Mariana-Marcuse-Gonzalez
Finding the "right fit" is crucial when it comes to selecting a college. In order to determine the right fit for a student, it is important to schedule visits to the college campus, interviews with college admissions advisors, and tours of the facilities. Some colleges offer an overnight program; usually a student spends a night or two in the college dorm. This allows the student to get an inside look at college life at a particular college. It would also be beneficial for the student to sit in on some classes in order to get a feel for the quality of academics.
Casey
I would suggest visiting the school and talking with students who currently attend there.
Nate
Find an area that you would really enjoy being a part of and take advantage of all that is given you.
Ashley
Your first week at college is a mind blowing experience where you should welcome all your new friends into your life and try new activities. This is your chance to blossom as a human being and find out who you really are, hold nothing back. Always keep an open mind to knew people, their ideas and new activities around you. You dont know what the world holds. When it comes to choosing the right college, you can never thoroughly research too many. It's a big decision that has to fit the student who goes there, noone else. My advice is to decide what you like before you search, but keep an open mind to different opportunities each school has to offer. The best place for you is somewhere you feel comfortable in, push your intelligence and comfort zone, but will help make you to be the very best person you can be. Hold true to what you really want in a college, but remember that even if you have money troubles, you can receive an education anywhere. Its not about the amount you spend, its about the journey to get where you ultimately want to be in life.
Marc
As a student, picking the right college for you and your personal needs is one of the most important decisions you will ever make in your life. While you may not be entirely sure what you want to focus on before you apply, you know your passions. Do what you love to do. You will never fail if you follow your heart. Look at each prospective school as if it were applying for a position in your life, as opposed to you applying to the school. Will the school accomodate to your needs for scholastic success? Will you feel comfortable or out of place on the campus? Speak with some of the faculty and attending students to get a real life perspective of each college you look at. Ask questions and make connections. These are key in making your college experience a great one. Lastly, remember that while everything in life may not revolve around you, your education DOES. Because of this, you shouldn't feel nervous or insecure, you should feel empowered. Go at it head on and make your education count. Your success lies in your own hands like wet clay. Mold it into a masterpiece.
Kevin
First identify what kind of personalty you have and base your decision on that. While in school make connections with professors. These relationships are extreamly helpful both during school and after.
Joanna
Don't be afraid to leave a college if you find you are miserable. Don't give up after two days, but if you don't fit in it is not a crime to leave.
Katie
In choosing a college or university, look for a school that fits what you want. I know that sounds simple, but it's the best advice I can give. Know what you want--large or small, liberal or conservative, state-owned or private. Make sure you visit at least your top three choices and talk to students from those schools. In the end, choose a school that you could see yourself graduating from in four years.
To make the most out of college, commit to your school Get involved with at least a few different organizations. Make sure you have a balance between school, friends and work. or extra-curricular activities. Don't go home for at least the first month--or even the first two months. If you at all have the chance, study abroad. Also, find an internship in your field for either a summer or as part of one of your semesters. Be open-minded and don't be afraid to try new things, but also know what you believe. Most of all, allow yourself to grow and embrace the changes as they come.
taylor
I would tell them first and foremost to find a place that FEELS right for them. I started out my search up north at extremely large univeristies, and I ended up at Berry College- in the middle of no where with a student body of only 2,000. Why? Because the moment I set foot on this campus, I just knew that this was the place for me. I would also tell them to narrow their search by thinking about the size of campus that they're looking for, location from home, cost, and any other personal preferences that could make or break the college experience for that student. Once their search is narrowed- start the trip to visit every college on the list. No college looks the way it does online, so seeing it in person is key! As for the college experience, I would tell the student that this is a fresh start and a clean slate, so just be yourself and meet as many people as possible- you can't go wrong! Meeting people is the key ingredient to having an amazing college experience!
Stephanie
pick a place that you can see yourself making friends... responsible friends that you can rely on.