Bryan College-Dayton Top Questions

What should every freshman at your school know before they start?

Deborah

I would tell myself not to stress out about the small stuff. For my first couple of years here at Bryan, grades consumed my life. I sacrificed the ability to make many lasting frienships and relationships with fellow classmates and peers because I was so worried about my grades. In my final two years at Bryan, my priorities have shifted. I have finally learned the balance between academics and relationships. My time at Bryan has taught me that my college education is more than the lectures I have heard, more than the weeks of studying, and much more than grades on my transcript. At Bryan, I was taught to value studious diligence, but more importantly, I learned to treasure the relationships formed upon this hill. This community has taught me the intricate balance between involvement, relationships, and academics that many college students struggle with. For that I am forever grateful. In conclusion, I would say to my younger self, take risks, make mistakes, go out on a limb and make some lifelong friendships. They are just as important as the degree that you came here to earn in the first place.

Kalyn

I would tell myself three things: do your absolute best in your last year of school no matter what, get an early start in looking for scholarships and financial aid, and definitely take advantage of both dual enrollment and summer classes! I could have saved myself a lot of difficulty and hard work in looking for scholarships my first year in college if I would have taken the first two pieces of advice. Now that I am taking advantage of summer and winter classes, I have a big jump on getting out of college a year early; I just wish I would have taken advantage of them sooner, especially more of the dual enrollment classes. Overall, I would tell myself to do your best and trust God, and everything will work out as it should.

Kristene

You are going to have a lot of struggles, and it will seem that you will never reach your goal. Remember that God has a plan for you, even if it is not what you want it to be. You will graduate, you will excell and you will achieve great things. Don't give up on your self, even when it seems that times are bad. It will get better, and you will have an amazing time!

Makenzie

I would tell myself to not be nervous or shy! The students loved you anyway, so just show them all of who you are right from the get-go. I was kind of in a shell in highschool. I was afraid to be vulnerable, but the people at Bryan taught me about love and how I can be me without any judgement! I would tell myself that and explain that I didn't have to hide anymore.

Robin

If I could go back and talk to myself as a high school senior, I would advise myself not to worry about the future and to enjoy the college transition process. When I was a high school senior, the year after my graduation looked extremely uncertain for me. I wasn’t able to afford to go to the school of my choice, I was undecided in what I wanted to major in, and I had no solid plans for life after college. However, as time moved on, everything fell into place. Now I am at the college I wanted to attend, majoring in Biology, with so many open doors for my future that I’m excited. Looking back, I would tell myself not to waste my time wishing for immediate answers to the future, but to enjoy every second of the transition to college. I would say to enjoy being at home those last few months, enjoy the bittersweet goodbyes to childhood, and enjoy everything about college. If I could tell my senior high school self anything, I would say to look forward to the future with anticipation rather than anxiety, and not to miss the moments along the way.

Stefani

Don't be a slacker! I say to myself all the time if I could go back I would. I was such a slacker my senoir year. I was so ready to be out of high school that I just did enough work to get by. And another thing...make sure you know where you're going. I had no idea, so I've been to 4 different schools. Transferring is so hard.

Carlin

Don't be afraid to try something different. Whether it's a new food in the cafeteria (yay for fried pickles and okra in the South!), or a volunteer activity you've never done before, you'd be surprised at how much fun experiencing new things can be. Getting involved in things you would normally keep at arms reach will allow you to interact with all kinds of students on your campus, and will put you in a place of influence as you progress from a Freshman to an upperclassman. Trying something new will also give you a love of learning that is addicting, to say the least! Fast learners are innovators and world -changers, because they are bold enough to exeprience, observe, and interact with the world around them. So, try those new foods, travel to a different country, get involved in that juggling club, and you may just find that what your experience outside the classroom is just as shaping as your experience inside with your professors.

Natalie

Now that I have attented a couple colleges, if I was to go back in time I would tell myself that it is important to take it seriously. I would know to study more and apply myself better. I think I would go straight into college after finishing high school. I would travel overseas and learn about an country. I would really think about my future and what I want to do, when you go to college straight out of high school, you really have no idea what you want to do. I also would tell myself that college isn't cheap, and think about what I really love and that is what I would study. One thing that I would do is make a schedule of classes, study time, and personal time, because it is important to keep proirities in line when you go to college. I've grown up a lot since high school and I wouldn't have done anything differently, except take a little time off before starting college after high school.

