Kalamazoo College Top Questions

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

Michelle

From my perspective as a maturing adult I would tell my younger self to keep myself collected and at peace. There is no rush and stress to worry about that eerything I had worked for will pay off in the new experiences and events that I will live. In addition, to be proud of all the accomplishments and setbacks and that soon all the stress and late nights will be paid off and be fullfilling.

Christian

Follow your interests to find your passions. Be diverse. Be open to any and every experience.

Charmaine

If I could go back in time and talk to my high school senor self; I would let her know that it is okay if kids make fun of you. At least this is your last year of school and good grades is what will get you scholarships. You would not have to rely on student loans which you would have to spend at least ten or more years to pay back. Don't be afraid to raise your hand in class because the only way you learn is by asking. Always ask the teacher for help if you did not understand your assignments. Do not let other students dictate your life by saying college prepatory classes are for nerds. These are the most important classses you can take which gets you prepared for college and counts toward your degree. Apply for as many scholarship as you can because college can become expensive. Pay close attention in english class because there will be many college days you will be up writing reports and giving speeches in class. Instructors are not lenient when it comes grammar errors. Always remember to turn assignments on time because procrasination is not a good excuse.

Dominique

If I could go back in time and give myself advice as a high school senior it would be a very long speech. During my senior year I had just giving birth to my first child. I had firgured I made it this far so I'm basically finished. I began to slack off. My advice to myself would be never slack off. Even though it is your senior year give it the best you can. Go to class every day, go to class on time and give your all with your work. I started off with a 3.5 and my gpa dropped drastically because I thought I had more important things to worry about. Now I'm giving it my best to find things to help me get through college. Never back off and push until graduation day. Also never let anything get in the way of your dreams.

Christian

Take every opportunity you can get, there are so many resources and connections available to you, especially in a college setting, that you have to make the most of it while you can.

Leo

Leo you need to relax. Every one of the students whose class you will make a part of has just as many contradicting preconceptions about what this "college" thing is as you do. No single preconception will be right or wrong. Remember that as soon as you form expectations you are creating an opportunity to let yourself down. Getting caught up in the goings on of others around you during this tumultuous life experience - while it may seem attractive - will not easily help you understand what you have come to this college see, experience, set out for, and achieve. Let these people come naturally, that way you'll find they mean so much more to you and most likely you to them as time passes. These are some of the people that will provide emotional support for you when personal challenges that flabbergast you come your way. However, if you get too caught up in your peers, you might overlook your professors. Never let your preconceptions about these professors hinder your appearance in their eyes and your willingness to meet with them at the first doubt of certainty. Be stoic, be compassionate, and keep your ears and eyes open.

Michael

One of the most important things that I learned as freshmen was the importance of enjoying the material that was given to me by my professors. When I did the assignments at the last minute, I only focused on finishing and trying to meet the minimum of the assignment. This approach was often stressful and I did not feel much satisfaction when most of my assignments were finished. However, when I actually took the time to break down my assignments into quantities that I could absorb, it was easier for me to digest the material. This process enabled me to enjoy my readings and my writing assignments because now I had the time to reflect on my work and allow myself to be immerse in the material rather than just speed my way to finish my assignment. Through the use of a planner, I was able to be more productive both academically and socially in the new community that I now found myself in. By successfully managing your time, you can enjoy many more of the opportunities that your college offers all while accomplishing your tasks, assignments, and goals.

Lyndsay

Kalamazoo College offers a 13:1 student to staff ratio. Simultaneously, Kalamazoo places a high importance on success inside and outside of the classroom. Courses are offered in three trimesters of 10 weeks. Thus, it is a fast-paced and demanding schedule. However, the close-knit environment allows easy access to professors who I have found who genuinely care about the success and well-being of students. The Kalamazoo community also expects students to get involved in the outside world, placing high importance on environmental sustainability, community organization, and social awareness. The 'K Plan' has opened my eyes to opportunities which await me. Freshman year, I was chosen to work in a law externship in which I learned not only how lawyers live in the office, but in the home, where I was able to stay with my boss, an alumni. Currently, I am benefiting from K's study abroad program which is paid in full through tuition. I would have never had the opportunity to travel and experience seeing the Mona Lisa in Paris or standing on the bridge of Robert the Bruce. I am living what I had only learned about in my two prior years at Kalamazoo.

