I am an only child, so that automatically makes me the first to go through this whole college process. It would definitely have been nice to have a mentor who went through the same process, but as I visited different schools I was able to figure out a few things myself.

Heres what I learned:

Prices. I know that when I received the “post card” information sheet at the beginning of every college tour, my eyes would go straight to the price. Some of which displayed prices over $75,000 (excuse me while I go search my house for pennies). But as I soon learned, most of the schools do come with a large price tag. The one thing that I can recommend is to not do what i did. Avoid looking at the price tag, and just wait and see what the college offers you. There are scholarships galore, financial aid, and student loans. You never know what you're going to get, so don’t let the price tag control your mind.

When You Know - You Know. As soon as you step onto a college campus you are introduced into their atmosphere. You can see the people, the buildings, and the personality that the campus and it’s people posses. You will know if that place feels right. On the opposing side, you will know if it does not feel right. When you eventually get to the “right” college, you will just feel it. You will get a sense of comfort, and will be excited about it. When you know in your gut - you know that it is true.

Honesty. If there was ever a time to be honest, it’s now. You may be trying to please your parents, be with your friends, or go into a career for the wrong motives. In prior years, it would be ok to please others and be with friends in class. But now you are talking about going to a place for four years, spending some money, and planning your future. You have to be honest with yourself - who are you really? What do you really like? Next, you have to be honest with your parents - tell them if you do or don't like a college, tell them what you want. They will not be mad for your honesty, but they will be if you waste thousands of dollars doing something you do not want to do. It's scary sometimes, being honest, but when it comes to your future you really need to in order to prevent wasting money, and to ensure your happiness. No one would be happy being stuck in a place for four years, that you really do not want to be.

Location. You may hear “don't go to a college for the location”. However, you will be here for the next four plus years, so you need to be somewhere that you somewhat like. I also discovered that being in different locations allows you to see various cultures and careers. It exposes you to different ideas, that you may not have ever thought about. In a new location, it is almost like a fresh start. I found that being somewhere different allowed me to find out more about myself.

Wherever you go, whatever the future has in store for you, make sure that you love it. Make sure your honest, be happy, and live a little. Don’t sweat the little things, and try not to let them get to you. The next four plus years could be the best of your life - but it's up to you to make it that way. Don't be afraid to make it just how you want it, even if others are against you. It's your life.