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When you’re just beginning to search for colleges, every one you look at can feel like an exciting possibility. So how can you narrow your search to the right group of schools and find the one that fits you best? Here are some factors to consider. Size. The size of a school is probably the biggest factor for students.

Are you afraid to get lost in a school with tens of thousands of students? Or maybe you’d feel hemmed in at a small school. If you’re not sure, find out how many students are in your high school and use that number to determine your comfort level. Location is another obvious factor. I mean, who doesn’t first look at colleges in Hawaii or California?

Well, aside from that, think about this. Do you want to go to college close to home, or as far away as you can get? Do you want to be in the heart of a big city, or does nature appeal to you? I remember visiting my brother at a huge university in upstate New York, and from that moment on, I knew I wanted to be in a city surrounded by all sorts of life that had nothing to do with my college.

You may feel differently. Campus culture. What do you hope to see on campus and among the students? What activities, student groups, and energy are you looking for? Do you want a student body that gears up for football every weekend? Or do you hope for opportunities to discuss politics? You know, this is where college visits can be so important.

Even an informal stroll around the quad or a meal in the dining hall can give you an invaluable sense of the culture on campus. Academics, don’t overlook the academic expectations of colleges. Take note of your GPA and standardized test scores, and find colleges where you’re within the range of accepted students, so that you have a good chance of not only being accepted, but of thriving once you’re enrolled.

If you’re interested in a certain major, find schools that offer it. And if you hope to take part in an internship, seek out schools that help students secure them. And finally, cost. Don’t forget about financial fit. Know what your family can afford and make sure that you have options on your list that fit within your family’s budget, even if you don’t receive significant scholarships or financial aid.

Use each college’s net price calculator to help you estimate. what you’ll pay at that school. Each of these lenses should help you narrow down the college options that would fit you best. And for more guidance like this, here’s our info.