Josiah

Go with your gut. Play soccer and stay away from girls your first year. Focus your studies and having fun like a man. Keep your relationship with God strong and vibrant.

Tina

That I would have studied harder and concentrated more on my academics. I would have been on the honors roll and put other things that I thought was important at the time to the side.

Alexandria

If some mad man inventor created a time machine and I could go back to when I was a High School Senior I would tell myself a lot about going to college and what it means to grow up. Although I am only ninteen years old, my college experience thus far has taught me a lot about life, love and all the wonderful and rough things in between. As a senior in High School I thought that going to Tenessee to college was great because it got me away from Bradenton Florida where I had spent the last seventeen years of my life, and my naggy parents. However, If I could go back to that time, when I was so naive this is what I would say. Your parents might not always be the people you want to hear from, but they have more wisdom than you know, so you should listen to them. Pretending to be someone your not does not ever make someone love person you are in you soul. Work hard for yourself and your own goals but remeber that the Lord is the one whose really in control, so don't forget about him.

Brittany

In preparation a high school senior should make sure to know the values and morals of the school they will be attending. It is important to know the values and morals because it may be a shock to some if it is a school with values they do not agree on. For exampe, dress code can be a problem because many student do not know there is a dress code, but get to school and find out there is and run into issues. It is also good to know if a student is attending a "hard-core" Christian school, or a party school because there are some people that cannot fit into certain situations. I would encourage every high school senior to get involved in the college they attend because it makes college life more enjoyable. It is important to know that college is different than high school and you must be prepared to make life changing decisions for your future. College can be a fun and exciting experiences, but it comes with working hard in academic studies to acheive a successful future.

Melanie

In highschool, I was a very good student academically and socially. I mantained a 4.0 GPA and was involved in a lot of extracurricular activities including sports. I would give myself plenty of advice about a lot of things I know now. However, the most important thing I would tell my self is to take advantage of all dual-enrollment classes that you can. Thanks to very generous donators, I had 15 college credits when I graduated, but there was a lot of classes that I could have taken and missed out on. Dual-enrollment is such a great oppurtunity for high school students. It gets them the most prepared for the way college classes are set-up and gives them a great feel of a college atmosphere. I now take advantage of advising current high school students to get involved with dual-enrollment as much as possible, so they will not have to wish they could go back and tell themselves that.

Kayla

I would stress the vital importance of finding scholarships and applying for them. Financial aid is a scary and intimidating thing, and it helps to be prepared. My college career would have begun seamlessly had financial aid been easier to get. Scholarships help, no matter the size and the more you attempt or qualify for, the better off you are. There are many methods of finding scholarships and it just takes effort to find the ones that are right for you. But it is worth it and can save you much stress and worry in the long run.

Casey

My advice to myself a year ago would not have been about classes, study habits, what cafeteria meals to avoid, professors, etc. My advice would be about time management and relationships. People are important. But close, encouraging, supportive, challenging friends are vital, not necessarily popularity. And popularity is not as important grades. Grades keep you in school with people, anyway. As a result, I would've like to have known better how to balance classes with free time and also how to discern what friends will make me a better person versus who will make me look good.

Rachel

If I could go back in time and give myself advice before coming to college, I would tell myself that grades are not as important as many people consider them. I spent too much time focusing on my grades Freshman year of college when I should have been taking advantage of the opportunities for making new friends and building relationships with people that are going to last and be more rewarding than a high GPA. Grades are important and should not be neglected, but sometimes people are more important. I would also tell myself that college grows you more than you expect. It is very stretching academically, emotionally, physically, spiritually, and relationally, but the maturity that results is worth the struggle. Looking back, I would tell myself that a few years into college I would not be the same person I was during high school. I would tell myself to embrace the opportunities for learning and growing and to not be afraid to try new things and get out of my comfort zone. It's a whole new world out there, don't be afraid to experience it.

Kelsey

In attending Bryan College, I have gained much more than "just" an education. My friendships have been invaluable to me, both with other students as well as well as with faculty members. Also, my experience within my major has been both fun and educational. The students here are welcoming and accepting; within the first week of school I had established a group of friends that still support me during both good times and stressful rough patches. My professors have also opened their doors (both in office and home) that have allowed me to connect on a deeper level than just the classroom. By getting to know my professors in a more relaxed, fun setting, I have gleaned wisdom and insight that I can apply to my personal life, and the relationships themselves have been richly influential to how I have grown as a person while in college. As a musical theatre major, much of my education has been performance-based. I have enjoyed the performance opportunities with both music and theatre, and I have become more confident in my abilities in the skills I am developing. This confidence will positively affect my overall life-quality, and I am very grateful.

