Think about location. You may prefer a college that is close to home or in another state. You should also consider whether you want a school in a city or the country, one where you can live on- or off-campus or whether the school is near your favorite lake or ski slopes.
Decide whether you want a large or small school. Some universities are quite large and you'll be attending classes with hundreds of students. In a smaller school, you may have more opportunities to speak up in class or participate in extracurricular activities, which can build leadership skills.
Look at the course book and requirements. Each school has its own requirements. For example, most schools require a freshman writing course, but some have a standard course that everyone takes and others allow you to choose from a variety of topics in the writing course. You may not know what you want to major in yet, but you can still look or interesting classes.
Visit the school to get a feel for it. While admissions brochures and websites can help you to make your decision, you won't know what the school is really all about until you visit. Some schools offer a campus tour and may allow you to sit in on a class or spend the night with a student. Try to feel whether or not you'll be able to fit in at this school.
Assess your interests and skills. To choose a major course of study, you need to think about what type of career you should have. It's best to choose something that interests you and fits in with your skills. For example, if you enjoy science and working with people, you may want to major in science with an eye toward medical school.
Narrow your choices. Look at the degree courses that are offered by your university and select a few that you think might be for you. Compare the course requirements to make sure you can complete them.
Ask a trusted adviser. Your school will assign you an adviser that can help you make a decision about your major. You can also discuss your options with a parent or another adult that you respect.