If I Knew Then... Part 2

More advice from current college juniors and seniors, as well as recent graduates, about creating a list of schools where you will apply. Take advantage of the 20/20 hindsight of these students and recent grads about what they learned after they arrived on campus.

Lauren Buchanan, from Los Altos Hills, California, now attending Claremont McKenna College in Claremont, CA, addresses the basics and notes that the "culture" of a school includes things like the laundry facilities!

The best thing you can do in creating a list of colleges is to diversify: small or big, stretch school or safety, etc. It is important to have a wide range to choose from so that you can be absolutely certain you choose the right place.

Of the traditional characteristics to pay attention to, I think culture of the school is the most important quality to look for. Culture includes but is not limited to size of classes, extracurricular activities, even on-campus student facilities. It is important to remember that this is where you will be living for the next four years and things you normally take for granted such as study spaces, laundry rooms and dining halls should be considered.

To find a good fit, you can talk to current students, take admission tours, visit the school and stay with a student, but the bottom line is when you walk on the campus it should really "click".

Andrew Maguire, from Newton, Massachusetts, and now attending Vanderbilt University in Nashville, TN,  addresses an important part of the process of evaluating schools -- your own attitude.

As I started looking at colleges, I cared about very few things. I wanted the resources of a city nearby, without being super urban. I wanted a medium size where I could make an impact and always meet new people. I also blindly ignored my New England sensibility and insisted on going to a Southern school, an experience that has undoubtedly challenged and strengthened me.

I wish someone had told me from the beginning that no matter where you go, your first year will be challenging. Every school has strengths and weaknesses as does each individual, so it's important to be okay with struggling at times and to also revel in your successes during your first months away from home. In the end, it usually works out for the best.