Shane
I would tell them to take their time in choosing a college. You have to go out and ask the students there what they think of their school. Do they like the social events, sport events, the residence halls, and the cafeteria food? You also need to make sure that they have what you are looking for academically - make sure they have a lot of options for majors because you will change your mind a lot. See if the school has any special classes/residental living communities for new incoming freshmen to get acquainted with life on campus. See what the residence halls are like. Does the school have wi-fi spots? Is there public transportation to get around town?
Anne
I would recommend going on campus tours and trying to find students on campus to see how they feel about it and what they like and dislike about campus. I would also recommend talking to some of the teachers in the area of study you are looking in to.
Jeffrey
Make sure you tour the school. Ask a freshman how he/she feels about being there and then find an older student and get there opinion. Find out what a normal day is like in that town and find out how the weekends are too. Tour the library because you will spend most of your time there, but its not all you will ever do so make sure you know what would be available in your free time. College is what you make it. If you want a 4.0 you are going to have to work hard and you really won't have much time to play, but it will pay off later. If you can pull off good grades and still go play take a tour around the campus and see the sights. If you love tanning next to the ocean all day don't go to a school in the mountains. Just get a feel for where you are going to be before you commit your life and money to that school. It's going to be the best 4-7 years of your life, make sure you enjoy it.
Sarah
Parents should know that choosing a college is one of the most important decisions their child will make in life, and it is imperative that they are able to make that choice for themselves. College is a time for them to make their own choices, and as difficult as that might be, parents must oblige and allow them to mature. Students should choose a college that suits their needs and goals, not those of any one else. Do not change your self for others, and always play to your instincts. It does not matter what other people say or think about you, but only what you think about your self. Stay true to who you are, and enjoy life.
Alyssa
In searching for the right college, parents obviously want a school that will not break their wallet. One of the biggest factors that parents should consider is how comfortable they feel leaving their student at the school for the entire year. The friendliness and helpfulness of staff and students at a university are a great indicator of the overall atmosphere on campus. A friendly staff indicates that they truly care about the individual needs of the students.
Students should search for a college that they can see themselves at. They need a university that has their major and also a variety of activities and clubs that they are interested in. In order to make the most of the college experience students should certainly introduce themselves to others to make friends. They should also attend Club Expos to get a feel for the activities on campus. Furthermore, participating in dorm activities will help students make the most of dorm life and draw them closer to their neighbors.
Ashley
Finding the right college is not as easy as school counselors make it sound. Sure, visiting is important, but a campus tour alone will not cut the cake. If you have a specific ambition, go to the department of the school you plan to study in and speak with some of the professors. If you need to be around a certain type of people, hang around a grassy spot on campus and talk to some current students. Most of them would be more than happy to tell you about their experiences. Think about where you see yourself after graduation and try to match the expectations you have for yourself with the expectations the world will have for you. Location is important, but not the MOST important. Academics are important, but a lack of social life will drain you. Know what you value and make sure that the school you attend holds the same values. Work hard, play hard. Once you're there, you'll find your own personal balance of learning and living. No school is the "wrong" school as long as you have the right attitude!
Heather
Choosing the right college for your needs is one of the most important stepping stones toward a fullfilling education and career. It's never too early to start researching prospective schools, and deciding what you want out of your university experience. Once you've identified these things, working toward it with diligence in school and community involvement is key.
When you finally begin your college career, finding your niche in the community can make all the difference in your campus experience. Many schools host club expos which allow new students to see what organizations the university has to offer. Getting involved enhances education, social and cultural aspects of college life.
Chlo?
When it comes to finding the right school for you, the choices may look overwhelming. However, it is possible to find that one school that is perfect for you. The first way to start narrowing down your choices is to look at location, price, and size, based on your prefrences, to get an idea of which colleges to look at. When you have that list, then start looking at what kinds of courses and majors are offered. If you are undecided about what you want to end up doing, a larger school with a broad selection of courses may be right for you. Once you have a list of schools that fit your criteria, the best thing to do is visit them. Before I visited the campuses, I was sure I would want to go to school in Florida. However, when I visited Appalachian State, I fell in love with the campus, and I knew this was the right school for me. Visiting campuses lets you see not only the campus itself, but also the types of people who attend that school, the professors, and the surrounding area. All of these play a huge role in your overall college experience.
Justin
First, visit the college and go on a tour with a student that is not affiliated with the campus touring because you find out much more useful information and you also could get to see more important sites on campus. Talking with your advisors multiple times to keep you on track and ahead in your classes. Also, go with your gut on choosing a college that you truly enjoy, with classes/majors, student life, living, and food. Also, try to go to a school that isn't were all your high school friends are attending. You need to get to know new people and you find out what your true high school friends are really like if you room with them. Look at the costs of the schools too so that you are not stuck financially for your college years and the years that will follow.
Meredith
if they make friends, then they will be happy, and make sure that they are challenged, because so many highschoolers dont understand what it is to really work yet, to study through nights, to put in everything; and if they do that in colledge, they will learn their worth.