1. It's the cheapest/most expensive: The price of a school doesn't reflect on what kind of place it will be. There are public schools in your state that give reduced instate tuition that provide high quality education. However, don't automatically assume you have to go to the cheapest schools. Even in these hard economic times most schools give out scholarships to help supplement your tuition.
  2. I know I'll get in: While the comfort of a safety school, one where you're basically a shoe-in, is a nice feeling, don't cross off your dream schools. Most schools are flexible about their admission criteria and you can often boost an average GPA or test scores with strong extracurriculars and essays.
  3. My boyfriend/girlfriend goes there: It's a lovely romantic notion but what happens if you break up? Then you're stuck there. And, even if you're relationship is strong, having your boyfriend or girlfriend around all the time is a hamper on your ability to really branch out and make your own friends.
  4. They're ranked #1 on US News or Princeton Review: These reviews are all well and good but they probably don't mean much to you . They really take into account things like class size, student-faculty ration, classes taught by TA's. So take a look at them but don't swear by them.
  5. But, it's a good party school! Active campus life is important. It's nice to have a variety of options when it comes to socializing. However, if a school is known as a "party school" you may not be ready for what that really means. And, if you're a big partier, it may become more distracting than it's worth.