Tips for Finding the Right College.

Because there are now so many different options for higher education, you'll want to make sure to put a lot of thought into the college and university selection process. The more time you spend researching the college and university programs you're interested in, the more comfortable you will be with your end decision. All major bookstores carry informative college and university guidebooks.

Many of these titles rank each college and university according to certain categories. You can see how schools compare based on the criteria that you hold most important. There are also several online guides and websites devoted to providing prospective students with unbiased information.

As you start the college application process, be sure to make use of these resources and also visit each college and university's website. If you are unable to take a real tour of a school's campus and facilities, take a virtual tour online. Also, the following tips will be helpful in finding the right college and university program.

First, make sure that you pick a school based on what's important to you. Don't let parents, friends or school officials push you into a decision that does not feel right. Remember – you're the one who will be spending four or more years at college, so it's got to be a place that you're excited about. Make sure that the school you choose to attend has courses of study that interest you, as well as extra-curricular options that are appealing.

Second, pick a school based on your gut feeling and impression of it. Do not be overly concerned with the school's national ranking or reputation. Just because a school is rated number one doesn't mean that it will be the right match for you. Likewise, lower-rated college and university programs may have scored poorly in the rankings for financial reasons but have incredibly strong academic departments.

The bottom line is that college and university rankings are meant to be a helpful comparison tool, but they are not the end all be all. Remember that schools in those surveys are ranked according to a wide range of categories, many of which may not be important to you.

Finally, in applying to schools, remember that it's the total package that counts. Do not get too hung up on any one aspect of the application process, and do not try to tailor your application for what you think the school is looking for. Be yourself at every phase of the college and university application process. Celebrate who you are. The right college will appreciate the assets you'll bring to the school and will evaluate you for who you are.