Christine
I would suggest that you look at potential future plans. Do you want to focus on research, do you want to own a business, do you want to cook? Have some idea of how important your interests are to you and choose a school that will provide the opportunities you need to succeed in your interests. Don't put all your eggs in one basket, apply to at least three schools. Financial Aid can also be important. If you know you do not want to be in debt when you graduate with your associate's or bachelor's degree than choose a school that offers you scholarships and awards for good academic behavior. Take your test early and be prepared with a winner's mindset. You can succeed, you can fulfill your dreams! It just takes a little preparation and hard work. Good luck!
Violet
My advice is when looking for a college or university it is important to look at many different programs. Choose a program that is going to give you what you feel is important. If you want to have some experience for when you graduate look at what kind of internship program they have. If you want to do more of a research based career then look for schools that give opportunities to work on research projects. It is important to find the school that will give you the closest experiences for your goals and interests.
Sarah
Go with what your heart tells you is right. Don't follow friends to their choices just because you're afraid to go by yourself. The best part of college is meeting new people!
Demetria
Advice that I would give to parents and/or students would be to not just look at tuition. Think about their personality because they wouldn't want to be at a college that does not suit them. For example, if they do not like big crowds, they should look for a smaller college. I would also tell them that to make the most of their college experience, they need to, first of all, keep GOD first in their lives, keep their priorities in order, study hard, and do the best you can to keep their grades up and then if they have time to have fun, they can have fun. Like my mother told me, work comes first.
Susanna
My advice would be to find a place where the student is comfortable. Touring different campuses is an excellent way for students and parents to get the "feel" of a campus. Of course making sure its a crediable school and offer the degree you are interested is also very important but I would definitely recommend visiting a several different campuses before making your final decision. College can be the time of your life but only if you're smart about it. For me, and a majority of students, it was my first experience of being on my own and being "free". You have to make decisions that you never had to before. Deciding whether to go out with your friends or studying for a test can be a hard choice for some. The key is balance. Have a good time and make the friends you will never forget, but don't forget the reason you are going to school. If you mess up your first year it will be alot harder to get out of a hole, so it is better to start off on a good foot. Always remember these are the best years...be smart and enjoy them.
Terry
Everyone is unique and this should be remembered when looking into a campus. You should always visit the campus at least once before applying and talk to students, instuctors, and locals. Try and talk to students that are going after the same field as you. Ask about the classes and instructors. Get a feel before you apply.
Getting involved and living each day to the fullest is the best advise I could give.
Jenna
Finding the right college is very important. If you do not like your college then you will not have a good college experience. If you are religious then make sure you pray about which college is the best choice for you. Also, listen to your parents. Even though you may not think that they know everything about your life, they do know some because they raised you. What they tell you is not punishment. They are just trying to help you make the best decisions in life. To make the most of your college experience, join everything you can. Get involved. If you dont interact with other students then you will not have a great time in college. Go to every event that you can that is offered within your university. You may not want to at first, but in the end you will realize that it is a good thing to get involved.
Alex
Make sure you can be comfortable where you are. The place you choose will become your home, and the place you create amazing memories. Make sure the school you choose has plenty of on campus activities, because it helps new students get to know others and get involved in their school. The only other thing to worry about is if your school teaches the major you are wanting to obtain, and if that major is accredited. It also helped me to know that my school is not a research school, so the professors ambition is to teach what they love.
Jessica
Don't go by what High School was like. I went to super small school (36 in my class) and now i attend a fairly large college. I love it! Get involved with things like the BCM and have a little fun along with your work...it relieves stress and tension. Become friends with your roommate, you're around her for a year after all. Make the most of it