The past four years of your high school career has so many memories and accomplishments — unending amounts of school work, exams, friendships, extracurriculars, college applications and unhealthy amounts of stress. Despite all the difficulties of high school, you have managed to survive, thrive, and will soon be at graduation (the sooner the better because your extreme case of senioritis is incurable). Now that all of your hard work has paid off and you will attending college next fall, it is decision time. Where will the next four years, or more, of your life be spent?

Now that the last of your college acceptance letters have finally rolled in you are eager to make your decision. You have managed to narrow down your college search to a couple possibilities, but the most difficult decision is yet to come. How on earth are you supposed to decide which college to commit to? This decision is life-changing, earth-shaking and it’s all up to you. The worst part is that you can’t even decide what frozen yogurt flavor to get at Golden Spoon.

When it comes down to it, you will end up where you are supposed to be. First, you must face the pressure of the situation and figure out your decision — the May 1 deadline will be here before you know it.

Start by making a pros and cons list. There is so much to consider, so writing it out will save you from a major headache.

Location

Do you want to stay in state or are you ready to venture beyond the California border? When making your college decision, especially between one in-state school and one out of state school, location can be the tie-breaker. Airfare is an added expense, and the time of travel should also be considered. Other questions to ask yourself: Will you get home sick? Does your family need you close by? If both schools are out of state, which one is closer? Are you anxious for a change in scenery and need to get away?

Weather

Coming from sunny California, where 50 degrees is considered polar Arctic, how do you really feel about the weather? For instance, many other parts of the country get something called “the elements” — rain, sleet, hail and snow. If it is not a worry and you are excited for a change in seasons, add this to the pros for a school. If you cannot imagine having to invest in some snow pants and accept the possibility of frost bite, this is a major con you need to consider.

Tuition

Is money an issue? By now, everyone has seen the grand price tag of a college education. No matter what school you may have your heart set on, for most, the tuition is an important factor to consider. In-state tuition is much less than out of state tuition. Likewise, private schools are a bit pricier than public institutions. It is hard to put a budget on your education; but one extremely expensive school may not provide you with the same opportunities as the other college, which in comparison, is a blow-out sale. Bigger price doesn’t always mean better. If you received any type of scholarship that should definitely be considered as well. If financial need is a dilemma you face, the pricier school should find its way to the cons list. Extensive college debt upon graduation is an avoidable situation.

Major

Which school has the major you are wanting to pursue? Hopefully both of your top schools can give you the degree you desire, but the quality of the degree may vary. For example, you want to pursue a business major. One college may have a world-renowned, newly-renovated business school and the other may be lower on the ranking list and outdated. All things considered, you are going to college to receive an education, and therefore the major factor is pivotal. The college with the better degree program gets a point on the pros list while the college that is lacking in this department should receive a mark under cons. However, don’t just choose a school solely based off of your major since most students do change their field of study. Also, if you are undecided, attending the college with more majors is also a pro.

Connections

Do you know anyone who currently goes to this college or any alumni who did? Are any other graduating seniors attending the college next fall? If you want to go to college with some high school buddies, mark this on your pros. If you are looking to get the heck out of here and start fresh, mark this on the cons. Having an inside connection to the school, ideally someone who will be there in your first year, can be helpful with getting situated in a new location.

Environment

Are the two schools you are deciding between in different environmental settings? For instance, New York University and University of Alabama give off very different atmospheres — New York is fast-pace city life and Alabama is quite rural in comparison. Also, some college have more of the party scene than others. Consider which college has the setting you are most comfortable in and give that college the pro point. Also consider which college has the environment in which you can thrive with opportunities.

Extracurricular

What types of activities do you want to participate in? Are you hoping to be involved in Greek life? Volunteering? Intramurals? Clubs? Going to college is essentially for an education, but you also need to have some fun! Put down pros for each school’s individual activities that interest you.

‘Ahh’ factor

When you stepped on the college’s campus did you feel that over-powering sensation that this is the one — the place of your dreams? Not everyone has this moment, but if you have, you should definitely consider it. If you haven’t yet visited each of the schools you are considering you should seriously think about doing so. Perhaps you will walk onto campus, feel that ‘Ahh’ factor and that will be the end game — you’ll know where you are going to college. In the end, go with your gut and trust your judgement.