Location, location, location; it's the Holy Grail when it comes to real estate and it may be the same for your college picks. Both students and parents report that location and setting matter when it comes to getting a fulfilling college experience; after all, it is where you will be spending the next several years of your life.

Will it be New York, Boston, San Francisco, or Ithaca, Boulder, or Hanover; small town or Uptown? The setting of a college does not reflect the quality of the education but it does speak volumes about its personality. If it is a good fit with your own personality, school counselors report that students are more likely to do well academically and socially - both important factors for college success.

The first and perhaps most important location that can make or break your college experience is the distance of a school from your home. Will it be driving or flying distance? Part of the ritual of becoming a grown-up is leaving home; a fact of life so eloquently expressed in an old Navajo saying, "We raise our children to leave us."

But since this monumental 'rite of passage' can be liberating to some and traumatic to others, discussing it ahead of time with a high school counselor or your parents may be smart. On the other hand, if the prospect of being independent entices you and you have the discipline and maturity to balance academics with your newfound freedom, experts say it might be the healthiest choice.

All the more reason why the college's town, city or population should complement your style. You might prefer a quiet, peaceful setting in the mountains or countryside that will help you stay focused on your studies and will provide a less stressful college life. A school in a town such as that will likely offer limited off-campus activities and more time for introspection.

Colleges in big cities offer a myriad of entertainment choices—restaurants, culture, and an active nightlife. For some students, that can be too much of a distraction from their studies, for others it provides balance; a stimulating environment away from the books.

The stereotypical 'college towns' offer another choice. Those campuses are the heart and soul of some communities and everything revolves around college life. It can be an idyllic experience for some and suffocating to others.

Getting around your campus and the surrounding areas is another factor. You will either have to walk or bike to classes, although most schools offer shuttle services to help you get around. Accessibility to airports, highways and public transportation is also something to keep in mind especially if you will be flying home a few times a year.

College officials advise prospective students to make campus visits during the school year before deciding. Talk to other students, stay in a dorm room, attend classes and see if the real-life experience measures up to the college's brochures.

"Human beings are the only creatures that allow their children to come back home."
Bill Cosby

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