There's a wide range of higher education options in the United States, and this can make choosing which school to attend a difficult process. But it doesn't have to be so if you identify your priorities and then consider all the necessary factors before making your choice. Some of the things to consider include:

Academic program

Size of school

Location and climate 

Cost

Campus life/social activities

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Academic Program

If you know what you want to study, then narrowing down the choice of university is easier...screen out all schools that don't offer your intended major. With that done, research reputations of academic departments by talking to people in the field that interests you and looking up the schools' rating in publications and on websites. Avoid selecting a school because of its reputation. This can be a difficult temptation to resist, but keep in mind that not every program at a highly regarded school is necessarily of a high quality. Some lesser know schools may have a better program for the major you're interested in.

If on the other hand, you're undecided about your major, you can select an academically balanced school that offers a wide range of majors. After you've enrolled, spent a semester or two, and met with a counselor, you'll be able to decide what major you want to pursue.

Another way to approach choosing a major is to take tests that help you decide what personality type you are and match you up with careers that best meet your interests and personality. These tests are available online through Embark.com, Holland Self-directed Search, and USNews.

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Size of School

The size of a school will greatly affect many of your opportunities and experiences, such as the range of academic programs, amount of personal attention you'll get, number of books in the library, and extra curricula activities, among other things. While most people usually prefer the larger schools, it is not always the best choice, especially for an undergraduate program. Large schools typically have graduate students who receive most of the faculty's attention. Faculty members will also be very likely to be involved in their own research, leaving little time for undergraduate students. In addition, chances are that freshman classes will be very large, especially for general courses like English. So, in considering a school, it is important to look at the class size and the teacher-to-student ratio. A school with 1 teacher to 15 students is undoubtedly better than one with 1 teacher to 50 students.

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Location of School

The issue of location for an international student should be concern about environment and climate, not distance from home, after all, wherever you decide to attend school, you'll be tens of thousands of miles away from home! Do you want to go to school in a big city with all the attractions, or a semi-urban town or a rural town? These environments have their advantages and disadvantages and your choice should be based on your interests, the opportunities you're seeking, and your maturity. Some 17 year olds can handle all the attractions of a big city and not get distracted from school. Others aren't so mature. And because you're in college and considered an adult, no one will be on hand to remind you of assignments and tests!

Climate may also be an important consideration for an international student. Chances are you'll want to go to a school located in an area with similar climatic conditions as home. Information about climate can be read up in books or accessed on weather sites on the internet. USNews also has a page that matches you with schools based on the climatic preference you choose.

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Cost

A U.S. education is expensive, and for most, cost is the most important consideration. Tuition costs vary from school to school, with the range being from $7,000-$30,000 per year. Consider your financial resources before applying to a school. Research scholarship opportunities you can use to fund your education. Government grants may also help pay for your education. U.S. colleges also award scholarships to international students.

In considering cost, you should also look at the cost of living in the city where your school is located. Many schools make it mandatory for freshmen students to live on campus and this cost will be added to your bill. If this is not the case with your school and you choose to find your own private housing, then you should take into consideration the living expenses in the city where the school is located, because living expenses vary widely across the U.S.

Campus Life/ Social Activities

College is not just about studying. It also offers an opportunity to do lots of interesting stuff and learning about life. So, consider also what your college life will be like outside the classroom. Look for a school that offers the opportunity to pursue your interests, be it sports and religious interests, social activism, or any hobbies you have. Try to aim for a school with a balance of academic and social activities.

Diversity is also something you should consider. There's a lot to gain from a school with a diverse student body. For one, it's a cheap way to learn more about the world!

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