michelle

I'm getting great experience in the community college I'm currently attending, as I've gain more knowledge thanks to the great instructors I've gotten. I believe I've become a better student as I'm more responsible in everything I do,such as studying harder for my tests and working harder on my school work. I've established discipline in my study habits and ensuring that I'm always punctual for my casses as I know I'm no longer in high school. I have learned that you can't procrastinate and be successul as every second is valuable to study and complete homework and cannot be wasted. The years I have spent in Clark College have been very valuable to me as I have grown not only as a student but also as a person as I have learned that giving up is not the answer to reach your goals. Also being around other students that have their own set of goals has been a great influence on my goal setting,and what it is that I really want to do in my life. I have found the skills I have to reach my goals.

Emily

We attend college under the pretense of learning. We will study, we will sweat, we will pull all nighters, and we will go to class. We will learn, learn, learn, until we've learned enough to get a degree and utilize what we've learned to make money. But no one can deny what other kinds of things we learn at college. Some of them will not say good things about our characters such as when we learn to lie or when we learn to cheat by hiding notes in the paper towel dispenser in the girls' bathroom closest to class. Oddly, I have not learned these things. I have merely learned that people actually DO these things. I was the girl who read all of the assigned reading and didn't even THINK of using cliff notes because that's cheating and who would do that? My college experience so far has taught me the rarity of a truly good student and drastically increased my self-worth because I am one. I can do everything fairly and still succeed and knowing this has given me confidence and power, two thinks I utterly lacked in high school.

Andrea

What i have gotten out of my college experience so far, is learning the meaning of hard work. College is quite different than High school. There is more work due in less time. I have learned that time managment is a great skill for one to know. I think its caluable to attend college because continuing your education can only help you in a world like ours. With layoffs and high unemployment, having a degree or certificate, you have a leg up on the other canidates. I want to feel when i graduate college that I will have an advantage over the others. i want to know and learn everything there is to know about costume design, my career path choice. The experince of only on semester of college that I have completed thus far hasn't impacted me too much but I know the rest of my college experience will end up being a good one.

Jeremy

Thus far, college has taught me that every learning experience is a chance to grow oneself. In the beginning I slacked off and had the "just getting by" attitude. Over time I made decent grades and had fun in school but didn't really apply myself full force. After 3 years in community college I left school for a life of adventure and ended up with a wife and child. Since then, I have discovered how much school really meant to me and the wave of "what if" has come rushing over me. I now attend Everest Institute for the Electrician Trade and have decided to continue on to get a Electrical Engineering Degree. I have discovered through my very helpful instructors that education isn't a one-time thing. For my son's sake I want to continue to grow myself in order to teach him through my actions that education is not all work, but fun and rewarding as well. That by continuing your education you can accomplish anything you want. For this father who thought his dreams went out the window when he started a family, can say that education will lead to far more adventures.

Matthew

Kalamazoo College has bashed me around academically and even socially at times - but I would be lying if I said I didn't make the right choice in attending 'K'. The relationships I have formed with my peers and professors go far beyond just the classroom - they have become a part of my very identity. I came into college dispassionate about the political system and the sight of numbers made me queasy; however, I have now given a speech about the importance of voting, help conduct a voter registration drive, and am now an Economics major. In high school, I loathed the 40 hour community service requirement for graduation. Now, I am constantly engaged in community outreach through tutoring underprivileged children and working with Habitat for Humanity. In fact, I plan to pursue a career in public service after I attend law school. Though cliché, it would not be an exaggeration to say that I am who I am today because of coming here, and I couldn't be happier about the decision. I am not only a much more educated and well-rounded individual - I am happier, kinder, and a better person because of attending Kalamazoo College.

Rebecca

Let's see; college life and transitioning. As a senior, I would tell myself to be adventurous and to not hold back. I would let myself know that the only way to comfortably transition is to get out of the dorm and try new things. Be bold enough to try different clubs and go to organized events to get involved in the community. Also, I would tell myself to try a variety of classes to expand my horizons and meet new people with different interests. The hardest part about transitioning from high school into college will be separation from close friends and having to start all over again with making new friends. So, be fearless and try new classes and activities. For instance, play an intramural sport or try out for the school play. These are great ways to be involved and make friends. Another thing; pursue the friendships you make. If you want close friends you will have to make an effort to get together with people. Remember, be a good friend as well. You can't rely on others to take all the initiative. This will take you out of your comfort zone but you can do it.

