they are soooo important no matter where u go,

dont listen to friends. where ever you want to go is your choice. i stayed close too.. and cheap lol

second. your first 2 years you shouldnt declare a major. stick with liberal arts and get your pre-reqs out of the way first,, they are most important. and you dont want to overwhelm yourself your first year.. i know i did.

so going to a small state school your first 2 years is great. bc you get them out of the way

when thats done. then see what you are interested in. search for schools that have your program..

the most important thing when choosing a school is MAKING SURE CREDITS TRANSFER!!

even outta hs.. if you have AP credits.. make sure they transfer over..

you dont want to waste any money

avoid taking loans out at all costs until you are sure of where you want to go.. and you know what program you want.

pay as much as you can through scholarships, gov’t grants and petty cash your first 2 years or so..

loans can really kill u… deferring them may sound good. but interest rates on are the rise… and you’ll have bills like crazy once u graduate. and jobs arent always guaranteed right after graduation

if you do need loans. get a cosigner with outstanding credit.. bc the rates will be lower!

when you are done.. CONSOLIDATE your loans into one bill with one rate..

you dont need to go to an expensive IV League school to get a great education. a degree is a degree no matter where you go. YOU’VE earned it.. and be proud of yourself no matter what!

I love college. its such a great experience..

good luck with everything!!

St. John’s Univ. in MN is a good school. YOu should really check out St. Olaf’s as well – i believe it is the top private school in MN – which isn’t too far away.

good luck!!!