John

At Bryan College I am not only getting a great education but am also loved and accepted. I am not only taught things in the class room but am free to learn and get answers to questions in many, many ways. I even gain answers to the biggest questions of my life: Where did I come from? Why am I here? What is my purpose in life? Why can I sense right and wrong? What am I really? What happens after I'm dead is that the end? With all this added up what could be better then to be at Bryan College?

Rebecca

Since coming to Bryan College I have received a quality education that has prepared me for my future career as a teacher, but also so much more. I have been inspired to excell and to serve, to thrive instead of survive. There is a saying that some people are dragged through life and others dance through it. Bryan College has helped me learn how to navigate smoothly and gracefully through life's challenges, how to live beautifully and well instead of being dead weight. I have made lasting friendships with both peers and professors. I have been nurtured mentally, physically, and spiritually and been taught that I must nurture others as well. I am so thankful for this college and that God allowed me to come here.

alan

In my freshman year of college i had student success, english, and math. In that time period i discovered my hidden potential as a student to take control of my education and take in a new learning style. I am in the process of going for my associates and bachelors. I hope that i can achieve my goals and standards. I would have taken 6 classes this semester but my financial aid would have not covered it. At this moment i am in the fix of looking around to find a good scholarship to help me get my books and classes i need in order to make a difference in the working enviroment. I want to make a difference; i want to be remembered as an achiever.

Valonda

What I have gotten out of my whole college experience is that I am around people of all types of back grounds and all types of races and I am loving it. The students and falculty at my college help you out if you need the help. Every day I learn something new and I look forword to learning new things. There is a lot to learn in the Medical field and there is nothing easy about it, so this is why this has been a big experience for me. The medical field will keep you on your toes, and the people that I go to school with loves to help people and I love to help people which is why I got into this field. I knew that this would be something big for me to take the next step and become some one of importance, and I did just that, I will be taking care of people who can't take care of them selves and that is a whole college experience within it self it's a great feeling.

Angel

I enjoy my experience so far and I am know convinced to do my very best in order to finish my degree. Choosing the right college facilitated the adaptation process from high school to college. I grew a lot during this year not only as a student, but as a person. I will counsel the high school students to try to go to a college that may fit their dreams and personality. I am in a college that is providing me a great education and the opprtunity to continue playing the sport that I love: baseball. It has been difficult but enjoyable at the same time. Attending college was the best decision that I has made!

Katelyn

A lot of people say that the years you spend at college are the best years of your life. Those people are right...with one exception. College is only great if you're at the right one. If you go to a college that's not a fit for you, you'll be completely miserable, no matter how reputable the school is. I found the right college for myself (or maybe the right college found me), and I know that I wouldn't be happy anywhere else. I wouldn't have the awesome friends, professors, or classes that I've enjoyed at my school if I had gone elsewhere. But here's the deal: despite the immense pride I have in my school, I would never say that my school is better than another one. It's perfect for me, and for many others who go there. But it's not for everyone - no school is. So my advice to college searchers is this: do the research, visit the campuses, talk to the students. But in the end, go to the school that's right for you. Believe me, you'll know it when you find it.

Grace

So far I have been in College for roughly 18 weeks. It has been a rollercoaster experience, from receiving my first ever F on a test, to making an A+ on a group project that I played a major role in. 18 weeks ago I arrived on campus, vaguely knowing only 3 people of about 1,000 students, and had never lived away from home more than 3 weeks without my family. Today, all of that has changed, but more importantly, I am a more confident, self-determined person. The biggest change has been a huge increase of respect and appreciation for my parents, especially their financial gifts towards my education. Still, nuances in my personality tell me I am not finished with college, or rather; college has not finished with me. It has been and will be such a valuable experience to attend college and learn more about myself and the wide world around me. To that end I am resolved to make the best of the gift I have been given and strive towards excellence in all manner of the college life.

