Things to keep in mind while picking a college?

The main thing to keep in mind is that you don’t pick a university; they pick you. Admission is competitive. Without knowing your unweighted GPA, the rigor of your coursework, and your SAT score, it is impossible to say which schools would accept you.

Since you're evaluating two colleges, let's assume that you are admitted to both. First: what do you want to do with those four years? Do you know what you want to major in? What your career aspirations are? If yes, then make sure the school you select is great in your program. If not, make sure that the school you select has some sort of exploration program to help you decide.

Second, I considered cost. In the end, I wanted to come out of school with as little debt as possible, so I went to the school with the best "Bang" for my "Buck." Check out scholarship opportunities and financial aid offers. The deadline for committing to most US schools is May 1st, so you have time to make a decision based on a financial aid offer.

Finally--and I really can't stress this enough--think about environment. What kind of area did you grow up in? Are you dying to try a year in a big city? Do you think you would thrive in a smaller community? It sounds weird, but go on a campus tour of each school and determine which one feels the most "you," whether that means housing options, things to do in the area, proximity to major cities, et cetera. Ultimately, if you're happy with the environment you're in, you will be a better, more successful student.