Before you go deciding which school is the perfect one for you it is very helpful if you have an idea of what you want to do with your education and your career. Without knowing these things it is hard to compare the strengths and weaknesses of each school and evaluate them properly.
Do your research on the colleges you might be interested in. US News & World Report offers a special edition each year called "America's Best Colleges." In this magazine they rate hundreds of colleges in all different types of majors and point out what schools are most admired in particular areas. This resource is very helpful and I believe you will find it well worth the money you pay for it. I have placed a link to the most current issue in the resources section below.
The library is another good place to do some research on colleges. Go to your local library and do some research on the details of the schools you are looking into.
While research through reading is important, you have to visit the school in order to fully complete the research aspect of choosing the best college. Visit each school and take notes as you walk around campus. Ask to sit in on some classes to get an even more in-depth look at the school.
Think about whether this college is a place where you believe you could be successful and happy. Don't go to a school just because it is rated highly, but rather because you believe it is the right fit for you.
Ask questions! When visiting the school or just speaking to a representative of the school ask as many questions as you can becaue the more you know, the easier your decision becomes. Take your time in this decision, it is one of the most important decisions you will ever make!