Emily

Coming out of high school I had no idea what I wanted to do in terms of a career. After working for a few years I went back to school. My ACT scores allowed me to be placed into honors classes. The interaction I had in those classes were the most enjoyable I've ever had. I was encouraged to learn in my own way and taught to succeed. I learned how to use my more abstract way of thinking to my benefit. My grades in high school were never as good as they are now because I was allowed to be creative. I've made so many connections that were invaluable to my success. I became more extroverted and began doing theater, community service, and student government. I took the initiate to run for president of Phi Theta Kappa and helped to rebuild the chapter post-Katrina. I became a new person and am learning to grow every day.

James

I have learned the value and gained the ability to think for myself. Sure the education has been good and the social interaction is always fun but if all you have when you leave collage is accepted information from a professor and you have not learned to think but instead just accepted everything as fact than you are going to have a tough time in the world. A person who is able to think rationally and solve problems on their own is much better off than someone who is simply transfering information from mouth to mouth. We need more people who will not only think for themselves and search for the truth in matters but will stand in the way of those who are repeating what they have been told is truth. We need more true thinkers in our country.

Summer

In my first year of college I have gained so much. I have gained a second family, professors that care about me, new friends, and I place were I am encouraged to grow spiritually, mentally, and emotionally. I would not trade this past year for the world. I can honestly say I have never been so content in my entire life. I have been challenged to learn about subjects that I have never studied, and I have matured in a way that I did not even know was needed.

Alex

Being in college has really given me time to evaluate what it is that I want to do with my life. I have had lots of time alone to become more mature and responsible in my personal life and the decisions I make. The private Christian college I attend has strengthened my relationship with God and has pointed me down the path that I hope will someday lead me to being a Missionary in Africa. I want to dedicate my life to serving others and leading people to God, and I believe that Bryan College is a great place to get me started. There are relationships that I have made that I will carry with me for the rest of my life and I know that these people will always be there to help me and I will always be there to help them.

Rebekah

This is the first time in being away from home. I never have been afraid of walking across the campus by myself. I feel the small college scene is the best ever. I enjoy my professors, my friends, and the whole college staff makes you feel just like you are a part of their family. It's been valuable for me to be here at Bryan to really see what college life if all about. We have lots of fun, but the work is just as hard as it would be at any other college. I researched colleges for 3 years before making a final decision. I never had regretted my decision. Bryan College is not for everybody, but it is for me!

Christen

Since attending Bryan College, I have learned about overcoming the fear of being on my own. I live twelve hours away from my college campus, so embracing my independence, though it came with its excitements, came with the fear that I wouldnt be able to make the best decisions for myself. Especially when you are trying to make friends, getting use to campus life and being without your friends from home can get lonely. Being at Bryan has helped me overcome that fear that I know I will need for my future. It has helped me to trust in myself and accept failure as a chance to learn. Bryan has helped me to grow as a person and to have confidence in my outlook on my future.

Kaylin

Kaylin, playing two varsity sports in college will be tough, but, with your work ethic you will make it through. There is no need to stress out. You have made it thus far with a good GPA while juggling athletics and you will make it in college. When you have a bad basketball or volleyball game you need to remember it is not the end of the world. Doing well in school should be your first priority, so you are able to go on after undergrad and reach your goal of obtaining a masters degree in Speech-Language Pathology. You will learn many life lessons from being a student-athlete. Take all of it in that you possibly can, for these lessons will be foundational to your character when you graduate. Don't take advantage of the influence you will have on the student population as well as your teammates and the opportunity that you will have to invest in their lives. As an athlete you will be looked up to, shine and allow those looking to you see your dedication and passion to help other people, so that they too will be motivated to help the world around them.

Jason

As a student athlete at Bryan College, I would definitely prepare myself even more for the busy schedule of a college runner. I would have been more prepared for having to keep on top of my classes and homework with having to practice everyday and going away for mutiple days for various meets. I would also prepare myself more for all the written assigments and readings that are required. It was also hard to get adjusted to being so far away from my family and friends that I have back home and having to start all over again.

Randon

When I look back on my senior year of high school I realize that I had no direction in my life. I was young, inexperienced and na?ve. I now know that I did not have my priorities in any order. Everything revolved around me, my personal life and my affairs. If I were to be able to go and talk to myself I know one thing I would say is grow up. I look at my peers and realize we all have a similar goal; make the world a better place. A word of advice I would give myself is to forget about who I think I am and go help make the world a better place. Take a break from school and see how you can help change the world. Service those around you. I can hear those words now. After you do that you will return and take the things you?ve learned with you. You would have grown up and become a man of integrity. I would find that direction in my life.

