College will be (hopefully) one of the best experiences you're ever going to have in your life.
I'll break it down.
-Applying
I'd say apply to AT LEAST 3 schools. I know a lot of people decide to apply to like, 5 or 10. But paying $60 for every school adds up. Not to even mention the different personal statements.
I have no idea what grade you're in, but an extracurricular activity that you've been dedicated to looks great. Try not to join every other club, choose one or two you like and do lots with them. Or just stay an active member for the majority of HS. Volunteer work hours looks great. GPA and class standing go without saying. If your GPA isn't too hot, make up for it by making excellent SAT scores. Vice versa. Take the SAT at least twice - once in 11th grade and once in 12th.
Don't worry if you fucked up early on in HS, an improvement in grades is something counselors look for. Make sure your senior year schedule is tough. Too many seniors take a slacker schedule - office work doesn't look good neither does interior design or something. Unless, of course, it relates to what you're planning to do.
One of the most important things is the personal statement/essay. You need to stand out. The topic doesn't matter - no matter how cliche it is, it's the WAY you write and present it. Your writing needs to be mature, articulate, attention-grabbing. blah blah. Make the best English teacher in your school proofread it as many times as necessary.
- how you can make sure you choose what's right for you
I assume you mean college. Well first of all, narrow it down by region if it matters. Do you want to go far away, close to home, or in between? I can tell ya right now, no matter how far you go, dorm. You are totally not getting the real college experience if you don't. That said, out of state tuition is a bitch. Hopefully your state is big.
btw don't be afraid to go to a huge college far away where you'll know no one. I did that, and it's been amazing. If it's a big college, no one will know anyone and everyone wants to make friends. There will be a lot of people like you. In college, people are mature. and friendly.
Then you can narrow it down by environment - do you want to be close to a city, want a busy college town, or a big school in the middle of nowhere. Whatever. That matters a lot. You have to do research. Wiki the college town/city/etc. Find out what it's about.
The most important thing, however, is how your college accommodates your major. Make sure you go to a school that has a good reputation for your major. Don't go to a tech school if you want to study art history. Common sense.
Even more important than all of the above is visiting the school. That is the only true way to get a feel for it's environment/atmosphere. You have to go there, look around, and ask yourself, "Do I want to live here for the next four years of my life?"
It's a big decision. Go where it feels right. Don't do it hastily. Transferring isn't fun and it's also a waste of money usually.
- the experience
I don't know what to tell you, if you can be more specific that'd be great. In general, college is fucking awesome. I have tons of advice for all kinds of different aspects. Just ask.
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