You can almost guarantee yourself a great college choice if you follow the ten simple rules below.

1. Don't even think about making a final college choice without visiting at least your top two choices...more if possible. Visits are the only reliable way to learn about the campus environments of the colleges you are considering and how good a "fit" you might be. And bring your parents along if you can...you might find their impressions helpful.

2. There are no exceptions to rule #1.

3. A college with a familiar name might be a great choice for you. Then again, it may not. Don't be too influenced by name recognition alone.

4. Take the time to identify and check out three or more colleges unfamiliar to you which would seem likely to admit you, offer the major(s) in which you are interested, and are located in areas in which you would like to spend four years. With any luck, you'll discover some great new options.

5. There are very few worse reasons to select a college than because your friends are going there. Choosing a college because your girlfriend or boyfriend is headed there is one them. In fact, if there is a worse reason to choose a college, it escapes me.

6. Do your research and be sure to separate reality from (often baseless) opinions. Lots of folks will refer to a college as "good", "hard to get into", "a party school", "too expensive", etc. without knowing the facts. Don't accept these kinds of generalizations without evidence.

7. Do not consider cost when putting together a list of colleges to investigate. That may sound strange, but it makes perfect sense because you really can not know how much it will cost you to attend a college until you have determined what kinds of scholarships or other financial aid you might be eligible to receive.

8. You may have to contend with ACT deadlines, SAT deadlines, scholarship deadlines, financial aid deadlines, and college application deadlines. Close your eyes for thirty seconds and imagine how stupid you will feel if you fail to get into a college or get money for which you qualify because you miss a deadline. Then, to avoid feeling stupid, write down all operative deadlines and check them often.

9. Most students (not all) should probably apply to at least eight colleges. Three should be "reach" colleges...colleges you are excited about but might need some luck to be admitted to. As the lottery ads say, "you never know", and your odds of getting into most colleges are better than your odds of winning the lottery. Then, carefully pick at least three colleges you really like and are likely to be admitted to. I say "carefully" because chances are you'll wind up at one of these colleges. Finally, choose two "safe" colleges...places you like which are virtually certain to offer you admission. Choose these colleges carefully too, so you'll have a good place to land if all else fails.

10. With a little luck, you'll get into several colleges you like. Although that may make your final decision a bit difficult, can you think of a better problem to have? At this final and critical point, ask for input from those who know you best and whose judgement you most trust. Then, make your final college selection and don't second guess yourself. Realize that the steps you took getting to this point almost assure that you have made a good choice and that the next four years of your life will be a great adventure.

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Daniel Kane has worked in high schools, colleges, and universities for more than thirty years. He has websites on subjects including online college degrees and education online . Click here to get your own unique version of this article.