For many seniors, the college application process is stressful and confusing, especially at the beginning. When selecting which schools to apply to, you must consider many different factors; after all, one of them will ultimately end up being your home for the next four years. Counselor Michelle Altom shares five tips on how to make the researching process easier.

1. “Do not get caught up in the name of the school and how exclusive it seems.”

When you are adding colleges to their application list, be sure to consider a variety of factors, not just the name or reputation. Look at where the school is located, what kinds of majors and programs it offers, the class size, and the cost.

2. “Finding the right college is about finding the right fit. You should find a place where you will thrive.”

Another important aspect of a school is the type of environment it offers. Look at each school’s website to see what opportunities are available to students. For each college, ask yourself if it is the kind of place where you could be successful.

3. “Naviance has a number of resources on its site that can help you with getting specific information regarding different colleges’ application process and deadlines.”

Although Naviance is relatively new, do not be afraid to use it to do your research. It has a variety of tools which can help you compare different colleges and search colleges based on a particular major. If you are still undecided, Naviance offers personality tests and career assessments which can give you an idea of what major would be a good fit for you.

4. “Parents should be facilitators, encouragers, supporters, but ultimately, you are the one that needs to do the majority of the work.”

Your parents can help you and offer suggestions, but they should not be the ones compiling your list of schools or writing your college essays. The application process needs to be student-driven. You are the one planning your future, not your parents.

5. You should apply early decision only if there’s that one school that you know, without a doubt, you have wanted to attend your whole life.”

Early decision applicants sometimes have a better chance of acceptance, but if you apply early decision to a school and are accepted, you are obligated to attend. If you plan on applying early decision, be sure that it is your top choice.