High school seniors probably feel a little overwhelmed right now. Actually, I’m lying. Very overwhelmed right now. The emails are rolling in, letters are pouring out of the mailbox, and you’re registering for so many open houses, you feel like you’re visiting a different school every day. Well, I’m pleasantly surprised to say that I’ve found my perfect fit, and I’m here to tell you how you can too.

1. Look for that Campus Chemistry

I feel like a lot of people get excited about how picturesque a college campus can be, and people have an entire spectrum of preferences. Maybe you want to be in the middle of a pulsing city, and your friend wants a quiet nook by the sea. Maybe you cringe at the thought of a school tucked into the woods, and smile at the thought of one in a quiet suburb. No matter what you feel your preference might be, the moment you step on campus, ask yourself how you feel. Do you feel comfortable? Does the campus radiate a nice feeling? If so, it might just be the college for you.

2. Food, Food, and More Food

Many people tend to focus on colleges for the basics: campus, clubs, housing, and academics. However, you need to keep your potential college’s food in mind, especially if you’ll be living on campus. Ask the cafeteria staff if you could perhaps sample a few things, and be sure to ask about meal plans that are available. Also, check with students about off-campus dining. Maybe there’s a popular pizza shop or an ice cream parlor a few blocks away.

3. Talk to Students

Talking to a college’s current students should be a crucial part of every open house you attend. Ask students, freshmen and upperclassmen alike, what they like and don’t like about the school. Keep in mind that no school is going to be absolutely perfect, but keep an open mind. Try not to poke around on the Internet for “student reviews.” I’ve found that this is extremely unhelpful, as you don’t know if the reviewer is really a student. I also recommend checking out sites such as collegeboard.org; look at the graduation percentage, and even the number of students who return for sophomore year. Getting honest student opinions is extremely important.

4. Do Your Homework!

I cannot tell you how many times I’ve seen people fall in love with a college, and then find one major flaw… they don’t have the major they want. Be sure to ask about programs at open houses and check college sites for a list of majors and minors. Also, ladies, if a college will not enable you to follow your dreams, don’t go to that college. Don’t change what you want to do and who you want to be because a certain campus appeals to you. Find the right school, at the right price, with the academics you need to succeed!

Finding a college can be terrifying. It is a huge decision, and you want to make sure you make the right choice. Just take a deep breath, and remember that success is just a breath away when you find the college that fits.

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