I had the best four years of my life in college. I experienced two different colleges that could not have been any different from each other. I found myself in two different ways at both colleges. I wanted to give back to the world and help others find themselves in college too and I am now an admission counselor for one of my alma maters. So what advice would I give to high school seniors and families who are starting the college search?

1. Don't leave out colleges and universities just because you don't think they're for you.

In just my short time as an admission counselor, I have seen too many students who won't take a chance on learning more about our campus because they're not sure if they'd like it. Now some might have heard negative things about a college or campus community but that is just from that one person's point of view and you cannot let that be yours. You must discover a college before you mark it off of your list; not your parents, family, or friend's list, YOUR list!

2. Visit every college that you're considering.

I cannot stress to you how important this is for you as you begin to choose a college. You will never TRULY know if a campus is for you unless you go and visit. A visit will most likely consist of a full campus tour, meeting with a professor, meeting with an athletic coach and/or fine arts director, meeting with your admission counselor, lunch, and anything else that you would request for you to see on that day. When you visit the campus bring as many questions as you can think of. This will help you to narrow down the search. Ask the same questions at every school so that you can easily compare and contrast them!

3. Choose the college that just gives you that good feeling in your heart.

We say this all of the time when we speak to students. When you go a college that you just know that you need to be at, then you will be successful. If you go to a school that is your second choice, then you might just have second choice results. I know that money is a factor in choosing a college but again, won't you feel better about paying for something that you really want, rather than something that you just kind of want? Also, don't choose the college just for its name, for its graduation rates, for its athletics, or for whatever else they're known for. Choose it because you want to. You will be the result of what you choose and how you decide to live while you're at that university.

Choosing which college to attend is more than likely the biggest decision that a young adult will ever have to make in their young adult life, but if you do your homework, visit campuses, and follow your heart, that decision will lead to a better life and a happier you!