Rebecca

If I could send the girl I was six months ago a message it would be, in the immortal words of Timon & Pumbaa, "put your past behind you". The first days of college I was suffocating in the constricting corset of distance dating. Suffering under the societally encouraged delusion of true love, I allowed myself to skip valuable opportunities the first few weekends in order to spend weekends with my John. In most other aspects I adjusted quite well to college--I wan't nervous, stressed, or perpetually drunk--but I had trouble letting go of my high school life. When I did finally pull in my anchor that kept me stuck in Midland while going to college three hours away I felt so much more free to focus on my studies. In fact, I learned so much from my seminar on local food that when I went home over Christmas break I felt more compelled to spend my time organizing a community garden project that will be launched this spring rather than lazing around with John like I did in high school. It has been so liberating to rediscover the individual beneath the girlfriend I'd become: haquna matata.

April

Self, Don't play around wasting time it will not be beneficial to you in the long run. Try new things and explore different clubs activities, & and classes. You are smart you made it this far it is only a few more years to go with school. Your family will be proud of you don't let them down they have always been your biggest cheerleaders in all that you do. College will not be easy but you can do it anything that you set your mind to do you will accomplish with flying colors. Money will be not easy to come by so apply for grants and scholarships often and don't give up. If you have not all ready done so begin taking any pretesting for entry to some colleges such as SAT, or ACT to name a few. Make friends with your counslors & use all resources available to you. The world is yours for the taking by going to college it opens more doors of oppertunity and more $ which we both know that you love to have more of. This is your first real adult change in life so, go get it done girl!

Erin

If I could go back in time I would tell myself: Relax everything will work out for the best. Just keep an open mind and be receptive to new ideas. Be open to trying new things but be safe, and above all THINK. When put into a new world with more independence than you have ever had, there are a lot more choices and decisions that can affect you for the rest of you life. Think through the decisions that are put in front of you instead of acting on your impulses. And if you maintain an open mind you will complete freshman year with a much broader perspective of the world.

William

Do what you did before. Get experience in a wide range of areas. Stay focused on your strengths - athletics, academics. Enjly your life.

Saskia

Be open to new experiences. Don't expect that everyone you meet will be your friend - or enemy. Give everyone a chance, but rely on your gut instincts about them. Don't write people off just because of their hobbies. Take classes you're interested in even if they don't fit in with your current plans for life. Find time to take joy in the small things every day. Your mother is correct in that the squeaky wheel gets the grease, so speak up when you have something to say - you WILL be heard. Overall: let yourself have fun! The education in college is not all entirely classroom-based, after all (not to say that the education part isn't fun, too!).

Kellea

If I could go back in time and give advice to my younger self, I would say to treasure the last year of high school. I would mention that while college is a rewarding and worthwile experience, I shouldn't take the last year of school for granted. I should take the time to enjoy the free education, free books, even the free school lunches, because in college, I will have to pay for everything. I would go back and thank my mother for every thing she ever bought or paid for. I would suggest to myself to take the time to get to know some of the freshmen so I still maintain a connection to my high school. I would show my teachers how much I appreciate all of their hard work for the last four years, and finally thank them for bringing me this far. Finally, I would telly myself to enjoy my friends and the close camarderie of marching band because I will have to start over again after I arrive college.

Colleen

Be more comfortable with yourself. Have more fun!

Kristin

The best words of wisdom I can give is to not base your decision solely on what others have told you is "cool" or "the total college experience." Remember that you are choosing a new home for yourself for the next four years! Don't just choose the school with the craziest social life or the best academic standing, but instead look for a place that you feel will not only make you feel at home, but also push you to step out of your comfort zone. They say being a well-rounded applicant is ideal for applying to college, but don't forget that you are judging the college as much as they are judging your application. Look for a well-rounded college, one that will satisfy your academic, social, philanthropic, and other various needs. Look for a place you feel will help you grow, and don't be afraid to go against the grain. Just because all of your friends are attending the local party school doesn't mean you have to, or that it will be right for you if you go. Make sure you are true to yourself in your decision.

Kelly

Select your school based on what you feel comfortable with. "Where the trumpets sound"

Amanda

It is very important to consider all of your options before making any decision. Be sure to find a college that has a "major" option that you may strongly consider. Take advantage of all of the resources that your school makes available to you. Be sure to always ask for help and work hard to succeed during times of challeneg. Also, if you have the opportunity to study abroad definitely take it! Study abroad can be one of the most rewarding and fufilling college experiences! Try to always have a positive attitude and leave a positive legend at your college! Have fun and make good decisions!

