There you are…a senior in high school. You knew it would go fast, but not this fast. In just months you will be walking across the stage to receive your well-deserved high school diploma, but until then, one question will be burning in the back of your mind, “Where am I going to college?” Until now, the answer, “I don’t know” was perfectly acceptable when asked where you were going or what you wanted to do in life. But now it’s time to look around and actually make the choice.

There is a good chance you already have some kind of “dream college” picked out which is totally okay, but you have to keep an open mind and make sure that school will suit all of your needs. To help you out, here are ten things that I learned to keep in mind when I was deciding on a college:

1. Size

I grew up in a small town and graduated with a little over eighty people so I wanted a school that felt small. One thing to keep in mind is class sizes? Ask yourself if you need more hands on attention. If so, a college that offers smaller class sizes would be the better choice. However, if you learn better with more people and prefer more of a lecture setting, a college with bigger class sizes may be the better choice. Everyone is different.

2. Distance From Home

Believe it or not, you’ll actually want to visit your parents! Crazy right? Because of this, distance from home may be something to keep in mind. If you plan to visit home a lot to see your parents or friends, you probably wouldn’t want to go somewhere nine and a half hours away (unless you have A LOT of extra gas money or a personal plane).

3. On-Campus Clubs and Organizations

If you’re someone who likes to get involved or someone who wants to get involved, checking out a school’s organizations and clubs is ideal. Check out the Greek life, choral groups, athletics, etc. This is a great way to make friends and find a new passion.

4. Financial Aid

Trust me…this will be a major factor. College is expensive. Choosing a college that will give you some kind of scholarship is a must whether it is for academics, athletics, or the arts. Any amount of money will be useful.

BONUS ADVICE: Apply for every scholarship possible! You will get sick and tired of applying and writing papers, but the money received will be total worth it.

5. Campus Facilities

Is there a recreation center? A student help center? A quiet place to study? A student union? These types of places are essential to college success and staying healthy so it is important to choose a college who not only has these facilities, but a college that is constantly working to make them better.

Trust me, finding a college that fits all of these things can be really stressful and you may find yourself trying to settle. But, I promise, you will find a school that truly fits you. When you find it, you will know. I felt at home; I was impressed with the facilities, financial aid opportunities, student clubs, and I wasn’t too far from home. It was everything I wanted in a college and I couldn’t be happier with my decision.

So, high school senior, the time is here. Find a college that suits you and soar. The future is here!