You are an athlete. You look forward to working out, to pushing yourself, to competing against yourself and others. Perhaps you're a first-string quarterback, or a top gymnast or a star forward. Maybe you aren't a star, but you certainly give your competitors a run for their money. Or you may be happy to play just for the love of your sport.

Whatever your sport or skill level is, college offers you the opportunity to continue your participation and even to raise your skill to a higher level. From big-name varsity teams to campus intramural leagues, colleges have a variety of ways for student-athletes to hone their skills. To help you sort through the many options available to college-bound athletes, here are some things to consider when choosing a college.