I know how hard my college decision was and now that I have a sister going through the same thing, I would like to share my personal tips for deciding on a school best fit for you, or someone you know.

So without further adieu, here are my 10 tips for prospective college students.

1. Don't let your friends dictate anything.

Sure, sure. I love my high school friends, I still keep in contact and I will be friends with them until I pass on hopefully, but college is a time to grow and find yourself while high school is more of a blending-in act. You have to really think for yourself with so much freedom and independence. I had to make the tough decision to not follow my friends to the University of Texas or Texas A&M and go to a school where I knew zero other first-years. This was a tough obstacle to overcome, but I could not be happier that I chose the school I did.

2. Don't worry too much about college ratings.

All the books, SO MANY BOOKS. I remember that I loved looking at ratings and trying to figure out the best bet with my test scores as well as best-rated academia, but put the books down for a second. Those critics cannot know what school is best for you. You can get a basic understanding for schools from those books, but by no means make your decision solely based on those ratings and such.

3. Talk to current students!

One thing that really helped me decide was talking to current students. Students at UT told me how fun it was, but also said that there was almost no accountability for classes and greek life definitely took a toll on grades — I wanted to go greek at whatever school I went to. Contrary to this, I talked to one SU student and she explained the whole environment on campus which she described at focused, but also easy going. A campus where you couldn't lose yourself, but rather be able to do whatever you wanted and find a group that also had the same interests.

4. Prestige is NOT everything.

This speaks for itself. No matter where you go, you can make a name for yourself as well as do very well.

5. Really consider what you want in your school.

Question what kind of environment you want to be in. Do you want a strong sports program? What about the social scene, quiet or lively? What extracurriculars do you want to join? Asking yourself these questions and answering them honestly is important to characterizing a school that best fits your preferences. The key word here is honestly.

6. Visit!

Touring around campuses is extremely helpful and spending extra time on campus is essential to imagining yourself spending the next four years of your life there. Can you see yourself running to class on these walkways? Really consider this and feel it in your gut.

7. Sit in on classes and talk to professors.

One thing that distinguishes high school from college is the interaction with professors and the class sizes. Sitting in on classes can really help you envision your future and talking to professors can give you a feeling for how interactive they are with their students.

8. Be receptive of the whole college seeking process.

I know it's exciting. You're a senior/junior and on top of your school right now, but you're entering a whole new situation where your previous reputation, good or bad, has no bearing on what people think of you. Instead of gliding by, I advise to apply yourself to the college search and actually focus on what you want as well as what you need.

9. Breathe. You'll find your place.

10. Breathe. This is going to be fun!