What should be included in a college choosing checklist?

I'm a high school junior starting to think seriously about my college options, and I'm feeling a bit overwhelmed with all the factors to consider. I want to start putting together a checklist to help me compare schools and make the best decision.

What are the most important things that I should include in my checklist? I'm thinking about factors like location, major availability, campus culture, and financial aspects. Are there any less obvious things that you found helpful in making your decision? Please share any advice or resources that might help someone in my position begin to narrow down colleges.

Creating a college-coming checklist is a great idea. It can help you manage the necessary details and make an informed decision about where to apply.

You already mentioned some of the most critical factors like location, major availability, campus culture, and financial aspects. Let's expand on those and add some that might not be immediately apparent:

1. Academic rigor: Colleges vary significantly in their academic programming and expectations. Evaluate the institution's academic rigor and how it aligns with your goals and learning style.

2. Size of the School: This includes the overall size of the campus as well as class sizes. Smaller colleges often offer more personal attention but have fewer majors and resources. Large universities provide more academic options, but classes may be large and less personal.

3. Residential Life: Look into housing accommodations. Some universities have residency requirements for first-year or even second-year students. Also, check out the quality and cost of living facilities.

4. Extracurriculars: You might want to continue a hobby or explore new ones in college, so check out clubs, sports, and other activities.

5. Career Services: See how well the school supports students in their career development. This includes internships, job placement, and career counseling.

6. Graduation Rate: This could indicate how well the college supports its students. Also, consider the median time that students take to graduate.

7. Alumni Network: A strong, active alumni network can help you secure internships or job opportunities.

8. Study Abroad Opportunities: If you're interested in studying abroad, look into the opportunities and partnerships the university has with international institutions.

9. Accessibility Services: If you have a disability, look into the school's accommodations and services.

10. Diversity: Consider the cultural, religious, ethnic, and socioeconomic diversity of the student body.

11. Physical and Mental Health Resources: Look into the campus's health resources, including counseling services and medical caregiver's availability.

Remember, your checklist should be tailored to your specific needs, circumstances, and preferences. The more thorough you are now, the more likely you'll be able to find a college that's a great fit for you.