what school is right for you?

[KSigkid]

There's a whole host of things that should factor into the college selection process. How does it stack up academically, so that when you leave you can either go to the grad school you want, or get the job you want? What kind of feel does the campus give you? Does it have some activities (school newspaper, debate society, etc.) that interest you? Does the campus location fit your style (is it in a city or rural, is it an actual campus)? Also check into costs, and scholarship availability. Also, if there are any faculty in particular that you want to study under, try to make sure that they teach all students and are at least marginally available. For example, Elie Wiesel teaches at my alma mater, but he only teaches a couple of classes, and it is mostly grad students who can get into his sections.

I know not every high school works this way, but my high school's guidance department was excellent in explaining the process and helping decide what place would be best. It might not be a bad idea to see if people from your high school went to the schools you are interested in, just to get a students' point of view.

It's a big decision, but good luck. When it turns out right (like it did for me), it's a great experience.