College decision making is serious business. It is one of a series of decisions that will help define who you are as you move toward adulthood. A calm, businesslike approach with a dash of humor will serve you better than a frenzied, frantic, doomsday outlook. Actually, this process should be exciting and fun – you are about to embark on the next chapter of your life! You are doing something positive for yourself, and you should enjoy it!

Now for a few hints about how to make this important decision:

• Know yourself well—your strengths and weaknesses, your likes and dislikes, your hopes and dreams. Understand and accept your grades and test scores.
• Research your options—there may be a full range of postsecondary possibilities that may interest you. This aspect of decision making is worth the investment of your time and effort.
• Consult the people who can help you evaluate the situation. These people may include parents, counselors, teachers, relatives, friends, college representatives, financial aid experts, etc. Useful information sometimes comes from unexpected sources.
• Choose where you will apply and attend college. Every school choice involves both plus and minus factors. In the end, you will choose the available alternatives that (all things considered) seem to suit you best.

Good luck!