Choosing where to go to college is one of the most important decisions of your life, but over a third of students will make a wrong choice. In fact, one-third of them will transfer to a different school in their freshman or sophomore year. Whether it’s being unsatisfied with their school experience or choosing a major that isn’t available at their college — with a little prep work, you can avoid these mistakes.

But let me share a little secret: your best preparation for college isn’t filling out applications, retaking the ACT or doing campus tours: your best college prep is self-discovery. Let me explain what I mean.

God has a “divine design” for each one of us — a unique set of passions, gifts and experiences that set us apart from everyone else. You need insight into who you are and how you are wired before you can make the right college choice. By evaluating your passions and gifts and by listening to the wisdom of parents and mentors, you can develop a clearer idea of what you want to achieve through higher education.

When you are selecting a university, you want to choose the best place to help you wisely steward your passions and gifts, developing them to better fulfill what you feel your life is all about. That’s what an education should do: hit the bull’s-eye of what you need to discover your divine design. By taking the time to explore your options and carefully choosing the right college, you are making a significant investment that will greatly influence your future.

For more on choosing the right college for you, check out my new book, The Modern Guide to College.