Robert
I would have to say that parents and the students need to make sure they know what they are getting into when they are choosing a school. They need to make sure that there students will fit and suceed in the given school. They also need to make sure that they understand the schools programs and the way there systems work before they get attached. Oh, and if a meal plan is to be purchased i would advise that you make sure you know what your food choices are.
Danielle
Make sure your kids become involved in school to make great friends and have a good college experience. Make sure your kids are fully prepared to go into a new world and experience a taste of what real life has for them. They must pick a college that suits them the best and make sure if they are living on campus they are prepared for it. Many freshman return home after their first year so make sure they are ready and have the maturity to depend on themselves. Teach your kids to be well manered and maintain respect for their leaders and their peers, and have fun in a good way. They must know their limits and know that their number one priority is their education, and they are not going to school to waste time. Money must be well spent and is better for them to have a straight mind about where it goes. To take life by both hands and grasp a new chapter of their life and be the best they can be.
Kirsten
College is all about finding yourself and making a career path. It is important for students to find a campus where they feel comfortable both socially and academically. If you begin school knowing that you will attend a graduate school, I would strongly encourage you to attend a school of high enough credibility to get you accepted into that graduate program. If you are not seeking a graduate degree, the school's ranking and your gpa will be very important.
I would encourage every student to live on campus first year. This makes the transition more pleasant and you will find it is much more convenient going to classes. I would also strongly encourage new students to look at the school's library facilities, greek life, and similar clubs and activities. It is important to be able to break up study time so you don't mentally exhaust yourself, and those friends will be a support system throughout your time at the university.
This should be a students choice, and you should attend the university that will make you feel comfortable and where you believe you will receive the education that you desire.
Kelsi
My best advice to give someone on picking college is to really explore your options. Find a college that has your best interests in sight and pick somewhere that you think you are going to have a great time. College is supposed to be the best 4 years of your life, so pick somewhere you are going to enjoy. Don't worry about distance either and always remember that everything happens for a reason.
Justin
The years spent at college can be some of the most infuential in an individual's life. When looking for the college that fits you best it is important to focus on the right things. In my experience, the most important aspects of a students' college experience are the education he/she will recieve, how career focused the university is, and campus involvement. We attend institutes of higher education in order to achieve the goals/dreams we have so it is important to find a university that is going to equip you with the knowledge and tools to succeed. Also, a campus that offers advising, internships and workshops that are going to better prepare the students for their future careers is extremeley important. Finally, the relationships we form during the years in college, both with other students and faculty, will last the rest of our lives, so it is important to find a university that has a large variety of clubs/organizations, athletics, and professor-student interactions. A campus that encompasses all of these features will prepare its students not for their careers but for everyday life situations. Take advantage of every opportunity and get involved on campus.
Ryan
Do research on the colleges that you are interested in attending and make sure they offer what you are interesting in majoring in. Then make sure to check to see which colleges are well known for their teaching skills and degrees in your particular major. Apply for scholarships, because that will be a large part of helping you financially through college, and if a college offers you a decent scholarship it may just help you make a decision on where to attend. In order to achieve the most out of your college experience I would say to join clubs/activities, meet new friends, and go to the sports events. At the same time just make sure you don't overload yourself so much that your grades suffer in the end. Overall college is a great experience, but if a major or college doesn't seem to fit you, don't hessitate to try something new before you get in over your head.
Melissa
Parents should be involved with helping their young adult when it comes to selecting the correct college but ultimately the final decision should come from the student. Choosing the correct college is extremely important. It can be a stressful for the student but by breaking down future goals and personal interests the process can become fun and exciting. If a student is already aware of what they would like to be in the future the next step would be to research colleges that excel in that particular field. From this point students should seek a school that includes a number of their personal interests like location, cost, academics, activities, and the college?s social reputation. Finally visiting the college and speaking with administrators and representatives should help students make a final decision on the correct school for them. When a student has made up their mind it is important for them to get involved and make the most of one?s college experience. In order to do this students should explore all opportunities provided by the school; this would include on-campus housing, sororities and fraternities, academic and or social clubs, athletic activities, and getting involved in the surrounding community.
Samantha
Deciding which college to go to is one of the most important decisions in any student?s life. The student should visit the campuses of colleges he/she is planning on attending and talk with current students. While I don?t believe the parents should make the decision for the student, I think they should support them in whatever conclusion they reach. It may not be the college the parent desires most, but if the student genuinely wants to be a part of that campus, they will flourish far much more than they would anywhere else.
Studying somewhere where you love to be is the best environment for mental and emotional growth. The student, should and will, take advantage of every opportunity the college has presented them with and become something much more than just a student; they will be a member of a tight knit community. The student will participate in campus activities, and make lifelong friends. They will study and work hard. Learn more than they ever thought possible. They will be intellectually stimulated and be well prepared for decent into life after college. They will bring change to their campus just as it has changed them.
Luis
Find a college that fits your personality and goals. Finances are very important but dont make it everything like me.
Lauren
As a student, selecting a college is the first step into adulthood. Find a campus that you could call home and feel comfortable at- this is extremely important. Make sure the university offers programs for degree programs that appeal to you. Take advantage of all the resources available to you, and immerse yourself in learning about what you enjoy doing. Overall don?t forget the whole college experience is about finding yourself, and defining who you are as a person. Furthermore don?t be afraid to go out on a limb and stretch yourself to try new endeavors as well! You?re only young once, so live it up, enjoy, and get as much out of the experience as you possibly can.