Once you graduate high school it is important to get ideas for your future college plans.  Many high school students have a ton of questions about college.  Many students are still questioning themselves about what they want to do for a career, how much it’s going to cost to go to college and where they are going to attend.  To help make it a little bit easier, below is a list of things to consider when choosing your future college.

- Community College vs.  University – The first question you should ask yourself is whether you would like to attend a community college or a university.  There are many advantages to both of them, below are some ideas to consider about them both.
- Community College:  Community colleges are great because they are close to home, you are able to work a job easier and they are a lot more reasonable in price.  I suggest a community college for the first two years of your schooling to get your general education classes out of the way.  There is no sense in going away to college to take general ed. classes at a high rate when you get them for almost half the price at a community college.
- University:  Going to a university is a great experience to get away from home and to live on your own.  This is also an excellent way to learn responsibility and get the real college atmosphere.
- Do your research.  Once you have some colleges in mind do some research on them.  Find out how far away they are from home, how much they will cost, and if they have a good program for your future career. 
- Make sure it’s what you want.  When going to college make sure it’s all about you.  You want to make sure you’re not going to a certain college just because of a friendship, or boyfriend/girlfriend relationship.  You have to focus on school and have the mindset that if you are meant to be together you will last through your college years.  What happens if you break up?  You’re stuck there and you have to deal with having them around.
- Take a private tour and meet with an advisor.  Once you have a couple colleges in mind meet with an advisor and see what the campus is like.  If you could see yourself living/going to school in the campus area you should consider it.  Also you will want to talk with an advisor about the program that you’re interested in.  Your advisor will be your best friend.  They will help you make your schedule and answer any questions you have, so make sure it’s someone you can work with.
- Find reviews.  Try to find someone that has already attended the college.  Ask as many questions as possible to see if this college sounds like a place for you.  If you don’t know anybody that has attended the school try to research online for people who attended.
- Write out the disadvantages and advantages.  Get out a piece of paper and write out both the disadvantages and advantages.  Find which one out ways the other.

As you can see there is a lot to consider when choosing a college.  It is important to consider all of these steps and think carefully about them all.  This is an important time in your life so make the best of it!