<p>I have heard on a number of occasions that the best way to approach the college application process is to visit a number of universities and apply to the ones that you feel “at home” with. In reality, I have visited a number of schools and have never had this feeling. I believe that there is no way to know what a college is like until you are actually enrolled and taking classes at the institution. Tours and campus visits display a very limited and superficial view of the university. How can someone make what could add up to be a 150,000 dollar investment without truly knowing what they are getting in to.</p>
<p>Here is my situation: I’m applying to the following schools mostly based on their credentials and location (I live in Illinois but want to leave East/West Coast options available). U of I Urbana-Champaigne, Notre Dame, Stanford, Northwestern, WashU, and Duke. I want to be a physician one day, but I have no idea if these schools will be right for me. I have no idea if they are worth the money. Most of all, I have no idea if I will be happy there.</p>
<p>Ideally, I would like to go to a school that displays great school spirit with good sports teams. I would like to go to a school that holds a strong academic reputation. But, I also want to go to a school that is relatively small and close by. A school that students are involved with all types of activities.</p>
<p>Maybe I’m just indecisive. Maybe I haven’t fully done my research. Any help would most certainly help.</p>