This might appear to be a surprising question to start with, but it lays the groundwork for every decision that follows. Ripple points out that not everyone should jump into college right after high school. You're building up some thrust so that the launch of the rest of your life will clear the pad. None of these values is wrong, observes Ripple. You just have to recognize that this is what you want to get out of college so you can design your search accordingly.
Some students know they want to be electrical engineers.
Both mindsets are fine. However, if you do not have narrowly defined goals, pick an institution that gives you plenty of options. Only 20 percent actually graduate in that major, he notes. A small campus might be the place to develop leadership skills or to get the top parts in musicals. A big campus offers lots of options and excitement . . . and competition.