Picking the right college is the first great responsibility you’ll encounter before you leave your family home to start a whole new period of your life. Although it comes with a great deal of excitement and happiness, this time of your life is also bringing along some challenges.

Making the right choice can sometimes seem like a difficult task, but if you know which aspects of the process to pay attention to, you’ll surely enjoy your decision, and greatly benefit from it. Here are our top-pick pieces of advice when it comes to singling out the college that’s just right for you, both academically and personally.

1. Pick a field of study.

Before you move any further, think about the topics and classes that matter to you. What inspires you, and what would you like to do when you’re out of college? Picking a field of study you are happy to learn more about is the first step you should make.

2. Find out where the college is located

Do you mind living across the country, far from your family and friends, or are you looking for a college that’s located near the ones you care about? This decision is totally up to you. Although the location is not the only factor to weigh in, it’s definitely an important one, and it needs to be considered with care.

3. Does your new college support diversity?

Inquire about school attitude towards diversity, and check their demographic information considering race, gender, religion, or other aspects that matter to you. Knowing what to expect in this department is another important part of the process of making the choice that’s just right for you.

4. Think about the costs

Maybe you’re not very inclined to think about money, or you don’t feel like it’s quite your field. It’s totally understandable, but considering how much the college is going to cost you is a step that must be a part of your search. Whether you have a college fund, intend to take on a student loan, or you’re planning to pay for college without getting into debt, the financial factor is well worth considering.

5. Schedule visits to your top-pick colleges

What you see on a college website is always going to look appealing to a certain extent, but how much of it is really true? The number one mistake students make when choosing a college is not taking the time to visit it and inquire about it in person. Make sure not to make this mistake yourself.

6. Inspect student to faculty ratio

The number of student admissions per year is another important aspect to consider when choosing a college. The more students get in every year, the less of a chance to stand out in the crowd. If you’re a bit insecure and need the support of your professor, the high student to faculty ratio will probably not be a good choice for you.

7. Inquire about the professors

To provide the best education, your professors must be capable, reliable experts in their fields. Choosing a college that employs experienced, skillful professors is a choice you are never going to regret.

8. Look for appropriate extracurricular activities

If a college offers a variety of extracurricular activities, it will be easier for you to choose the ones you want to pursue. There are so many benefits of exploring these activities in college, and you should definitely get involved!

9. Think about transportation

On- and off-campus transportation is a matter you should keep in mind. Do you have your own car, or do you need to rely on a college to ensure appropriate alternatives? This inquiry is particularly important, especially considering that cars are not allowed on some college campuses.

10. Don’s forget to check national college ratings

To make sure you pick is also approved by the experts, check the college rankings you can find using reliable sources such as Forbes or the US News. Their observations and the information they can offer will surely be useful in the long run. Ratings are very subjective, so read what they have to say, but try to make your own observations as well.

11. Make this decision yourself

Remember that you’re the one who needs to make this choice, as it is about your life and your education. Jane Morrow, a content creator and an experienced lecturer emphasizes: “The time spent on college was an amazing experience for me. I made that important choice myself, and to this day, I consider it one of the best decisions I’ve made in my life.”

Conclusion

When it comes to choosing a college, there are several factors that count, and they should be carefully considered. College is a long-term commitment, so approach the process of making a selection carefully. Be patient, make a list of personal priorities, and follow these useful guidelines. These steps will surely help you make a perfect choice that fits your educational goals and individual preferences.

Lauren Adley is a writer and editor at Writing Service and Rushmyessay. She is dedicated to her family, work and friends. She is keen on reading, playing the guitar and traveling. She is interested in educational, marketing and blogging issues. Feel free to connect with her on Twitter and Google+.