It's that time of year where many high school seniors are bringing up final test scores, committing to a school and applying for scholarships. There are so many factors that go into choosing a school: location, campus, programs, costs, it's impossible to pinpoint the "perfect" college or university, but committing to USF was an easy choice.

1. Financial Aid

USF has a huge endowment from research grants and proportionally a lower number of students than many other Universities in Florida. This means USF has more money to give to students for merit scholarships, need-based aid, research projects, more funding for student activities, and for elective opportunities such as a study abroad.

2. Location

20 minutes from bustling downtown Tampa, within an hour drive of some of the best beaches in the country, an hour from Disney World and Universal Orlando, USF's prime location only made the choice easier. There are so many opportunities for jobs and internships in the heart of the third largest city in the state that can't be found in small towns. Not to mention being within a short drive of some of the most popular vacation destinations in the world makes for some fun days off.

3. Research

Regardless of your major, USF has a research project that you can jump in on. Alzheimer's and diabetes to photography and dance, and everything in between, there is something you can do. USF makes these projects and the funding for them available to students, and encourage even first semester freshmen to get involved.

4. Campus

With nearly 50,000 students I meet someone new every single day. I've people very similar and vastly different from myself and that experience is something I could never find at a small, local or private college or university. However, with my small classes and intimate settings in programs such as the Honors College, I still have every opportunity to get to know my peers and classmates.