ClaySoul

I agree with you about intended major -- most people will change their major. But that doesn't change that people want a good program in what they at least think they want to study. This might not be the best approach, because they may change their major, but you can understand where they are coming from. Perhaps a better thing to do would be academic strength in an area, such as the natural sciences, or something.

I really disagree with you about location, however. Location is a plus to any school (that is, if it's a good one) and can be a deal breaker if it's a terrible one, but ultimately, most college students spend most of their time on campus and within the community built there. I dont think location attracts a certain kind of student nearly as much as the atmosphere of the school itself, it's goals, its philosophies, etc.

destined2bme

you have to think about your whole entire future. At the beginning of my jr year, I told my counselor that I wanted California or Florida ( i go to school in VA). BUt then I realized, I want a to work/have a life on th east coast, simply because of proximity to my family and other opportunities. Picking a college because it is "sunny" will only feel right for the short term, you have to take your professional life into consideration.

Bennie

1) What your parents want.

2) What USN&WR thinks.

3) What CCers think.

4) Your gut. Caveat: You have a 2300 SAT, #2 Class rank, and ECs from here til tomorrow, but you still can't figure out what's good for you.

vossron

Bennie, your first three jokes are good, but 4) is somewhat realistic!

BobbyJan

USNWR, don't go to a third tier college when you can go to a second tier or else your life is ruined.

nightknight

location comes first.
academics comes second.
above two factore are the most important to narrow our option.

vossron

After graduation, location fades to insignificance.

It's easy to say "fit" but what is it? Academic appropriateness (by level and subject), compatible campus culture, overall gut feel.

Momzie

I urge you all to look at what percentage of the faculty is tenure track and full-time. MAny schools have an extremely high percentage of adjuncts -- some of whom are terrific and some of whom are probably unemployable in other contexts and fields. There is very little regulation of course content and faculty training in universities and colleges that use up to fifty percent part-time and untenured faculty. I don't think I could send my kids anywhere where I hadn't actually met at least one faculty member.

ClaySoul

momzie's got a good point. I went to a school for a freshman year and had half of my classes, if not more, taught by BRAND new temporary faculty, many of whom could not teach at all.

hazellyn

It's not how the prestige is the school you need, but the willingness of the teacher to help you and you determination!!!

_daniel

"prestige".
i hate when people talk about reputation but people are being constantly judged throughout their entire life. that being said, i highly respect "prestigious" schools.
i don't specifically know why; i just do.

Kowloon

Unfortunately prestige matters A LOT. Prestige is like any other consumer brand. Buy Nike or a no name-but-good-quality-product? Buy a Ferrarri or a decent, economic car?
The same dilemma all over again

sotywhatty

location - where do u want to spend the next 4 years of your life

prestige should be at the bottom of the list. I'm not saying go to some community college, but don't go to a school because OTHER PEOPLE think its good. Go to where YOU want to go

yourcollege

Indeed, presitige is helpful on a resume and during an interview, but you can also attend a presitigious school with the kind of atmosphere you like and are can easily get accustomed too. It makes no sense to go somewhere you dislike just for the name. The best of both worlds.....name and credentials AND...a likeable atmosphere. My opinion of course.

PK

Most important is that you choose schools where you'd really like to be! Include reach,safety,and in between-but one which fits you!