factors to consider

 There are hundreds of factors that can and should influence your college choice.

Let me look at a few of the  important ones

1. Location:   This is not about just distance from home and the weather but issues like are you in a rural or urban environment.  for international students especially an urban location  is usually an easier transition.

2. Academics: After all this is what you are in college for.  do not look at rankings but rather consider how many courses are taught by TAs instead of faculty.  consider student -faculty ratios and the level of faculty involvement. Are you better off in a smaller liberal arts college with seminar type courses or a major research university with large anonymous lecture rooms

3.  Finances: I keep this third, but it is arguably the most important.  Sit with your family and a financial advisor to set your budget up front. Use this to determine which colleges can provide the financial support you may require. It is best to be direct and let colleges know what you can afford. This is probably the best way to create a shortlist from a long list.