Nicolette
Visit the campus, orstay on campus if possible, before choosing your college. Consider the city that the univeristy is in. Develop good study habits.
Kandace
Start applying to schools early. Apply to any and all schools that you might be interested in. You want to keep your options open. Do not let money be a reason to not look into, apply, or attend a college or university. There are several financial aid opportunities that are offered and available. Also, apply for scholarships! The process may seem long, annoying, and repetative, but is definately worth your efforts! Visit the schools that you are looking into. Ask questions, meet professors, talk to current students, sit in on classes; don't be afraid to "dig" around. Don't settle for a school you aren't completely satisfied with. You'll know you're where you need to be because it just feels right. It's a perfect fit. College life is still a change, and an adjustment so give it a fair shot by giving it time. Don't be afraid to be who you are. Colleges are filled with diversity and may force you to step out of your comfort zone. Jump out! Meet people, get involved, invest in relationships, apply yourself, and embrace uncertainties because that is how you will discover the keys to your future.
Heather
My advice would be to look at the college "on paper," visit the campus, and talk to school councelors before officially accepting an offer. Apply to multiple schools to have options and which one is best suited to the student's needs, whether the student is looking for a good business program or a school that is strong in the sciences for example. The student should also decide if a public or private college is a deciding factor to narrow down the application field and get an idea of the campus atmosphere. He/she should consider the size of the student body and decide if a large or small school is right for him/her. The size of the campus and student body is extremely important as it will oftentimes affect a student's comfort level, either positively or negatively. The student should look into extracurricular activities. If the student wants to join a certain club or wants to participate in Greek life, he/she should look at colleges that offer groups of interest with maximum availability and campus support. For parents and students alike: don't get overwhelmed! It is all worth it, enjoy the experience!
Kenna
Finding the right college can be a daunting task for a young adult. Afterall, this is where you are going to spend the next pivotal four years and will serve as a springboard for whatever you decide to do with the rest of your life. This decision can be simplified however by asking yourself a few important questions during the process of selecting a college. Most importantly of all, figure out what it is that you want out of your college experience. Not what your parents want for you, not what your friends want, but what you want. Additionally, ask yourself what size classes you would want to be in or what size community would you like to live in. If you are planning to go to graduate school or medical school, ask yourself which colleges have the best chance of getting you there. As far as how to make the most of the college experience, my best advice is to try to find balance between your grades and your social life. As important as grades are, developing good social skills and building potentially lifelong relationships are equally important to one's growth into an adult during the college years.
Alisha
The biggest mistake seniors make when choosing a school is waiting until the last minute to apply. It often happens that a child will not get in because of a poorly constructed application, therefore, it is important to spend plenty of time on the process until every detail is correct. Once accepted, the student should attend all Orientation and Welcome Week functions. The first week is a great time to make friendships that could last a lifetime. Also, sometime during the first semester is the time to check out various clubs and organizations because it is a good idea to find your niche. Most college students that would identify as "outsiders" feel that way because they never found a place to belong on campus. Campuses are somewhat like tiny, replica cities and it is easy to get lost so be sure to find your place as quickly as possible and it will make for a wonderful experience.
Deana
Go to Baylor! No, seriously, I believe every person is different and therefore, has different needs. There is so much information online these days that will help to find the school which offers the courses most tailored to your needs. Things to be considered besides pursuing a degree in the field of choice are: 1) location; 2) cost of tuition (scholarships and financial aid offered); 3) size; 4) ranking/reputation; 5) housing; and 6) campus life, not necessarily in that order. I would suggest listing a student's priorities as to what he/she is looking for in a college, doing research to determine which schools meet these requirements, and then visiting as many schools as possible. Sometimes a school that looks one way online or "in black and white" will not appear the same way in person. Of course, today the tuition costs are a main factor to be considered. Through all of this, the student and parents need to pray, pray, pray!
Reina
I would say to find a place that you can feel comfortable at and that has many opportunities available to you.
Jennifer
Finding the right school takes a lot of researching and a lot of visits to different campuses. You may have your mind set on a certain college because you would be a second generation there or because the school is close, but finding a college that suits you the best takes more than that. I was set out to go to Kansas State University. With a scholarship under my belt, and a short three hour drive, K-State was comfortable for me. Hearing about Baylor University really changed my outlook on what I wanted my college experience to be like. The moment I stepped onto the Baylor campus, I felt like everything was just right and Baylor was where I was suppose to be. The friendly Student Foundation and staff welcomed me with open arms and I felt that not only was I comfortable, but it garuanteed that I would be challenged mentally and spiritually. So, my advice to parents and students would be to not only research the college via internet, but buy a plane ticket or take a road trip and experience the college first hand. You will know when you have found the right college.
Michael
Try to imagine what you want to do for a career and pick a school that will cater to that best. Think outside the box, be open minded and think about how much you want to pay for a school. Some times the amount you pay can be acceptable because of the prestige of the school. Other times not. Also, the city where you live should be a place that you enjoy living in.