The biggest decision I’ve ever had to make in my life so far has been deciding where I would go to college. During my senior year, all I could think about was where I would end up in a year and if I would be happy with my decision. Even though I had started the Common App in early September, I ended up not deciding on a school until April of my senior year. When applying to colleges, I applied to schools up and down the East Coast ranging from the New England area in Connecticut to the South in Virginia. I’ve been an indecisive person my whole life and I was the same in deciding on where I would attend for higher education.

The schools I applied to ranged from state colleges , smaller Catholic/Christian colleges, and even nationally known private universities. Naturally, my college decision came down to cost and location. Although I was applying to schools up and down the east coast, the longest I had ever been away from home was five days. I didn’t really know what I was getting myself into. At one point in my senior year, it seemed as though everyone knew where they were going to school except me.

Finally, when I eventually decided that I would be attending Eastern University, a small Christian college an hour away from home, did I feel somewhat relived. I loved Eastern because not only could I go home every weekend (if I wanted to) but my parents would also be close enough to see most of my home basketball games.

Even though it’s easy feel a little envious of those attending big state schools that are far away from home, it’s important to remember not to get caught up in the name recognition of a school. If a big state school far away from home is the best fit for you, great. But if not, then there’s no need to feel ashamed when you tell people what school you go to and they reply, “Huh? Where’s that?”. Only you know what’s best for yourself. I’m grateful that I decided on the best school for me. Somewhere I’m not overwhelmed and a place I can succeed and know the community around me. The bottom line is when deciding on a school, trust your instincts, even if that may be a smaller school that is closer to home.