I chose Tulane, my first college, because it had a good reputation and was close to home. I loved the idea of being in Uptown New Orleans. I didn't take a close look at the students, the quality of life, the programs, etc.
I chose LSU because it was free. Louisiana has the TOPS program, that provides a tuition waiver to basically any HS grad with a pulse (2.5 and 20 on your ACT) that's taken a certain number and type of HS credits. (wow, TWO whole years of a foriegn language
) Plus, because of my grades/ACT, i got a $400/semester stipend for books, etc. And, a lot of my close friends from high school, and my boyfriend were there. I don't regret the decision. I got a semi-decent education that cost next to nothing, and I had a great time along the way.
I picked LSU law because they gave me a full scholarship. BIG MISTAKE. I should have taken the 8K/year hit to go to another school that doesn't have the reputation for beating the will to live out of its students.