It’s your senior year and there are so many exciting things coming up: prom, senior trip, graduation, deciding what you want to do after graduation… I was you, a year ago. Stressed, confused, unsure, excited. It was a big step to take, to choose the college I wanted to go to and commit to going there. I hope you didn’t make the same mistakes that I made - applying to as many colleges as I could, just to see how many would accept me, but not really having a clue where I wanted to go. Choosing my college was a challenge for me, but after a semester at The University of Montana, I know I made the right choice. Here’s how to choose the best college for you:

1. Have a dream.

Perhaps you’ve always wanted to go Ivy League, or maybe you just want to get as far away from your hometown as possible. There is nothing wrong with having a dream school, but don’t get so wrapped up in your fantasy that you overlook other great options.

2. Keep in mind the price tag.

When I first started thinking about where I wanted to go to college, I really liked the idea of going to Washington State University. However, I simply couldn’t afford to go out of state. When choosing your school, it’s important to keep in mind how much it’s going to cost you in the long run. In-state is generally cheaper than out-of-state; public colleges and universities are generally cheaper than private. Shop around and see what scholarships and financial aid packages a school offers before you commit.

3. Have at least an idea of what you want to study.

You don’t have to come to college knowing exactly what you want to major in, but you should have at least an idea of what you might want to study. For example, if you want to become an engineer, then it doesn’t make sense to go to a school with no engineering program. On the flip side, don’t go to an engineering school if you want to major in music.

4. Consider the extracurricular opportunities.

There were several schools that I nixed partially based on the fact that they didn’t have music programs. I have been a member of band since fifth grade, and I didn’t want to give that up when I went to college. College is a great time to explore your interests; so, for example, if you want to be involved with Greek Life or Theater Club, then consider a school where you can have those opportunities.

5. Tour the campus (if you haven’t already).

Sure, pamphlets, brochures, and a school’s website are all great, but you don’t quite get the real feel of a place through a screen or a page. Touring the campus gives you great insight to not only the campus itself, but also to the surrounding city. You’re here for (at least) four years, so it’s important to like the place you’re living in.

6. Make the decision for yourself, not anyone else.

In the end, where you choose to go to college is your choice, and yours alone. Many people - your parents, siblings, grandparents, friends, teachers - will all have their own opinions about where they think you should go to school. Listen to their opinions, and concerns, but ultimately, if you let the voice in your heart guide you, you’ll be happy wherever you go.