Rachel
I would say to stay in the residence halls, at least for your freshman year of college because I feel like I really learned a lot by doing that. By staying on campus you have a lot less to worry about because you dont have to drive anywhere, you walk to all of your classes, you meet so many new people, and I think you are a lot more involved with what goes on on-campus. It just seems like you really get the full experience that the college has to offer, because you are on-campus for the majority of the time. It's very easy to go get help from teachers when you need it because you dont have to drive all the way back out to campus and you can just walk instead. I met a lot of new friends that I will be keeping in touch with, including people who are from other countries, so overall I just think it's one of the best things that you can experience.
Corynn
The college journey is a challenging time, however it can also be very exciting. It?s exciting because the student is becoming an adult for the first time and is able to make their own decisions. It?s an important for the student and parent to compromise on a good school, and to communicate well with each other. One thing to consider is how far the school is from home. It?s important that the student stays close to home at first because when they are out on their own they don?t have to follow rules anymore, they make their own. With them nearby, the parents can still give guidance so they are on track for their education.
There are many characteristics to look at when choosing a good school. The one thing I mentioned is a good place to start because that will still give a student freedom but also the parents have an advantage to watch them do well and exceed in their efforts in a better education.
Jocelyn
Do not overthink your gut feeling. If your gut tells you a school is right, then follow your instinct.
Erica
First, make sure your child is ready for college. I think some students start college with no clue to what major they are interested so they end up wasting valuable time. Find a school with that prides itself with it's campus life, and I do not mean in a drinking fashion. Look at the graduation rate of students who graduate within 4 years.
Sarah
My best advice to give to parents and students would be to follow your instinct feeling. I feel it is important to be reasonable and weigh your options, but the end decision should be what you ultimately want. You should not hold back from attending your top pick of college or being involved in college activities because of some silly reason. When finding the right college for you, you should keep an open mind and set few limits for yourself. Be optimistic about your possilities; whatever you set your mind to, you can achieve! Downsizing lists, comparisons and pros/cons all help to organize your ideas. You should start out by completing some of these steps. But ultimately, it will be your instinct deciding for you though. Do what feels right!
Heidi
Parents should be willing to help their kids through their college search and application process. Many times theyve ?been there and done that?, and have wisdom and advice to share. Parents also need to realize that college is an important time for their student to grow, explore the world, and find out who they are. College can be scary (for the student AND their parents!) but it?s also a fun and exciting time in your life! In the end, it should be the student?s choice where they want to go to school. You dont want to leave with any regrets about where you "should have" gone. Whether you know what you want to major in or not, part of the fun of college is branching out and trying new things; take classes that sound interesting. Engineering major? Take a theater class! Try out a rock climbing class at the rec center! Take a psych or sociology class! Try your hand at chemistry! It?ll be lots of fun, youll meet many new and different people (yes, students with art majors are different than students interested in biomedical research), and youll sure learn more about yourself in the process!
Julie
Any college can be the right college for you. The best trick is just to know the basic likes and dislikes. Climate, size of the class room, size of the campus, do they have your desired degree. The easiest way to enjoy your college experience is also the hardest; try everything. Participate in all the seemingly rediculous activites your college offers. Say yes if some one asks you to hangout, join a club, get to know your professors. Learn to live on your own, the best way to discover who you are is to experience as much as possible.
Sabina
Finding the right college isn't easy, therefore parent and student must do hands on research about school and compare it with few other school around it. Once parent/student finds out the importance and benefits of the school in the city or state then that particular school can be compared with school outside of the city or state. In other words, the search for school is as important as choosing which courses to take.
James
The most sound advice I can give to any prospective college student who is searching for the right college: find the right fit. This answer proves more difficult than it lets on; it requires some self exploration.
One must ask "Why do I want to go to college?" Asking this question represents the first step in finding the right college. Examining strengths and abilities, as well as weaknesses and shortfalls, allows one to truly determine if he or she is ready to find, "the right college."
When looking for the right fit for schools, talk to a school guidance counselor or explore a university or community college website. If possible, e-mail admissions officers at different schools; these people are experts at helping find college communities that foster a prosepective student's academic interests and career goals. Visit schools and speak with current students. Ask them if they like the school and ask them if they would choose the school again if they could.
Most important to remember for the college experience, a students greatest limiting factors are themselves; ivy league names do not keep one from flunking or guarantee success and not every rumor about a school is true.
Michael
I believe that finding the right college actually depends on your own personal motivation and goals. If you know what you want to do and you are motivated to accomplish it then it makes sense to spend the money to get into a good institution. If, however, you are undecided and not really motivated then you should either take some time off of school or go to a community college until you find something that drives you to be better. I don't see any point in going to school and wasting time and money to drink, party, and play around. If that is your motivation for going to school do it at a community college. If you are going to spend thousands of dollars per semester for an education then decide to make the most of that education and put your school work ahead of your social life. This does not mean that you can have no social life it just means that you have to prioritize your activities. That is the advice that I give to people that ask me about going to school.