Sara

I would look at your proirities when looking at possible universities or colleges to attend. Are you going for sports? Academic reputation? Diversity? Study Abroad? Classroom size? Also, don'tgotoa school just because many of your friends from high school are going to a certain university. Regardless of the university you attend, there are plenty of opportunites to meet new people and make new friends, you'll appreciate this opportunity.

Robert

Do not let cost be the determining factor in your search for a post-secondary institution. College is an investment. Although it may be difficult to find the means to send your son, daughter, or yourself to college, the current costs must be weighed against the future benefits. Take the time to research institutions that appeal to you and make an informed decision after visiting as many as possible. My advice to students and parents in making the most of the college experience is to make every cent of it matter. How? First, go to class. This may seem a simplistic suggestion, but you'd be surprised how many of your counterparts will skip classes. Educations are like anything else: you get what you pay for. Going to class will not only show your parents that you care about what they're paying for, it will set you apart from the rest of the class, lead to better grades, and allow you to form great relationships with professors who can write recommendation letters to employers or graduate schools. Last, balance your work with fun. College should be a time of great academic growth, but also an opportunity to develop socially.

Elizabeth

My advice to students for finding the right college can be summed up in a single word: visit! I believe that the only way to truly discover if a school is right for you is by getting a feel for its campus, talking to students and professors, spending time in its buildings, and attending its classes. Obviously, do plenty of research before you arrive so that you are adequately prepared to ask probing questions. Once you have chosen the college for you, my advice for how to make the most of your experience would be to strive for balance. Do study hard, and gather as much knowledge from your professors as you can--that's what they are there for. However, don't stress yourself out too much. You don't want to find yourself in your cap and gown at graduation and realize that you never made any friends at college because you were too busy studying. Of course, guard against overdoing the partygoing too--you want to remember all those late nights with friends! Finally, my advice is to find something at your school that you are passionate about--whether it be a club or your major.

Katelyn

Be honest with yourself about what you like and don't like, what you want and don't want, and who you are and who you aren't. Answer these questions honestly and then look for a school. Also, I would recommend the Colleges that Change Lives book by LorenPope or the website--both are great resources for people who want to know more about liberal arts colleges. I highly recommend going to the school to feel it out before deciding. I don't think overnight stays are essential, but spending some time on the campus is, so go to the cafeteria and eat a meal to get a good feel for the students and how the interact with one another. Sit in on a class you find interesting. Ask about the weather and how it affects the students moods. Also, be honest about what you want from a college education and find a schoolin which you will feel comfortable growing and learning. Keep an open mind and look at lots of different places.

Brianne

Make sure to choose something where you would not have to take out loans or very much in loans because you wont get a job right after that would help you pay for those.

Jon

The most important thing about choosing a college is to make sure there is a good balance of academic life and social life. It's not that you should go to the school where they party every night, but employers like to see a well rounded student when they graduate, and by spending every minute in the library that is not possible, not to mention not fun. So when choosing a school find the place that is going to be academically challenging, but with enough time/availabilty of social outlets. In Kalamazoo, South Haven, MI is only 35 minutes away so in the warmer months, groups of students will go to the beach for the day - sometimes bringing work with them - it's just a great release and getaway from the campus life.

Sara

I would tell students to choose the school that feels right to you. I think there is a right fit for everyone and once you find that perfect school you should choose it regardless of cost. Many students need to take out loans and go into debt during college so dont let that deter you from choosing the school that is right for you. I decided to go to my second choice school because the financial aid I received from that school was better but now I am transferring to my first choice college because I realized that I would be much happier there. When choosing just go with your gut and try to not let other factors influence your decision too much.

Joslyn

Many people think of attending college as primarily an academic persuit, but for most students college is also a stepping stone between living at home with our parents and trying to fend for ourselves in the real world. Choosing the right college is about finding the place that best suits growth, both academically and as a person. The most important thing about finding a college is knowing what the most important aspects of that "stepping stone" are to you, and finding a place that will foster and/or provide those aspects. If it is simply academics that you are looking for, there are many ranking systems that will tell you the best schools to attend. Otherwise, it is important to figure out if things such as studying abroad, internships, personal relationships with professors, large classrooms, social life, fraternities, etc., are the things that will make your four (or more) years at college the best they can possibly be. Then research the places that can provide those aspects for you. While academics are very important, it is essential to realize that there are many other significant aspects beyond the classroom which can make the most of your college experience.

