Saturday was the final notification and decision date to choose a college, and while most students have already made their choice, some high school seniors still find themselves knee-deep in charts detailing the pros and cons of each of their choices.

There are smart ways to choose and many less effective ways to make the big decision.

• Social relationships: Choosing a college to follow a boyfriend or girlfriend or even your best friend is generally considered the worst reason to accept an offer.Remember this is your time to become more independent, to stretch beyond your high school relationships.Think about how awkward it could be to have a breakup and not be at a college that meets your needs academically or socially.• Location: Wanting to snowboard in your spare time should not be the deciding factor.Don't choose a college because you've always wanted to experience something new (snow, heat, big city, rural environment). Make sure the college offers almost everything you're looking for.• Grapevine: Just because somebody's cousin said it was a great school or is having a wonderful time is not a sufficient rationale to select a college. Identify what you're looking for and make sure it meets your needs.• Prestige: Just because everybody has heard of a certain college doesn't mean it is the right fit for you. Throw the rankings out the window when deciding which school is right for you. Think about your day-to-day experiences.• Price: Don't assume the most expensive college will offer the best education or the best college experience — and certainly don't assume your least expensive option would be the worst place to go.• Pressure: Make your decision for the right reasons, not to please your grandfather who's an alum or your parents who want to put the college sticker on their back windshield.• College marketing: The brochure looks great. There's a climbing wall, it's a sunny day and, of course, students are playing Frisbee on the quad. This is not reality.Check out the following website: www.studentsreview.com for nonglossy, uncensored opinions.

Here are some tips on how to decide:• Seek academic fit. Pick a school where you'll feel confident you'll succeed.Getting great grades at a selective college is more impressive than bad grades at a more prestigious institution.• Spend a night. Feel the "vibe" on campus. Stay overnight with a student, attend a class, eat in the dining hall, etc. Even if you're a recruited athlete you'll still be spending more time off the field.As parenting author Beth Reingold Gluck says: "No school makes you happy or smart. You have to do that on your own, so relax about making the choice."<b><i>Lee Bierer is an independent college adviser based in Charlotte, N.C. For more information, visit www.collegeadmissionsstrategies.com.</i></b>