A student is trying to decide between two colleges. What information should they gather to make an informed decision?
When a student is trying to decide between two colleges, they should gather information on various factors that will impact their college experience and future success. Here are some important factors to consider:

1. Academics: Research the strength of the academic programs in the student's field of interest, including faculty credentials, research opportunities, and course offerings. Also, consider the overall academic reputation of each college.

1. Graduation and retention rates: Look at the graduation and retention rates to gauge how successful the school is in retaining and graduating its students.

1. Financial aid and scholarships: Compare the financial aid packages offered by each college, including grants, scholarships, work-study, and loans. Consider the overall cost of attendance, including tuition, fees, room and board, and other expenses.

1. Campus location: Consider whether the student prefers an urban, suburban, or rural setting, and research the local community, climate, and available recreational opportunities.

1. Campus size: Look at the overall size of the campus and the student body. Some students prefer a smaller, more intimate environment, while others may feel more comfortable in a larger setting.

1. Campus facilities: Research the quality of the facilities, including classrooms, labs, libraries, housing, dining, and recreational facilities.

1. Extracurricular activities: Look into the clubs, organizations, sports teams, and other extracurricular activities available at each college.

1. Internship and job placement opportunities: Investigate the colleges' career services and alumni networks to assess the availability of internships and job placements.

1. Study abroad options: If the student is interested in studying abroad, compare the study abroad programs offered by each college.

1. Student support services: Evaluate the availability and quality of student support services, such as academic advising, tutoring, mental health services, and disability services.

1. Campus culture: Visit each campus, if possible, to get a feel for the social atmosphere and see if the student feels comfortable and welcomed.

1. College rankings and reputation: While rankings should not be the sole factor in decision-making, they can provide a helpful reference point for comparing colleges.

By gathering information on these factors and carefully weighing the pros and cons of each college, a student can make a well-informed decision that will best suit their individual needs and preferences.
This is a long list and will take substantial amount of time to research. Can you filter 4 most important factors from the above list which I should start with.
Academics, College rankings and reputation, Campus facilities, Graduation and retention rates