Choose the Right College: Get to Know Yourself

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Most of us have no problem acknowledging our strengths. But, let's face it, it's not a lot of fun to sit down and think about those things that we just wish would go away. Do it anyway. Maybe you wish your grades were better, but if they're not, you'll need to apply to some less competitive schools to make sure you have all the bases covered. Maybe you wish you didn't get so freaked out when you're under pressure. But if that's the case, you're going to have to look for a college atmosphere that's more laid back.

It's also important to be honest about your interests and preferences and to distinguish them from those of your peers. What works for someone else might not work for you.

Don't Go It Alone
You don't have to figure out everything on your own. Sometimes aspects of ourselves are so much a part of us that it can be difficult for us to see them. The people who know you well can help in your self-evaluation. Bounce some ideas off your friends, parents, and counselors. If there's something you're not quite sure about, ask them: "Where do you think I stand academically?" or "What type of campus setting might I strive in?"

Choosing where to go to college is a very personal decision, but it doesn't mean that you have to make it in isolation.