Abbey
I would tell myself to really enjoy my summer, to have as much fun as possible. Go into class with an open mind. Make as many friends as possible--be friendly to everyone. Make connections with your professors and the faculty. Establish a relationship with your advisor. Go after opportunities you want, even if you think you're not qualified. If you aren't enjoying your classes or are struggling, get help, talk to people. Know that your major is NOT set in stone. Get help early. Don't procrastinate! Find or establish a successful study system and STICK TO IT! Have fun, be positive. Work past your fears. Apply for every possible scholarship. Don't settle for anything less than what will make you happy.
Lepolve
understand you child and let him pick the school he likes.
Aleen
Check degree wanted and the classes fit the degree
Charlie
Attending a college shouldn't be decided on the name or popularity of the school. It seems that most people will follow their own parents or relatives and attend the school they went to. Being comfortable with class size and classroom setup is very helpful. It is very effective in aiding on what school you would like to attend by taking a tour of it prior to deciding.
Aleen
Live on campus--at least for your first year. Get the "college" experience, away from your parents, on your own terms. Research degrees; compare and contrast several programs from different schools. Visit campus before you jump in; make sure you know what you're getting yourself into. Be responsible! You alone are in control of your body and mind. Treat them right. You made it to college, now make smart decisions.
Kelly
The college experience is absolutely a reflection of the attitude and energy the student puts into it. The best advice I can give to students is to stop focusing on the grades and how to pass the test and to start exploring how to use their newly learned information in the world outside of college. For most, this is the first opportunity to be an adult without having their parents pull the strings for them. Expect to make mistakes. Expect to be challenged. Enjoy every minute of it. The classroom will not be the only place where the lessons are given. Parents, support your kids as they begin to learn who they are without you and let them fix their own mistakes. The way we handle the mistakes we make are the biggest tests we will encounter.
Allison
Take some time to really sit down and evlaute your comfort level with different size schools and their locations so as to best decided where you would best fit in. Also look at what clubs and organizations are available on campus to get a better idea of what the student body is focused on, to see if you have the same types of interests and concerns. Make sure to do a campus visit to really get a feel for the campus and if at all possible talk to existing students.
Stephanie
Research, research, research.
Melissa
Don't choose a school just becasue your friends are going there. You are going to meet so many people and it is most likely that you will not even hang out with the people you knew before. I would choose a shcool based on your major as well. Find a school with a good program in your field of interest. Even though it is common you change majors, it will at least give you a basic idea where to go. If you don't know what you want to major in, choose a school based on what you may want to do eventually. Don't go out of state unless there is a really good reason to. It is just extra money for the same undergrad education. Stay focused and don't blow off classes. Go to every class unless there is no other way around it. Attendence is really important and taking notes can make a big grade difference too. Most importantly, don't get too stressed, it is only school and if you stay on top of your work and dont procrastonate, you should be fine. Make friends, relax, but get things done.