You thought the stress was behind you. But the fat envelopes have arrived and now it’s decision time. Does the campus you previously described as cozy now seem stifling? Does leaving on a plane leave you anxious? If you receive more than one college acceptance letter you may be facing a tough decision. Here’s how to make choosing a little easier: Meet with your counselor: Review the schools and financial aid offers together. Your counselor will be able to answer specific questions and help you clarify your choices. Compare characteristics: Academic offerings; facilities; special opportunities like travel abroad, internships, small class size; distance from home; and campus atmosphere. Rank each on a scale of 1-5 for each school. Compare costs: If you received aid, particularly grants, calculate the four-year benefit of accepting those awards. Life with less debt is better. Evaluate the impact of loans, including the need to work each summer and work-study options. Also consider the cost of graduate school. Many students and counselors believe the academic rigor and prestige of your graduate school is more important to employers than where you received your undergraduate degree. Speak to alums: Ask the admissions office for the names of young alumni in your area. Ask them to be frank: "Was it worth the money?" "Would they choose to attend if they had it to do over again?" "What were their best and worst experiences at the college?" "How helpful was the career center?" Visit campuses: In some cases it will be a second visit, but you’re wiser now. Many colleges have special days or weekends when they invite admitted students. These are great opportunities to get a better feel for the place. If the ones you’re considering don’t offer this program, contact the admissions office and try to spend the night in a dorm. Most students walk away from this single experience "knowing" how they feel. Trust your gut: Is there one school that stands out? If you turn it down, will you ask yourself every day for the rest of your life why you didn’t go there?   Tips • Don’t rush the process or force a decision. Do your due diligence.• Remember to respond by May 1. • Evaluate the long-term impact of loans. Got a Question? E-mail lee@collegeadmissionsstrategies.com. Include your name, town, and e-mail address. Answers may be printed. Bierer is an independent college adviser based in Charlotte: lee@collegeadmissionsstrategies.com; www.collegeadmissionsstrategies.com