Question: I'm in the process of applying for...

First thing I would recommend would be is if you want to go to a large school or a small school. Personally I transferred out of a large state school and now attend a small private university. I love the smaller atmosphere when it comes to class size because you get more of an one on one experience with professors. I think once you decide which type you like then from there it will be easier to decide.

I had no idea where I wanted to go to college either, but I narrowed down my decision to apply to in-state colleges only because I knew I didn't want to be too far from home or pay hefty tuition bills. I had no idea what I wanted to major in, which was rather limiting for me as to what I was looking for programs-wise. I definitely recommend looking at schools with programs that you know you are interested in or colleges that offer a good "undecided" program in which the program helps guide students in the right direction career-wise.

-Wherever you go though, don't let your decision be based upon what friends will be attending there. Living on campus is the one of the best things (and fun) that you can experience, and so I definitely recommend giving life on campus a chance even if you decide to attend a school close to home. - Definitely do campus tours of the schools that you're interested in also. It may help in your narrowing down your choices as well. - Also, I suggest really considering the distance thing when deciding on a school. If you choose a school several states away, tuition will be expensive, but you also have to consider the travel back and forth to it. If you're already strapped money-wise, your travel home may be limited to just Christmas and maybe one spring break (depending on if you have to pay/split gas $ or fly). Also, take into consideration that if, gawd forbid, there happens to be a family emergency, how quickly can you get back home (depending on if you're close to your family or not)? Also, is the school located out in the middle of nowhere or in a city with lots to do? Some people like the quiet, small town schools, while others who are used to being from a small town like the idea of going to school in a big city and seeing/experiencing new things. - Don't let big classes intimidate you at a large university because they are not all like that or that bad. I went to a large university and the core courses (required) were usually the bigger classes (100-200 ppl), but once you decide on a major, the classes that pertain to your chosen major do get smaller. If you like the more smaller, intimate classes though, definitely consider attending a smaller college.

Good luck in choosing a school, and just remember that if you later regret the decision you make in schools, you can always transfer elsewhere!

Think about a few key things. Do you want your classes to start off HUGE and then get smaller as years go on, or do you want them to remain about the same? Do you want to be close to home, reallyyyyyy far away, or somewhere in between? Is it important that your college have certain majors and programs available? How about extra-curriculars and clubs? Do you want to follow some friends, or go on your own? Is cost an issue for you?

I just completed my first semester, and here's how I chose: I decided on the University in the same town where I grew up. I wanted to remain close to my family and friends still in H.S., it's a big University, so I can blend in and choose from a lot of different options and majors. It's arguably the best University in my state. I can live at home and save a lot of money, as well as I can have my own room and as much stuff as I want, as opposed to living in a tiny dorm (that's a part of the experience I'd personally like to skip). They didn't offer me any financial aid because I turned in my FAFSA fairly late, but loans can cover my tuition and fees just fine.

Hope some of this helped! Don't let it stress you out, if you feel like you made the wrong decision, you can always transfer later. Maybe try doing some college visits and see how the campuses FEEL to you. Many high schools give a limited amount of excused absences for college visits, so you could make a long weekend of it.

1. What course was available. Did it suit what I needed, if so how good was it in rankings and so forth.
2. Accomodation. Was there decent accomodation available for the price I could afford?
3. Students. If the students spoke positively of student life both inside and outside of lectures I would be more likely to choose that university.
4. Staff. If staff were approachable then I would probably look more favourably on the university.
5. Location. Was it a good one? Even if it wasn't and had all of the other things I'd look into other possibilities such as public transport connections.

Pretty much in that order, really. I also had to consider grades and whether they covered disabilities in their university personally.

First, do some research--find a school that has a good program for your intended major (assuming you have an idea on what you want to major in.). Next, figure out if you want a school that's close to home, or far away; urban or rural, etc...Another big factor is cost. Can you afford to go a pricier private school, or do you want to go to a more inexpensive (and usually easier to get into, etc.) public/state school? Hope I could help! :]