Now that the International College and University Fair is over, you are now doubt stuck with heaps of brochures and other reading material. You might also find yourself more confused than before you went to the fair. To help you wade through all this information, we have come up with a list of factors to consider when looking at colleges, including location, cost and atmosphere.

Rate each one on this lift from one to 10 - one being the most important factor and 10 being the least. As you sift through the brochures, refer to your list. It might help you make a more informed decision.

[bul]Location: Do you want to go to school in Bermuda or do you want to attend college abroad in Canada, the United Kingdom or the United States?

[bul]Cost: Think of this as the availability of financial aid.

[bul]Quality: Of the school's programme in your preferred major or area of study.

[bul]Overall excellence: Or the reputation of the school.

[bul]Atmosphere: Do you want to go to a "party school" A place known for its academics, or a school with a specific religious affiliation?

[bul]Size: Will you feel more comfortable at a campus with thousands of students, or jut a few hundred?

[bul]Faculty/Student ratio: How much individual attention do you expect from your professors?

[bul]Gender or ethnic representation: Do you want to go to a co-ed or single-sex school? Will you be happier at a school where there is a lot of ethnic diversity?

[bul]Athletic programme: Do you want to go to a college with strong varsity teams, and/or a wide variety of intramural sports?

[bul]Special programmes: Are you a student with learning differences who wants special help? Are you interested in a specific pre-professional, internship, or work-study programme?