It's that time of year again. The time of year where you have to make one of the most tedious and momentous decision of where to spend the next four years plus of your life. For some of you, you got into your dream school and already know where you want to attend. However, for the rest of you, you are still making one of the biggest decisions thus far in your life. It is overwhelming to make a decision about your future when half the time you can't even choose what to eat for dinner. If you are having trouble deciding where to go or what school to choose here are some things to consider while making this pivotal decision:

1. Major

If you are a person who has their heart set on a major, then this could be a deciding factor for you. When deciding where to go, you should consider the school that has the best program for your major. College is the best when you get to take classes that are specific to your major. However, some universities do not carry certain majors, for instance, one school may have your preferred major, but another may not even offer it. Assuming you have an idea of what you want to do, choosing a school that is passionate about the same thing you are will be a great fit.

2. Proximity from home

If the case is that you do not have your heart set on a major, there are other factors you can contemplate. Possibly how far or how close you are from home can help. I think getting away from home and becoming an independent person is important. Whether you are 20 minutes away or across the country depends on the kind of person you are. I know people who have had the desire to leave the state they live in for college since they were little, and I know others who want to stay close to home. College makes you grow as a person because you become self-reliant and self-sufficient while learning some of the greatest lessons in life. Being homesick is inevitable, but make sure you will be happy just where you are.

3. Life after college

As you have probably heard before, college gives you connections. Meaning, you may have an internship or a job during college that hopefully will turn into a career. You have to consider this a possibility because if this happens you will most likely be living near or around where you went to college. Whichever school you choose you should be able to picture yourself in the same city or town for the next four years and beyond.

4. Location

On that same topic, choosing the city or town that best suits your needs is critical. Depending on what environment you prefer, the big city or rural landscape, will make factor in making your experience for the next four years better. The proximity to the closest mall, beach or maybe even amusement park can enhance your college experience. The next four years are going to be academically challenging so make sure you surround yourself with places and people that can make it a little more fun.

5. Weather

I know weather seems like something minuscule in the big picture, but ultimately you want to be comfortable where you live. Personally, being a Southern California girl, I could never move and live in a place where it snows or rains. However, many people want to experience the changing of the seasons or just something new. Ultimately, you want to live somewhere, where you wake up and have a smile on your face knowing that you get to go out into the sun or play in the snow.

6. Price

I believe that you should never be turned away from your education because of the price. Always fill out your FAFSA, the free application for student aid, you may receive grants, scholarships or may be eligible for federal work study. There are also millions of dollars in scholarships that go unclaimed every year. When I was trying to make my decision I received great advice from a family friend. More and more employers are looking for more than a bachelor's degree, so that means many of us are going to pursue a higher education whether it be getting a Masters, going to Law school or medical school. Therefore, depending on your major and what you want to pursue maybe going to a school for your bachelor's that may put you financial burden in the long run may not be the one for you. Everyone's situation is different, and you just have to figure out what will be best for you, short-term and long-term.

7. Atmosphere

I always recommend seeing the school so you can experience what life what be like every day. See if you fit into a smaller school with only a few thousand people, or large school where you see new faces every day. Also, see what the school is known. Being actively a part of your school is important so see what organizations you would want to join. For me, I joined my school's student-run radio, and it has been my favorite experience thus far. Division one schools where games are big and celebrated are a blast if you love sports. Greek life could play a role in your decision if you want to join a fraternity or sorority because some at some schools it is bigger than others. Place yourself where you think you can join something that will be a piece of you forever.

8. Follow your heart

My final piece of advice is when in doubt follow your heart. Going to college is a big step in your life, so make the decision for you and only you. Getting into college is something to be proud of, and if making the decision of where to go to college is the hardest decision you have to make, it is a good problem to have. Follow your heart and make the choice that you think will make you the happiest and most successful.

Good luck to all the Seniors who soon will be incoming Freshman.