There is a lot to consider when making the choice for what college to attend. Prospective college students should factor everything from tuition costs to location to what degrees are offered. The list goes on. Coming to a decision can be tough when trying to balance each factor and how each college matches up. Some students even fall victim to over analyzing and start considering unnecessary factors in their decision. Here are examples of some of those factors:

Where Your Friends are Going
While it’s great to do things with friends, it shouldn’t include where you are going to get your education. Applying to a college just because your friends are can be a regretful decision. That means you aren’t making it for yourself, and may lead to missing out on other great opportunities.

Where Your Parents Went
Every child dreams at some point of following in the foot steps of their parents. However, there is always a point when it’s time to create your own path. If a college offers a program that’s perfect for your career direction, and your parents happen to be alumni, then it’s acceptable. You just don’t want to go to a particular college so your parents can re-live their college years vicariously through you.

What the Rankings Say
That list of the top colleges from some magazine isn’t a true declaration of how good or bad colleges are. Students are better off judging the merits of a college on their own terms.

Special Offers
Yes, it’s exciting to come onto a school’s campus and be handed a free iPod, or given a school issued laptop. But, who doesn’t have most of those things already? Don’t fall for gimmick offers.

Reputation
Some colleges are known for their raging parties while others are known for their study habits. Don’t believe the hype. Many college reputations are wholly inaccurate, and even if true, shouldn’t have any sway on your education.