College

Picking a good college is like picking a good partner. There's a huge variety out there, more than any person could ever look at. There are big ones, small ones, rich ones, poor ones, busy ones, chill ones, beautiful ones, smart ones, and everything in between. There are some that will go for anyone who shows the slightest interest, but those are usually desperate and its often best to ignore them, unless you are desperate too. There are those with the highest of standards, demanding trial by fire before canditates ever get close to getting in. Some demand lots of money. Others already have lots of money, so they make it practically free for any "qualified" candidate. Its hard to tell what you want with so many options, but, you gotta decide.
Then, you've got to apply. Its scary as hell, but you gotta do it. Let them know that you exist, put yourself out there. Give them your number, your email, maybe even your home address.
Then, you wait. And wait. And wait some more. Sometimes, it feels like it takes them forever to get back to you. With others, the response is immediate. With some, you've got to be lucky and get them at the right time of year, some have weird deadlines.
But the wait is worth it, your devoting a lot of your life and time to them. Pick well, miss no opportunities.