Dear senior,

You made it to the second semester of your senior year! Isn't it such a relief? Senior year is a time to relax...until you have to decide where you want to go to college, or if you even want to go to college at all. It may seem like everyone else around you has their whole life figured out and they know where they want to go and what they want to do. But trust me, no one has it all figured out completely. In addition, there are many other options besides college, such as the military, taking the year off, joining a trade, or jumping straight into the work force. However, if you are certain of college, there's a lot you need to think about. Your mailbox and email inbox is most likely filled with acceptance letters urging you to make your decision. However, have no fear. Here is a list of helpful tips and things to remember when choosing the perfect school for you!

1: School Size

Do you want to go to a big school, like a university, or a small school, like a community college? This is an important question to ask yourself before deciding. Some schools have tens of thousands of students, while others have a mere couple of hundred. For me, a 49,000+ student, Big Ten university was the perfect fit for me. For my friend Kayla, a smaller, close to home school was the best choice for her.

2: School Location

Do you want to go to an instate or out of state school? How far from home do you want to be? There's tons of different schools in tons of different locations. Keep this in mind!

3: Money

Money, unfortunately, is usually one of the biggest factors when deciding which school you want to attend for the next four years. Large, out of state schools are going to be the most expensive options, while small, closer to home options are going to be the least expensive. Fill out those scholarship applications!

4: Do not follow a friend, boyfriend, girlfriend, etc.

I cannot express this enough, do not go to a particular college because you want to be with your boyfriend, best friends, etc. You are going to college for you, and you only. Choose what is best for yourself, not for them, or for anyone else. If it happens to be the same school as your best friend, great!

5: Majors Offered

Different schools have different majors that they are renowned for. For example, Ball State in Indiana is known for it's teaching and journalism majors. My school Indiana University, is known for the Kelley business school, the Jacobs school of music, the Maruer school of law, and the IU school of medicine. Purdue is known for it's engineering, and coming second to Indiana University at, well, everything. (See you February 9 so you can take that L, Boilermakers!)

6: Ask Questions and Get Answers

Ask questions about schools you are interested in. What is the graduation rate of this school? How many students return after freshman year? If possible, ask people who attend the school what their feelings are.

All in all, though deciding where to go to college is a big decision, do not totally stress yourself out about it. It will work out. You do not need to decide immediately. There is still time to think about it, most schools don't require your decision response until May 1. Try to attend a visit before making the big decision, you will only know if it is for you if you are there in person. Can you see yourself sprinting across campus to get to class because you are running late on your first day? Can you see yourself stomping your foot and cursing the sky because you just missed the bus?

Trust me, you will know.

Sincerely,

A college freshie.