Rose

One thing I have discovered/learned over time is just how much in life is unpredictable. Many of the opportunities that arose during my college career were things that I never would have/could have planned for. So, apply to many schools for many reasons, and don't take it too hard if you "end up" at someplace unexpected. They aren't lying when they say college is what YOU make it. If you have a daring, positive, open attitude about whatever school you attend then you'll be able to take full advantage of the opportunities that present themselves. If you blame the school administration, your parents or your roommate for issues you have, then you might be missing something--the power you have to shape your own experiences and the memories of those events.

Paul

It would be extremely beneficial to have some idea of what you wish to pursue when choosing where you wish to attend for the next four years of your life. More importantly, if you are unsure what exactly you wish to do upon graduation it would be advantageous to at least know if you would like to attend graduate school. While graduate schools do take into consideration the respect and difficulty of your undergraduate school, most rely heavily on a student's actual grade point average. In retrospect, attending a larger, less-competitive university where I may have achieved a higher grade point average could have personally opened up more possibilities for law school options. That being said, you still want to make sure that whichever college or university you choose will adequately prepare you for either graduate school or your career path. Finally, find a place where you feel comfortable and think you can make friends. It is important to have good friends because this is a big step in your life and it is necessary to have good friends to help you get through any obstacles, social or academic, you may encounter. Good luck!

Rachel

I think an overnight visit is mandatory. Many times the true nature of a college is impossible to discern from a short campus tour. I remember thinking a small liberal arts college in Iowa was great for me, but then I spent the night and by morning I knew I'd be miserable there. At the college where I did eventually end up attending, I remember being excited every time I met a new person. They were all people I imagined being around in college: all studying different things, all eager to show off their school to me. The facilities are one thing, but the enthusiasm (or lack thereof) that students have for their school, is something that an overnight stay will quickly reveal, and something I'd have been lost without.

Emily

Remember colleges are business, which means that they are constantly trying to sell themselves to you by boasting and inflating their academic wealth. You'll never know what college is the right fit for you until you go and experience it first-hand.

Carmen

I would say that parents and students need to make sure to explore all of their options, and to not limit their search to one type of school. For instance, even if youre adament about the fact that you want to attend a big school, make sure to look into and research small schools as well. Also, one of the best ways to get a good feel for a school is to talk to current students. Lastly, remember that just because a school is considered a "good school" does not necessarily mean that it has a good academic program for what you want to do specifically, nor does it mean that it will be a good fit for you.

Emily

Do your research and have a good time.

Collin

Make sure the student goes on an overnight visit without the parent. Keep in mind though that the students who host prospective students are hand-picked by the college, and bound by rules and regulation about what activities and behavior are acceptable around the prospective student. So really, you wont ever get a completely accurate sense of the school until you show up for orientation week. It's not so bad really, if you go to a big school, there will be a ton of different personality types and views and organizations to join...you will definitely find people you enjoy hanging out with. If you choose a smaller school, just keep in mind that it is much easier to comform to general student body frame of mind, as small private colleges attract a "certain crowd" which varies depending on the school.

Matthew

Do not aim only for academic success in your search. Find a place where you can manage your workload with a social life. Attending a school simply because you want the recognition for having gone to a top-tier college could leave you spending every waking minute over your books. Swallow your pride and go someplace where you have the leisure of learning for the sake of learning, not learning for the sake of an exam. Wherever you happen to land, be sure to hit the ground running and get involved in an activity outside the classroom as soon as you can. The sooner you jump on to something, the sooner you'll be making friends. Start with something that's a campus-sponsored group to build up your base, but be sure to move into the off-campus sphere as well. It's easy to get trapped inside a college bubble and find yourself competely disconnected from the rest of the world, especially if you attend a school with a rigorous workload. Don't fall into the belief that you don't have time for anything beyond academics. If you don't have time, make time.

Evan

Keep your options open. Don't commit before you've been to each of the schools.

