ace550

I agree with ExProfessor except that I would not be able to push my kids that far. I would ask them to apply a reputable in-state college where they can be ranked top 10% of the students. I think that a top 10% student (than an average one in a elite school) has more of chance to inspire a professor for spending extra time to attend to. Also, the student would have a better chance to get scholarship, good grades, REU's, and LOR's for professional/graduate schools or a job. This is what I call "fit". I sometime wondered if the environment might not be challenging enough for this top student. However, I do think that there are enough opportunities that the top student might be able to work for a professor to push himself to a higher level, or enroll in all honor classes to compete with the best.

Many kids probably would not agree with this definition. For high school kids, they probably mean more about being socially "fit" by hanging out with a bunch of other cool kids. I really think that in a decent state university with 30,000 students, a talented student can certainly find a good fit with a variety of student groups.

My kids have not challenged me on this. If they do, I will start the negotiation using the community college idea from ExProfessor with the promise of no frequent visits.

LRU1116

While I was doing my college search, I realized that it's not just 4 years of education but 4 more years of my life. Although strong academics and reputation are very important factors, I want to go to a school where I would have a good experience. It really isn't worth the money to attend a college where you'd be miserable. Part of the experience is the atmosphere and the student body.

Adults have advized me not to go to a party school and just get a good education, but I cannot agree with that. I will be in my late teens/early twenties, and I want to have some fun. It's really all about balance between work and play; work hard studying and then find relief by having a little fun on the side. Life's too short to be stressed out.

sciencefrenchie

Same. I've ruled some schools out because of their "hard-core" reputation, and my own observations that some schools have a majority of people who just take themselves way too seriously.

These may sound a tad bit stupid compared to the deep philosophical answers posted before me, but I refuse to go to a college that:
1. Is in Ohio (where I've lived since I was 4)
2. Has a majority of students who wear dresses/button downs/other dressy clothing (not including polos, sweaters, etc.) on normal day-to-day occurrences (classes, football games, etc.) I've done enough of this during high school.

jack2011

prestige, good vibes, and location

vonlost

You might want to consider college to be an investment in your future, such that sacrificing a little something now (like parties or location) could pay off later. Your four years of college will fly by, but you will live with the result long afterwards.

shanmugam83

i ll choose if the college has placement cell, so i can easily get a job

MissPickwickian

My top questions, in no particular order:
- How much does it cost?
- Does it provide the disability services I need?
- Is it a "true community of learning"?
- Is it a good fit for me academically, socially, and politically?

mdh625

prestige... really some pply dat go to ivy leagues have no fun dere and have a horrible 4 years when college is suppose to b one fo teh ebst yrs of ur lyfe

academic strenth in your major... around 75% of ppl change their majors (opps!)

the feel at home is probably the mist important b/c it tends to incorporate location& geography , plus if ur going to live there for 4 years, you better be happy since your paying thousands and thousands of dollars!!

atrain422

at the beginning of my search i just cared about reputation and location (in a big city) but after i visited columbia and felt "the fit" i realized how important it is. You wont really understand it until you feel it.

Dramacratic

It's pretty much like falling in love, or rather, finding "the one." You just know when it's right, and it often takes being rejected/deferred from other schools as well as a series of visits to colleges that turned out to be less than what you wanted to truly find that one college that fits you to-a-tee..

IMO, you'll make of your college experience what you will, but ultimately, you need to feel comfortable there in order to really thrive. I know I'm echoing the poster above me, but I couldn't agree more.

vonlost

Most important: Can you pay the bill? If there is no way, it doesn't matter how much a school fits or how much you love it.

lovettecher

Wait, what exactly is "Academic strength in my intended major. "? Does that mean how focused/good at teaching the school is on the major?
Sorry, my brain's fried from all of this. :]
(10 bucks says I get it tomorrow.)

Kenaniah

To be honest i would go anywhere that give me the most for my money

ddlaxmom

There are many great schools that no one has heard of....many mediocre that everyone has heard of. Would you prefer a professor with the highest degree in his field who loves to teach or a T.A. /grad student who is concerned with getting their research done

roderick

S said he wants to go to college to be well prepared for work post-college (and I'll add, be able to pay off the many loans). He also said , in response to a question I had of him on how important is the look and feel of the place, aesthetics, that

'he would do better if he were happier'.

sounds wise.