Is there one single question that can strike fear in the heart of a high school senior? Try this one on for size: "Where are you going to college?"

If your knees barely trembled as you read the previous paragraph, consider yourself lucky (and in the minority!). Choosing a college for the first time is tough for even the most prepared student. There are no guarantees that the first college you choose will be a good fit, especially considering the high nationwide dropout rates for first-year college students.

The good news is there are ways to increase your odds of making your first college choice fit like a glove. Start by avoiding mistakes high school seniors have made repeatedly in the recent past.

College decision mistake #1: "I could never afford that school."
Too often a school is ruled out based on cost, even though the school might be perfect based on how its course offerings match up with your interests. Explore all the scholarships and grants available to you. In addition to the many books dedicated to the subject of financial aid, there are also dozens of Web sites devoted to scholarships. The time invested in researching free money can only be described as time well spent.

College decision mistake #2: A four-year bachelor's degree is the only way to go.
For certain majors or careers, a bachelor's degree or even a master's degree is the best route to achieve your long-term goals. But for some students, two-year career education may be the best way to go. Career education offers an alternative to dealing with the two years of general studies that precede a major at a four-year university. Plus, the company that employs you after completing your career education might pay for more college later on through a tuition assistance program.

College decision mistake #3: Only rock stars get to go on tour.
Wrong. You should hit the road, too! Think about the extras you're looking for in a school. Is the social scene associated with dorm life important to you? Does the school you'll be attending offer the sports options you enjoyed in high school? Based on your individual needs or major, does the college provide the special equipment or facilities you're seeking? This may sound obvious, but don't make a decision based on a brief glimpse of a brochure or Web site. Tour the school and see if what it offers matches what is important to you. Try to visit and compare several colleges that offer training in your field of interest. Get a good feel for each college, and then decide.

College decision mistake #4: "I'll go where my best friend is going."
This is fine if you and your pal are pursuing the same major. But if you're interested in forestry and your friend is attending the Kid Rock School of Hair Design, your first year of college will probably be either the shortest or longest year of your life.

College decision mistake #5: It's all about what you know, not who you know (or ask!).
Not exactly. If you're curious about a school's entrance requirements, ask an admission representative. (These are the same individuals who can also set up the very important campus tour.) A financial aid representative can answer your questions on how to make attending college affordable. Inquire about any available scholarships or grants in addition to the various loan programs.

The placement or career services director is the person to speak with regarding current and past college student success stories. He or she can provide you with information on starting salaries and employment demand for your career area. The career services director can also address questions regarding the school's reputation as seen through the eyes of employers.

Finally, if you're uncertain if a particular career area is right for you, interview a role model. In other words, contact someone you or a friend knows who is currently prospering in your chosen career. Ask about his or her path to success, the pros and cons of the career, as well as his or her suggestions regarding at least two schools specializing in your desired major.

Make no mistake; you'll need a solid education in order to compete in the real world. Try not to be part of the group that relies on a simple coin flip or the psychic hotline for making one of life's most important decisions. With just a little bit of preparation, research, and logic, you can make your first college choice a winner rather than taking a detour down the road to Wrong Way U.

If at First You Don't Succeed...
Jennifer Roos, 26, is back in school after a four-year detour. Roos attended the University of Minnesota in Minneapolis right out of high school, but was undecided as to her major at the time. Now she's back in college, a little bit wiser and a whole lot more focused.

"I just didn't know what I wanted to pursue back then. I considered zoology as a major, but soon discovered that wasn't what I wanted to do with my life," Roos says. Now she's pursuing a research and information studies major she designed herself at Metropolitan State University in St. Paul, MN.

The Minneapolis native reflects that her first go-round in college was rewarding despite the detour. "All my general education credits transferred to my current major, and that will save me time in the long run," Roos explains.

Her advice for college students just starting out? "Go for what you enjoy. I've discovered I love research and helping people. This time, I'm going to graduate," she says.

Sound Off! Post Your Comments