I guess you may have to first ask yourself who you want to be before you start thinking where you should go? For example, if you are thinking of becoming an engineer, you should then look at school that is good in engineering. Next, you should see how much it cost you to go to school there; if you can get scholarship or if not, can you pay out of your own pocket? Then, its geographical location; big or small city and if you will like to stay in that city as you will be there for a few years? So, you see that you narrow down your choices to a handful after you consider all that. Apply to about 5~10 of them if you can; some slightly above your standard; some of your standard; and some slightly below your standard. The strategy is that if you try the good school, and let’s say you make it, you will definitely be happy to go. If not, there is some schools that you know are about your standard, and you should have no problem getting admission. If you are not so lucky in all your applications, there are still a couple of those universities that you feel that is slightly below your standard, and even on the worst day, they will still offer you a place. Try all the options, and then evaluate them before you commit to anyone. Make wise choice.

Good luck. I wish you well.

Choose a campus that feels right, that you have a ‘fit’ with. This is a very US notion, but you will be happier, and persist, if you are hanging out with people like you, whatever that is.

Choose a major that interests you. Again, what you are interested in will help you persist and get better grades. This is a very US notion, but people who are successful are doing what they like to do. Major and work are not as related as you think – I know theater majors who are in IT for example. Learn to read, write, think, talk, listen and the best way to do that is in a major you like.