Graduating from high school is a huge accomplishment. Senior year is when all the major decisions had to be made, including whether or not to attend college. The next major choice I had to make as a high school student was choosing a college to attend. Various factors influenced the final decision. Some of these factors included financial aid, reputation, academic experience, and university size. Choosing to gain admission to Case Western Reserve University was a better choice than Ohio State University. One of the biggest issues many students and parents have with college education is the cost. Due to the state of the economy, it has become very difficult to finance a university education. Fortunately, the government is able to provide financial assistance in addition to the University's financial aid. Case is a private institution, which means it costs more than a public college. Case's tuition was approximately $38,000 in 2007, not including living or book costs. Even though there was an increase in tuition fees each subsequent year. The only way I could afford tuition at Case was through the scholarship I had earned. Additionally, I received federal grants and substantial assistance from the University. I didn't get free tuition, but I did receive significant financial aid to pay for my university studies. Ohio State University's tuition differs significantly from Case Western, almost $20,000 less. However, university tuition fees have also continued to rise. My Ohio State financial aid package only offered about $8,000 in aid, leaving me to cover the rest. The difference between what I had to pay and the amount of aid I received middle of paper...... Selecting a college to attend was a long process. I applied to four different schools. I weighed all the pros and cons of each college. The ultimate goal was to persevere and obtain a degree. As a high school student, I think I found Ohio State attractive because of all the hype surrounding it. Once I came to the conclusion that I wanted to enter the medical field, I realized that I needed to be in an atmosphere where I could stay focused. However, the most important influencing factor concerns finances. The deal was extremely expensive, but I received substantial financial aid from Ohio State. Additionally, I was fortunate to secure a work-study job that helped cover my living expenses. I knew college wouldn't be easy, especially given Case's reputation. In the end, I'm convinced I made the right decision.