When searching for colleges, you should know which factors are of high importance to you. Here are some things that you need to carefully consider so you can arrive at the best college search decision.

Academic Focus. Most schools, particularly in the US, have many fields of academic focus. Others only have one field of specialization as well. Courses offered in specialized schools are usually more thorough and in-depth and provides more opportunities for research, although these may only be limited to a specific field. However, these schools may offer lesser-diversified interests than non-specialized schools. Know the popular degrees being offered in your prospect colleges and also the rate of student population listed in these majors.

Private vs. Public. Private colleges rely on tuition, corporate contributions, private gifts, endowments and other fees. Thus, the cost of going to a private school is normally expensive. However, they also offer more scholarships and grants to students. Population is also usually smaller, thus students can have a more personal interaction with professors and have more learning opportunities as well.

Compared to private schools, public colleges and universities generally cost less since they are operated by their respective states and partially funded by the State government. If you want to go to a state college, you need to consider the location of the school since going to a public college in another location can cost you more than going to a state college in your location. Also, population in public colleges are usually larger compared to that of private schools. Because of the huge size, many classes are usually taught by a teacher’s assistant so there is lesser personal interaction between the students and professors

Geographic Location. This is an important criterion for many students when choosing a college. You may want to select schools outside the geographic location that you like to keep your options open and avoid limiting your choices. For instance, if you want to go to college in Upstate New York, you may also want to consider colleges in New England as well. There are New England schools that only take about an hour drive from Upstate New York colleges, so in case your preferences change, you know you have your options open.

Campus Safety.  You should always look out for your safety and security especially if you plan to go to college away from your home. Know the school’s security measures, among which include availability of campus and dorm security, outdoor lighting, night escort services, emergency phones and transportation around the campus as well as crime rates in campus and in the surrounding neighborhood. You can also ask current students as well.

Campus Setting. Campus environment is another important when selecting a college. Some students prefer a campus in a cosmopolitan environment while others go for a school in a more natural setting, surrounded by lush greens and mountains on riverbanks. Make sure that you are comfortable with the school environment that you will be in.

Sports. If you want to continue your athletic pursuits in college, or perhaps consider entering into the sports profession in the future, you should know your chances of getting recruited at Division levels I, II or III. Ask your high school coach and try to establish connections with coaches of different colleges to assess your capabilities and know which level you are qualified to play, given your experience and achievements. You also need to consider the school’s sports reputation, quality of their facilities and feedback from present athletes or alumni, among other important factors.

Other factors that you also need to consider are religion (religious or non-denominational), sex (single-sex or co-ed) and curricula (structured or spontaneous).

Keep in mind that your preferences can change when searching for a college so you may want to keep your options open and start earlier.