So, you’re a senior in high school. Everything probably seems pretty scary right now because you finished applying to college and are simply waiting. Here I am, a senior in college with a little over 50 days left until graduation trying to figure out where my life has gone. Picking a college is a difficult thing to do.

You may have your heart set on a certain school or maybe you're completely unsure of where you want to go. You might not get into the school you really wanted. Don’t let it get you down if you don’t get into the school you’ve been dreaming of. All I can say is, try to keep an open mind. Just because a school looks amazing on paper does not necessarily mean it will be a great fit for you. Maybe the school you never thought you would like is actually a great fit for you. The best choice for you is to always keep your options open.

I think the best thing you can do it always try to visit the colleges you are considering, if you have the option to. Visiting a school gives you a better idea of what the environment and atmosphere of the school is like. If you go on a tour, make sure you ask the questions you have so you can make sure that the school will be good for you. When choosing a school, just go with your gut instinct. If you can picture yourself thriving at a school, then you should go with that. At the end of the day, college is what you make of it.

I know it’s not fun to think about, but always consider the financial aspect of each school. Weigh your options when you get each financial aid package for the schools you are accepted to. I know it is very easy to say that the money doesn’t matter but when you have to start paying your students loans after you graduate, you're going to want to kick yourself for going to a school that was too expensive. This isn’t the rule. You can go to a school even if you didn’t get a great financial aid package, but it is in your best interest to go to one that gives you a satisfactory amount of aid. Don't let this deter you from going to the school you want. Just keep this in mind.

In the end, you will find a school you love. Even if things don't seem great now, you just need to get into the swing of things when you get to college and immerse yourself in the atmosphere. The friends you make will make your time in college so much better. College is truly some of the greatest years of your life. Go somewhere that lets you shine.