Joan

First of all, I would advise parents to just get out of the way when it comes to selecting a college for their child. Just be there to support your child's decision and help them get all the information they can when it comes to researching the schools they've chosen. Too often I've heard about students selecting a school or a major because their parents pressured them into it and then they are miserable or end up switching schools or majors half way through college (causing lots of problems down the line). For students, I would suggest thinking about things like what kind of degree you want, liberal arts v. a typical degree, bachelors of science? arts? fine arts? business? Do you like individual attention? Go to a small school. Is it more important to have greek life and a huge party scene? Go to a state school. Find out what the people are like, what the professors are like, what the social life is like. Definitely visit the campus. Factors like cost and location should be lower down on the scale because if you aren't satisfied with the school itself, those things won't help.

Breann

This is a very good question! For prospective college students, the advice I have is to visit the college. Being on the campus, meeting current students and professors, feeling the vibe he/she may get, and just checking out the facilities available on campus can really help a person decide if s/he would be comfortable there and that his/her needs are met. Other advice is to go to a school you really want to go to. A place that makes you excited to meet the people and to get involved. Try not to go to a place JUST because of money (scholarships, price of tuition). Commonly, that is definitely a decision factor, but you should like or even love where you go. If one bases it off money, they may not make the most of their college career. My number one piece of advice for parents is to simply allow their child to choose the school that best fits them. Yes, help with some decision factors, or throw out ideas, but try not to dominate or persuade their decision to what the parent wants because it's the child who will be experiencing the college, not the parent.

Vanessa

I wish I had given myself more options when applying to colleges. I passed over a few because I thought I wouldn't have a chance to get in, but really I had nothing to lose.

Kathleen

Make sure to visit the campus before you decide. It makes all the difference!

Larisa

In choosing your college, don't go just because that's where your friends are going. That's what I did, and although it has worked out for me, it should not be a deciding factor. Keep in mind that part of college is to try new things. Take initiative-- participate in your classes and get out of your comfort zone. Participate in extracurricular activities, on-and off-campus, and you will meet people with similar interests and form connections that could last a lifetime. If you have a question in class, odds are someone else has the same question, so don't be afraid to ask! Speaking up and making your views known will make you stand out to your professors (and your peers!), which leads to good bonds, engaging discussions (in and out of classes), and eventually, great recommendations for jobs and/or graduate school. Get to know your professors. If you need help in a class, don't be afraid to ask for help-- even if you feel like your troubles are "stupid," professors are always glad to see their students taking initiative and showing that they care.

Erik

Make no mistake, selecting the right college is one of the toughest decisions you may ever encounter, but it will also be one of the most exciting. My decision was between Michigan State University, a huge state university, and Kalamazoo College, a small liberal arts college many people have never even heard of. I had my room assignment ready and orientation dates set for Michigan State, but then I changed my mind and decided to go to Kalamazoo College. Why? Well, I started to think about how I fit in as a person at each school and which school would help give me the best future. I think it is a great idea to think about what is it you want to do with your life and then decide which school will help you mature and prepare you best to achieve your goals. Another important thing to remember to do is stay involved with activities around campus because you never know who you will meet or where it may lead you. In short, it is most important to look at yourself first and then decide which school fits you. Big-name universities are not the best option for everyone.

Matt

The advice that I would give to parents and students about finding the right college is to start early. The earlier you start, the more you can learn about the different schools you are looking at. Choosing the right school for you is a very important decision and the more knowledge you haev about your choices, the more informed decision you are able to make. You want the decsision to be both confident and educated. That being said, I think that is important to choose the school that fits you best. Meaning, choose the school that seems to have the best academic as well as social environment for you. College can be a difficult experience if you make a quick and uninformed choice. Do your homework. As far as making the most of your experience once you find the right school, it is important to know that after you have found the school that fits your needs, that the social life will likely be abundant, but it is important to be strong in your studies. Have fun, learn alot and college will provide you with insight and knowledge and experiences that will stay with you forever. Good luck.

zachary

Do your homework and make sure to visit the schools interested in. Make sure you talk to the students who will be more likely to tell you how things really are.

Kelly

I think one of the most important things to think about when choosing a college is the size and environment of the campus. It will make so much more of a difference in your experience than you may think. Really think about if you want a small, medium, of big school. Also what kind of campus community you want. There are very different feelings among campuses that are only undergrads versus universities with grad programs too. Apply to lots of schools if you can . Keep your options open. If you are considering a school of a specialized degree such as fine art, consider both traditional art schools as well as universities that have an art program as part of a BA program too. Research what the best programs are at each college. Pick the one that is strong in your interests.