Sidikat

I would tell myself that I should not be overwhelmed by the counselors and my father who suggest that I am too good for community college, and that I was making a horrible decision. It is not true that 2 year schools are just for below average students. Students are just as studious as 4 year university and the tuition is cheaper. Entering community college before transferring to a university is the best decision that I have made so far because the 2-year campus helps to transition the student from a high school senior to a well-prepared college student. At El Camino, there is a learning community program for first year students that while seeming like a high school environment is actually preparing us to be self-sufficient by our second year of college.

Carina

If I could go back in time I would advise my highschool self to apply for all forms of financial aid in college. I applied for FAFSA, and received a small government loan. My father co-signed a loan that paid for my entire freshman tuition. I relied on grants and loans in future years, but overlooked the importance of applying for scholarships. The following tells how I became ineligible for financial aid: I qualified for little to no financial aid, due to my father?s high income. My parents are divorcing and no longer want to co-sign for me. I went to the financial aid office for help, provided proof of my parent?s divorce, but I did not receive financial aid. My financial aid office could not help me finance my education, since I was not financially independent-my financial award depended on my parents' income. I did not have enough credit to obtain a private student loan, instead the financial aid office advised me to take time off of school and work full-time. If I could go back in time I would tell myself to apply for scholarships, so that I could avoid postponing school.

brittany

Iif oe could travel back in time, i would re-visit my senior year of highschool i would tell and push myself to be more open, clamming up like a silly hermit crab does nothing for your social skills in comparisson to dorm life. not only would i ensure i was more open ,but i would advize myself against commuity college first. most of the classes from school did not trasfer.

Joy

If I could return to my senior year of high school, I would tell my 17-year-old self that while academics are important in school, the college experience is more than just about classes. Work hard in school, but don't miss out on friendships and opportunities to learn, grow and serve in areas outside of the classroom. Get involved in extra-curriculars, but don't try to do everything or you'll get burned out. Another thing I would tell myself is to not stress about relationships with guys during freshman year! When the time is right, the right guy will come along. In the meantime, be patient and focus on making friends (with guys and girls), serving, and studying instead of trying to find a boyfriend. You'll save yourself a lot of heartache and you'll be happy with the way you've spent your time. Finally, I'd say that the years go fast so make the most of the time you've been given.

Lia

I didn't enjoy most of my senior year of high school because i was constantly worried about what the future had in store for me. The one thing that i wish i had known was that everything would turn out right. Even in times of uncertainty we can have hope that things will change. Someone told me that the best thing about traffic was that there would always be an end to it. Even though the time leading up to college is filled with a lot of stress, it won't always be. Starting out at college can be a hard and overwhelming adjustment, but it is just a small part of your college life. I think that knowing that would have made me transition easier because then i would have spent less time thinking that the feelings of homesickness and awkwardness were what college would be, and more time looking forward to a brighter tomorrow.

Justin

Justin, don't get caught up in the busy social life that is available to you at Bryan. There are going to be some quality, attractive girls at Bryan, but pay them no mind. Focus entirely upon school. Your freshmen year is the most important years to get acclamated to the college setting. If all you do is have fun and hang out, then you're going to fail and lose one of the biggest scholarships that you have. Thus, you will have to take out more loans to make up for the lost money of the scholarship. So, the biggest thing is, just go to class and study hard. The classes aren't too terribly difficult and you are capable of much more than you would have done had I not been here to give you fair warning.

Monica

First of all, apply for as many scholarships as you can. College is expensive! So get a job, even if it's just for a few hours a week. Focus on using your time, every minute of it. You'll be at college soon enough. You don't have to waste time now wishing you were there or dreading being there; you need to spend your time with your friends and family. Don't stress so much about what college you will end up at. When it's right, you will know it. Work hard in school, but don't work yourself to death. And lastly, don't worry so much! Yes, it will take work, but everything will fall into place. College is definitely worth all the work you have to put into it.

Lynnette

Establish what you want in a college, and then go from there. Many people tend to just say "I will have a good experience anywhere I go," but oftentimes that's not the case. Try to get a feel for campus activities and how many people stick around on weekends, for example. If possible, try and make a visit to the school while it's in session so that you can get a feel for the campus life and what it stands for. Also, take your values and try to match them to what you know about a college. If family is important, go where you are close to family, or where professors or others on campus treat you as family. If academics, size, location, weather, or things to do are important, choose accordingly. The transition to college is hard enough without having to adjust to different values as well. Lastly, I know that applying for scholarships can be a pain, but it's definitely worth your while in the end. College is mostly what you make of it, but there are some things that are not left up to you. With that in mind, choose wisely. Happy searching!

