College. Where memories are made and student loans are created. These are going to be some of the best years of your life, so why not spend it in a place you love! So keep submitting those applications and continue to hope for the best. And Seniors...it’s never too early to start looking at schools.

1. Does this school offer your major (and at least 3 other majors in case you decide to switch)

Having a backup plan is key when starting off your freshman year of college. After 6 mental breakdowns and 12 all nighters writing those 10-page papers, maybe journalism is not for you and you decide you are more of a math person.

2. Finances

After FAFSA emails you saying you got $600 from the government because your parents make “too much money” will you have the funds to attend that $40,000 a year school. Are you willing to risk it all and be in debt years after you graduate? The choice is yours.

3. LOCATION

I jumped on a plane and went 1,000 miles away from home to the school of my dreams. But some are not ready to be that far away from home, and that’s okay too! If you plan on leaving home remember that your family will still be there when you get back. Do the things that you will regret not doing in 30 years. And if it does not work out, you can always transfer back

4. Social life

If your hobbies include drinking and watching Netflix I would suggest a college that is out in the middle of nowhere, most likely surrounded by cows and some corn fields. But if you like to stay busy, make sure you remember to see what your school offers as far as Greek life, or other clubs. But most importantly, you have to love where you live. So type in your location in the good old google search bar and see what is around you.

5. Is this place your perfect match?

If you are uncomfortable and miserable during the summer time, I would not suggest going to a school in Florida. If you hate the cold and the thought of snow makes you shiver, I would not suggest upstate New York. But if the school has everything else that you are looking for, just go for it! You’ll adapt to the weather in no time.