Featuring Jason Nevinger, associate director of admissions, Westminster College (New Wilmington, PA)

Q: How can I be sure the college of my choice is the one that's right for me?

A: We all make choices in life; we probably make hundreds every day. Most of them don't have much consequence: Paper or plastic? Baked or mashed? Cheese or pepperoni? Choosing where to go to college, however, is a bit more involved.

This is quite possibly the first big decision you'll make as an adult. You can get advice from your parents, your guidance counselor, and even your friends, but the ultimate choice has to be made by you. It cannot be done overnight, and you can't wait until the second half of your senior year in high school to make your decision.

Selecting the right college takes time, and requires you being honest about what you want. That's why it's important to ask yourself some very specific questions about the atmosphere and experiences you want in a college or university: Do you prefer a big or small school? One located in the middle of the city or in a rural area? Across the street from where you grew up or across the country? By taking the time to figure out what really matters to you, you'll greatly reduce the risk of ending up someplace that doesn't fit your personality.

Once you have an idea of the type of college you're looking for, it's time to do some homework. You'll have to roll up your sleeves and hit the books, so to speak. In order to ensure that the college you choose is the one that's best for you, you'll need to spend some time researching what each school is like. The Internet is a great place to start. There are many college search engines, and most schools have their own Web sites. In addition, all that college mail you've been receiving will certainly help you become more familiar with institutions across the country.

Lastly, and probably most importantly, is the college visit. Visiting a college/university campus is the single best step you can take in order to ensure your college choice is right on target. You've heard the phrase "a picture is worth a thousand words." If that's true, a campus visit is better than the whole roll of film. Not only will you be able to see what the campus really looks like, you'll also have a chance to observe and explore the surrounding community as well. Plus, it's also a great opportunity to ask questions of admissions and financial aid representatives, as well as current students who can give you the inside scoop on what the school's really like.

It's a fact that making a college choice is an overwhelming and difficult process. Taking the time to get to know yourself and the colleges and universities you're interested in, however, will help ensure that the choice you make is the choice that's ultimately right for you. Good luck.

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