Perhaps the biggest criteria to consider before going to college is if you can afford it. College is expensive. A college education can cost tens of thousands of dollars or more. How are you going to pay for this? If you would have to take out loans, could you honestly repay the loans someday? There are ways you can combat the high costs of college by going to community colleges or a public university in your state, as well as attaining scholarships, but still, a college education can be expensive.
While a college education can help in many careers, some careers don't require a college education. That is why it's important to consider what careers you might want to pursue, and how a college education will help. If you're going to invest time and money into learning, you want to be sure this learning will benefit you. Otherwise you could be focusing your energies on working in the field you're interested in.
While college can be a lot of fun, it also requires a lot of hard work. Are you up for it? People who skip classes, sleep all day, don't do their homework and don't study typically don't last very long in college. College requires a high level of self-discipline, as there are fewer people pestering you to attend classes and do your homework. Assignments are more difficult and can take longer than high school. Tests often require long essays rather than just multiple-choice questions. If you don't feel up to this, then maybe college isn't a good fit for you.
For many people, college means leaving home, especially if there are no colleges in your hometown. Are you ready to leave home? Are you ready to be on your own, making your own decisions and having to take care of yourself? As well, consider how your going to college would affect your family. Have you been the one to take care of an ill family member or perform some other important duty? That's why it's important to consult with your family about your decision on whether to attend college.