Try…your toughest decision yet! The college you choose will be your home for the next four years, and the gateway to opportunities for the rest of your life. Scary, huh? Well, not with the right attitude. Take a look at these tips before you make a choice, and you'll spend the next four years smiling.

Weighing Your Options
You decided to apply to these schools for a reason. They each must have some of the characteristics you are looking for, or you wouldn't have bothered with those applications in the first place. The question is, how do you decide which of these characteristics are most important? Which factors about a school will translate into the best experience for the next four years of your life? To find the answer, you need to know yourself. Self-knowledge will help you sort the important factors from the more… well, frivolous.

For example, say you have an interest in college radio, and you have discovered that Lame-o U. has a sweet radio station. Is that really the factor you want deciding your college choice for you? What if you go to the first meeting for radio and it doesn't sound so hot after all? You are much better off taking the bigger picture into account.

Do you prefer the bustle of life in a big city where there's always something going on off-campus? Or would you rather be in a smaller town that's centered around the college itself? And while we're at it, are you the type of person that needs more personal attention from teachers and faculty, or do you prefer the anonymity of a sweeping lecture hall? Would you rather know everyone when you are walking across a compact campus, or would you rather be on a sprawling campus where there is always someone new to meet? These are the types of big-picture questions you asked when determining where you wanted to apply, and you should return to them as you make that final cut. You'll probably be able to get a great education at any place on your list. You need to find the place that meshes best with who you are, what you are interested in, and who you want to be.

The Financial Issue
Because no one likes to leave college having accumulated boatfuls of debt, the financial aid card can be a trump of sorts. The sad truth is, when it comes to college, cost is a major factor. This means that if your second-choice school offers a much better financial aid package to you than does your first choice, you should seriously consider the option. This also means that you should take into account any in-state public schools you were accepted to, where you can take advantage of the reduced tuition to state residents. (Note, generous financial aid packages from private schools can often make a private school more affordable than a state school, so compare the bottom line at each of your options!)

But the overriding financial fact is that if you really have your heart set on a school and you get in, you shouldn't let financial concerns deter you. Most educations can be financed, even if it means taking out student loans. And there are all sorts of grants available, too—grants to students/athletes with asthma, grants to people of all ethnicities and backgrounds—which can mean the difference between being able to foot the bill or not.

The Ivy League Dilemma
One of the schools you were admitted to is an Ivy, huh? Congrats. Does that mean your decision is made for you already? Absolutely not. The Ivies are GREAT schools-some of the best-but there are plenty of others out there that offer an education of the same quality. And some of these schools just might be better suited to you personally. Make sure to ask yourself where you'd fit in best, and where you're likely to get the most out of the experience. That goes for other "prestige" schools, as well—even if they're not Ivies. Do yourself a favor and avoid picking a school for its name.

Dealing With Mom and Dad
It's always tough to be butting heads with your parents on issues such as this. On the one hand, you really respect their opinions, you want to make them happy, and you want them to be proud of you. Plus, they may well be footing the bill for all four years of college. On the other hand, remember that you are the one who is going to be spending four years at the place and your sense of which college feels right is likely to be much more accurate than the sense your parents get.

It's important to let your parents in on the decision, but not to let them make it for you. Don't confuse parental support with parental control. By all means listen to what they say. After all, there is no doubt that they have your best interests at heart. But if you have strong feelings about which college is the right choice—and you should—communicate these feelings to your parents. (Think: rational explanation versus emotional ranting, be a savvy marketer. Avoid blow-up fights, if you can. Patience is key!) The best group decisions are built on communication. And there is nothing wrong with saying, "Mom, Dad: I understand what you are saying and I respect your opinion, but I'm having strong reservations about going to that school, and here's why." Talk the thing through with your parents; your decision will be a better one for it.

And finally…

STOP WORRYING!

No matter which school you end up attending, you'll most likely have made the right choice. You'll end up meeting new people, making new friends, and learning more than you ever dreamed possible. Congratulations, you made it! You're going to college!