One of the biggest decisions you will make is choosing a college to attend.

For me it was a no brainer. Eastern Michigan did a slide presentation at our middle school and made a lasting impression.  And I decided to pursue my second degree from The Art Institute of Phoenix after watching a game show.

So I’m probably not the ideal role model for choosing a college.  (Look for my secret at the end of this post)

Still, I thought I would still share a list of things to consider when picking your Alma Mater.

1) Location, location, location – Like real estate, location of your school can be everything. Do you want to be where it’s hot? Cold? Do you want to be in the city? Do you want to attend a school that overlooks the Appellation Mountains? If you are attending your school for four years, or longer, its good to be comfortable with your surroundings.

2) How big is the school? – Will you mind learning Sociology 101 in a lecture hall of 500 students? Or do you need a one on one approach?

3) The sordid topic of coin – Money is usually the big factor.  If you and your parents are fronting most of the bill, it can make a difference where you apply.

4) Give me the cash!! – On the flip side, investigate if a school is giving away money. Do your choice of schools give money to incoming freshman?  Find out what scholarships, grants or other free money programs are offered.

5) Bye Mom and Dad or Hi Mom and Dad – Proximity to your parents is something to consider. Are you ready to get out of the house or do you still need a life line?  Having mom and dad nearby can be good…or bad.

6) Do they offer the major? – Most schools don’t require you to choose a major right away; however, it is good that your chosen school has a wide range or majors and minors to pick from.

7) Accreditation - Though it is not necessary for a school to be accredited, it does come into play for that school to be eligible for government student assistance programs like grants and scholarships. Also if you think you will be transferring, you won’t be able to transfer credits from a non accredited school.

8) Resources – Take the time to see what facilities the school provides. How is the library, gym, dormitories, research labs, computer labs, recreation center, transportation, studios, faculty, study centers, student union, botanical gardens, etc?

9) Graduation rate – Or better yet, the drop out rate.  This is something often overlooked. and information should be available on the school's website.  If it isn't, ask for it to be provided to you. A high drop out rate speaks volumes of the academic level and achievements of a school.

10) Job placement – How helpful is the school at finding its graduates employment? What resources are available? The Art Institutes helps graduates throughout their entire career. Does your candidate school offer this or a similar support?

11) Housing - Planning to live on campus?  Make sure you know the condition of the dorms and what options are available to you. Most schools have a designated freshman dorm. Look to see if you candidate school has an honors dormitory - these often are nicer.  If you don't plan to live on campus, does the school offer other housing options – designated apartments or lofts?

12) Social Scene – Does the school provide a variety of campus organizations and activities?  Are there things for students to do on and off campus.

13) Reputation – Street credit does come into play but it is not all that important when compared to the quality of the education you'll receive.

14) Alright, here is my secret, and my compass in life: Trust your intuition.

The two schools I attended didn't win me over with campus tours or pretty hand outs. I just knew that those were the schools I wanted to attend. Turned out these were two of the best decisions I ever made. I made life long friends at EMU and met my wife at The Art Institute!

You will know too when the time comes.  It will just feel right.  Trust this feeling, do your research, ask your parents for their support and you won’t go wrong. 

I am interested in learning how you chose your school.  What would you add to this list?

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