As someone who has gone through the process of picking the right college for me, there are some things that I wish I knew before I started the long process. For those who are about to begin the journey through college admissions, here are some tips to help you along the way.

Distance. One important factor in picking the right college is how far away it is from home. If you are someone who wants to come home often, try to pick a college within two hours from home. If you are someone who wants to be more independent, you can go farther than that.

Cost. Different types of colleges cost different amounts. Private colleges or out of state institutions will cost a lot more than public or in state universities. Personally, I would go to whatever college will be the cheapest for you.

Student Life. It’s important to go to a college that has the right atmosphere for you. If you are a social person, bigger and more public schools will give you more opportunities to meet people. If you are more introverted, try looking at smaller schools.

Studies. Probably the most obvious one, but make sure that the colleges you are looking at have the major you want. Don’t get excited about a college only to find out that you can go there because of their lack of programs.