Keri

I would tell myself to work harder and apply myself fully to my education. I didn't realise how important all the classes I would be taking in High School would effect my entire life, including my college experience. I would tell myself not to give up on a subject because it seems to hard or that it wouldn't be important for my life. From my current college experience, all classes tie into one another and knowledge of all subjects is vital. I would tell myself that the transition from high school to college takes a great deal of responsibility and dedication to peruse. Your mom isn't there to wake you up in time for class, your teachers don't call to ask why you weren't in class that day, etc. You are considered an adult and your success rests solely in your hands. Take the extra effort to make sure you get to class on time, complete all your homework on time, study hard for tests and don't be afraid to ask for help. Asking for help isn't a sign of weakness; it's a show of strength.

Stephen

I would tell myself to lighten up and be ready to learn but also enjoy college. I did not enjoy my first two years of college. I was basically a hermit in my room and only came out to go to class or to get some excercise. There is much more to college than class, though. True, class and academics are the main reason to come to college. However, there are so many people out there that you could become friends with, encourage along the way, help in their struggles, and who can encourage you and share your burden. People are more important than class grades.

Jenifer

1) Get in touch with the Admissions departments of the schools you are looking into. Try to set up a college visit if possible. The best way to know if a school is the place for you is by going to that school for yourself. 2) If possible get in contact with current students (sometimes this can be done through the admissions office). They go to the school so they know it best! 3) Don't let money be an option. Check in to lots of scholarships and possible loans offered through the schools you are interested in. You can often go to a school for a lot less than the price they list - take every advantace possible! Money always helps.

Anna

A student's college decision is one of the most life affecting decisions he/she will make. Because it will affect both career opportunities as well as personal relationships, it is essential that the student selects the best college for him/her. No college is a perfect fit for everyone. A student should consider his/her talents as well as learning preferences. The best college is one that strengthens the students talents for a future career, while making the learning experience an enjoyable one. The student should compose a checklist of college preferences to begin his/her search. The internet is a great starting point. Some websites offer college suggestions based on a students profile. People that are in the students future career field are ideal for advice. Current college students should be surveyed about their likes/dislikes of their college. Once school starts, the student should learn the fine balance between his/her social life and academic life. No college experience would be complete without friendships and fun activities but grades and the learning process are also important. With the right balance, students should both succeed in their studies while having a blast!

Ruth

Start looking early

Hannah

The biggest piece of advice that I have is to get involved in both the college community and the college town community. Be involved in extracuriculars on campus and volunteer for thing off campus as well. Maybe even get a job off campus, tutor elementory kids at local schools. It's not just the degree that college is about. It's about the whole experience.

Amanda

Choose a good fit for you. Don't follow high school friends, and don't go somewhere that you think you'll have the most "fun." Parents should be hugely involved and should direct students to a school/university that is a small step up from the type of environment in which they grew up. Too many times young people run off to some big college and get caught up in things that are over their heads and they end up having to drop out, return home, going to a jr. college. Not saying at all that a Jr.College is bad, but after what they've been through, returning home is a big shot at their confidence. Students need to go somewhere they can continue to grow at their own pace, and not be pushed to experience things for which they are not ready. If they can, this will promote success.

Stephanie

Find a college that is the right size and atmosphere for you personally. Also, make sure that they have a good focus on academics. That is why you are going to school, so it is important.

Rhea

Finding the right college for you, is similar to finding the perfect shoes to wear with an outfit. There are many options, many potentials that will get the job done--yet, there really is only one perfect match. Each school offeres a specific set of characteristic qualitites that sets it appart from all others. When choosing which one to adopt, I suggest experiencing the college by visiting, staying in the dorms, asking questions beyond the information that your tour guide gives. By "trying it on," even if just breifly, you will be able to make personally informed decision. However, much like you do not want to pick a shoe just by its color or shape but also by quality of structure design, you do not want to base your college choice singularly on your visiting experience. Beyond the bright lights of the football games, the crazy parties, and the cafeteria food, the foundational reason for selecting a school is to receive and education. So, do your research. Be informed of the academic standards. Then, combining what you know with what you've experienced, I believe you will succeed in choosing the best college for yourself.