Chenille
Make sure you visit the college and that they have everything you are looking for in a college. And also don't only visit your college for the campus visits because they make the college look glamorous also just do a pop up visit and ask the students you see questions about the school because they give you their honest opinion and also research the town around the school because thats a big issue as well.
Holland
It is important to find the right college, but it is more important to make the most out of the college experience. I did not go to my first choice school but after a year of studying, I realized that it didn't matter where I went as long as I learned and discovered new things. Freshman year is a time to pick up new hobbies, wander campus with friends, and find study partners. The connections made during the first year will last the next three and beyond. By fully exploring the college campus, you will know where all the best study spots are located, where to get a bite to eat between classes, and where to hang out and explore new interests, such as tango dancing or fencing. College is an incubator in which you can grow up and metamorphize into a human being with a uniue set of values, interests and beliefs.
Benjamin
My advice for parents and students trying to select a school centers on opportunities for research or internships. I will use biology as an example because that was my major and I am currently doing graduate work in it. The ability to do research as an undergraduate is critical for any biology student who wants to do anything but entry level data entry and testing. Companies, medical schools, and graduate schools will always pick someone with research experience over someone without it. As a result, select a school that has a reputation as a research school with well funded professors who have a lot of work they need done. This essentially precludes small liberal arts schools. Avoid those like you would avoid a leper colony, in the end they are waste of money and time. This advice can be extended to any field of study, be it chemistry, physics or business. All you need to do is substitute the word "internship" for "research" for non-science fields. All other concerns should essentially be secondary.
Joseph
The dorms are a good way to meet people that you're gonna know for the rest of your life. Try and go to the sports activities. They are fun and exciting. Spirit is a big part of the college experience unless you go to a really small town college.
Koren
Talk to other students from the schools...look online.....
Ben
Everyone knows that college is about education. But the most important part of a college education may not necessarily take place in the classroom. From sports teams to student government and from common interest clubs to Greek Life, the number of opportunities to get involved on campus are seemingly endless. In addition to finding a college that feels comfortable and has a good reputation, one of the most important factors to consider is the variety of extra curricular activities that are offered. No college experience is complete without joining some sort of club or organization. Skeptics may say many of these organizations are just a way for students to "pay for their friends." They couldn't be farther from the truth. Students who become involved in an on campus organization will make life long friendships, build valuable leadership and communication skills, and develope networking opportunities for their post-graduation career. Getting involved in an on campus club or organization provides an education on life. By pairing this knowledge with that which is gained in the classroom, a student will become truly educated and ready for the real world.
William
When choosing a school that is best suited for the student, be sure to recognize the different benefits each school has to offer. Knowing that many students change their area of study while in school, sometimes the best schools aren't always the ones who focus on one major. Try to find a school who is well known for their entire list of programs. Climate can be another thing to look at. If the student hates cold weather and snow, a school in Colorado may not be the best choice. Weather can affect a students study habits negatively if the student isn't happy, or doesn't want to spend time outside their dorm room. The right school is the school where the student can feel comfortable and feels like they have a University family.
Jessica
Visit all of the campuses that you are interested in, take the campus tours, and just walk around on your own. You have to walk around and get a feel for the campus. You need to figure out if it is the right one for you. Everyone has different needs when to comes to colleges. Spend some time talking to some of the current students on campus, they can give you a lot of insight into the campus and how it is like at that college. Just explore your options, you will find the right one for you.
Jenni
Look into the subject ares that the student is interested in. With a couple of options. As you chane your mind you'll have options within the same cmapus. Also, I was given some scholarhips from the university. Look into what is offered. There are some good deals out there!
Mike
Apply to a lot of places and really take a look at the surrounding areas. Consider where you might like to live and work post-education!