College Acceptance Choices

Believe it or not, I have been accepted by my first choice college, as well as the one where most of my friends are going. I really thought that I'd go to my first choice if I were admitted. But hearing about the plans for attending our state university from all of my friends has given me second thoughts. Can you help me make this decision? -- Very Undecided
Answer: Congratulations on being accepted to two colleges. Revisit both schools, if possible, and try to see things that you haven't seen before. Some schools have orientation days in the spring for students who have been accepted. Attend these at both schools, if you can, because it will give you a good view of what each college is like, from living in a dorm to eating on campus to attending freshman classes, and even seeing what your social life might be like. If you can't go to an orientation session, visit the campus on your own and explore everything that you can.
Of course, your education is important. If you are really set on a major or have a very strong extracurricular interest, you will want to select the school that offers the best opportunity to study in a specific area or participate in your interest, such as intramural sports or musical productions. If the problem is not going to school with your friends, you must determine if you are ready to branch out and make new friends. Most colleges make it easy for freshmen to meet each other and socialize.
This is your decision to make. Avoid letting others make it for you. Decide on what your most important preferences are, and choose that college.