Why did I choose my school?
Diversity. We were the racial and political diversity of my hometown. I didn't want to be made to feel like a freak anymore because I looked different, or because my parents weren't as conservative as my classmates' parents or my teachers were. One teacher told me that if I went to my college, I would join a cult.
The 'New' Curriculum. Designed by the guy who designed the ill-fated Clinton health plan, any class can be taken pass/fail (even for your major!), if you fail a class it doesn't show up on your transcript, you can drop a class up until the day before exams start, and outside of your major, you don't have a general distribution requirement. The last math class I've taken was in 1998.
Don't get me started on biology or chemistry classes! Classes are small--no 500 person courses here! I have had excellent relationships with professors in and out of my field.
Location, Location, Location. I wanted someplace where there were real seasons, after having grown up in Florida my entire life (and I've definitely got them now!). Most of my class was staying at home, or close to home, so I wanted to avoid a school that would be a "Grade 13" experience. It's in a pretty big city, so I know I would have amazing cultural opportunities, and I would be able to fly home pretty easily. The NE was good for me, too, because I was close to Boston, NYC, and DC without having to deal with major metropolitan issues.
Architectural History. I knew I wanted to study history of architecture in HS. Because the school's in one of the nation's first historic neighborhoods, I have had the opportunity to research historic homes as internships! We are next door to one of the nation's top art schools, so I could take art and design courses for no charge. Also, as a HS student, I talked to the man who is now my advisor about the program, and he had awesome things to say.
I'm waiting on grad school decisions to come in now, so soon I'll be able to add to this thread.