look for in a college

Incoming freshmen don’t necessarily need to have a specific major in mind, but it doesn’t hurt to have some ideas.  Knowing what major you want to pursue will help narrow down your college choices

Location and environment are two very important factors.  Do you want to attend a large university, or will you thrive better at a smaller university?  What environment are you looking for?  Is Greek Life an important part of the decision process?  Know what you’re looking for ahead of time.

Financial aid, tuition and other expenses are also an important consideration to keep in mind.  If you’re on a tight budget, it’s wise to consider an in-state university.  Another option is attending a community college for two years and then transferring to another university.  And don’t forget admission requirements.  Research the universities you’re interested in, and make sure that you meet their admissions requirements.

List, compare, and visit your college choices.

It’s important to do your research before applying to colleges.  Make sure the colleges you apply to cater towards your needs.  Don’t apply to a college that doesn’t offer the major you want to pursue simply because it’s been labeled as a party school or a cool school.  Go to as many college fairs as you can.  Most high schools will offer a few throughout the school year.  There are also college fairs in most major cities throughout the year that are often bigger than the ones put on by your high school, so make a point of attending at least one of these as well.

Make a pros and cons list of all your colleges, and then compare what each one has to offer.  This is an easy way to narrow down your selection.  Once you’ve weeded out the less appealing choices, it’s imperative that you visit as many of these colleges as possible.  College visits offer you a chance to experience campus life, tour the school, and learn more about what each college has to offer.

Make sure your grades are in check.

It never hurts to do well in school.  A high GPA will look a lot more impressive on your college applications than a mediocre one.  Remember, you want your application to stand out among the rest. A high GPA will also give you a better chance of receiving scholarships, so if tuition cost is a factor in your decision making process, picking up the books will work in your favor.

You’ll definitely want to take an SAT prep class, and, if your college choices require it, take an ACT prep course too.  Prep classes are known to increase your score by at least 200 points. The Princeton Review, Kaplan, and Sylvan Learning Center all offer a variety of SAT and ACT prep courses to students.  Whether you prefer a private tutor or a classroom setting, these programs offer a method for everyone, so research which classes are offered near you.

As you can see, there are many factors to consider when choosing a college.  Be thorough with each of your choices, and make sure that the college you pick fits your needs to a tee.  Having good grades and doing well on the SAT and ACT will go a long way, so remember to hit the books.

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You can follow CollegeFocus on Twitter at @CollegeFocus101 and Facebook at www.fb.com/collegefocus. Choosing which college to attend is an incredibly exciting, yet trying adventure.  With hundreds of universities to choose from, it can be frightening and overwhelming at times.  However, with proper planning and a great deal or research, it’s easier than you think to find the perfect college for you.  Keep these tips in mind as you embark on this journey.

About the author: Kirstin Le Grice is a recent graduate of University of Colorado and a staff writer for CollegeFocus, a website dedicated to helping students deal with the challenges of college, including housing, finance, style, health, relationships, and transferring from a community college to a four-year university.