Wendy
My advice would be to visit the college and really get a feel for what campus life is really like at a particular school.
A school that is willing to take time with its students to help them savor and retain the material taught as well as offering the resources needed to help guide them in their personal career choices is the most important factor to consider, my opinion, when choosing a school rather than just accepting a college that 'heards' its students through its doors and then out into the world with all of the credits and none of the practical application or experience needed to make them successful.
Summer
Since every person is different, it is important to select the college or university that is right for you. Sit down with your parents and make a list of things that you want out of college. Remember to consider your personality. For instance, if you like being in big groups where you can mingle with everyone, you may be happier at a bigger university where you meet someone new everyday. If the thought of being in a large group of people sickens you, then you may be happier at a smaller, more personal university. You should also be realistic. After you and your parents have made a list of personal ?requirements?, it?s time to get started on research! Use the internet to explore all your options. Through the internet, you can find tuition fees, degree programs, classes offered, extracurricular activities, and anything else you could possibly want to know. Now you can use the process of elimination! Mark off universities that you know you aren?t going to attend. Contact the colleges that are still in the running and arrange to visit the campus. This will help you make your final decision!
Richard
First of all, I would encourage parents and/or potential students to research all of the universities that said students would like to attend. I would also suggest speaking with students who are currently enrolled in these institutions and hearing their opinions on them. Insight from another person's perspective can often help a prospective student more than mere research. Secondly, in order to make the most of one's college experience, I would encourage students to become as active as possible in extra-curricular activities. Not only can these activities and organizations teach students important life lessons and build their social skills, they can also help the students form potentially life-long friendships. In addition to these things, activities can keep stidents from becoming "typical" college students that over indulge in alcohol and fast food. The benefits of extra-curriculuars are invaluable.
Kimberly
I think it is very important for students to know what they want their career to be in before selecting a college. Parents should sit down with their children and have this talk before any decisions are made. Knowing I wanting to be an elementary school teacher, I choose to pick one of the best schools in Alabama for that. Doing this my parents and I knew I would receive the best education I could possibly recieve. Parents need to be a part of this experience for their children. They need to learn everything about the college just as the students do. It is important for parents to put their childs safety first. And to the students.... don't go to school with a bad attitude thinking "I can't do this". Remember you are in school to fulfill your lifelong dream of being a teacher, an engineer, a doctor or whatever it is you may dream of being. Don't give up, hold your head high and give it all you've got!!
Cheryl
Life on Campus ? A Mother?s Message
Pack your suitcase you?re leaving home
don?t worry my child you are not alone
You are leaving the nest to start your life anew
Just remember that to yourself you must be true
Life on campus is different than what you know
just remember in life you will reap what you sew
stick to your studies and make close friends
stay away from the drugs and the flashy new trends
keep your head out of the clouds and feet on the floor
then you?ll find that you will open many a door
Always remember the values you were taught
and never try to be what you are not
When things get rough just remember my voice
may it guide you to help you make the right choice
Life on Campus will be rewarding and fun
but remember you have a home when all is said and done.
To parents:
Help your child pick a college that provides the best educational endeavors and emphasizes the importance of education. Just remember, you don't always have to pick the most expensive college or university for the best education.
Katie
One of the most important things a student must do to make the most of their college experience is to participate. Make sure you go to class and take part in discussions. Take the time to be interested in what you are studying. Not only will you get better grades, but you will have a better time. When you are looking for a college, take time and visit. Spend time watching students between classes. If there is no one doing things that you would do, you may not want to choose that college. Take the time to go to see where you would be spending most of your time when you are not in class. That place may be somewhere outside (weather permiting), the student center, the library, or somewhere you would be comfortable. If there is no place that you feel like you would be comfortable, you probably will not enjoy your experience at that school.
Michael
College has become a necessary part of life for student in this day and age. The choice of witch school to attend is a very important one; the availability of resources is to me the most important choice. All colleges are not equal by any means but finding the one that fits your future plans is the key. A degree from any school is valuable, so choose a school that has outside resources that will make the experience a memorable part of your life.
Justin
When a parent or student is looking to find the best school for them or their children they should first look at where alumnus of prospective colleges and where they have gone in life. For example, if a high percentage of the alumnus turn out being successful doctors, lawyers, engineers and so forth, then it is likely their former college is a prime candidate to enroll in. In addition, it is important to look at strengths and weaknesses of a college and compare those statistics with other colleges. Most importantly, it is necessary that the college accomodates the curricular requirements of the student and offers a variety of schools to choose from.
Deborah
Research and find the college that best fits your needs. Visit the school and talk to students, alumni, and faculty. If you are planning on living on campus, check out the dorms or other living arrangements totally and completely.
Rachel
Look for a college that provides the atmosphere that the student is looking for plus the acadimic credibality needed to insure a good education. Although atmosphere and education are deciding factors be sure to look in to the financial feasibility y of the university or college.