Stefan
If you're not 100{4a082faed443b016e84c6ea63012b481c58f64867aa2dc62fff66e22ad7dff6c} sure on what you want to do with your degree, go to a 2 year local college first and decide there, no sense in spending the extra money just to later decide you wanna change majors. Unless money isn't a concern then go to a 4 year university for the experience.
Brad
Parents must understand that choosing a college is one of their child's hardest decisions, we have very little knowledge of what we want or where we want to go for college. First the parent's need to get their child involved in searching the type of major they are interested in pursuing. Then research the college that will provide the best education for the child. You can talk to your consular to help you better understand the academic's at a particular college. If you then like the education and the location potential then it's time to go ahead and plan a visit to the college. If you want to make the most out of your college experience I would first get involved in student organizations. I would get involved in one club for a physical even like a sport and then the second club would be getting involved in an organization related to your major to help you grow academically. If your looking for more friends and more events consider joining a fraternity or sorority.
Britany
During your visit to the college, take advantage of the option to sit in a class and to stay overnight. This is the best way to determine whether or not you will fit into the campus and the campus life. Also, visit the campus several times in different seasons and weather conditions. Just because a school looks good if you visit it on a sunny day in the summer doesn't mean you'll like it on a rainy day during the school year.
Alyssa
While most consider the application and decision process stressful, it's really quite simple. Once you select schools of great adacemic character, simply choose the school that "feels right" to you. I got a distinct feeling after my on-campus visit at Bradley, and couldn't have imagined my four years of college else where.
Once you decide on what is "right" for you, make the most of it. Study hard and join extracurricular activities, but don't forget to make friends and enjoy your experience. As the quote goes, "College is the best time of your life," and it will be over sooner than you think. So, cease the moment and make the most of it - it builds you into the person you will soon become!
Emily
When trying to decide on the right college for you, think about what you want to get out of the experience. Do you want to be able to go home whenever you please, meet new people that you will form a lasting friendship with, or want to go to a school that's known and well recognized for the major that you would like to persue? I wanted these thing, and I have found them all here at Bradley University. Each person has to decide what they want, do you want a large university where class takes place in a huge lecture hall, or would you like to be able to have a professor that knows you by name and will talk to you, not just about the course work, but about anything that's on your mind. Once you have decided on the right college for you, you have to go into it with an open mind. Just think, college is like a fresh start. You make it what you want it to be. So don't just sit in your dorm room all day long, get out there and make the most of it!
candace
make sure you visit the school before classes are out because you are able to get a sense of how people are normally. If they hang out on campus or to they go their room and stay there. Also remember that this an important decision but you can always transfer to a different school the next year. However transferring more than once looks back on your transcripts.
Lauren
To find the right college, the students should go with their gut feeling of how they would fit in with the school environment. I would suggest spending more than one day at your potential college to get to see the students and teachers and how they interact with one another. To make the most of your college experience, join extracurricular activities to make more friends and have lasting relationships. Join a club or group that the student didnt get a chance to join in high school and be active in it. My suggestion is to become involved in the most clubs or groups you can handle while maintaining good grades. This groups and clubs with make you an even better person than you thought you were. I have grown so much just from the people i have met and the friends that I keep. College is not all about studying, there are many more things to do on campus that will make you more active and happy.
Jessica
I would choose a college that fits your specific needs. Size does matter and if youre looking to for a good student-faculty relationship, a smaller campus is the route to take. Get involved during your stay at any college or university because not only does it make you feel better about yourself, the activities look great on any college resume. BE YOURSELF. In doing so, you find your identity and diversify yourself. And finally, HAVE FUN. While class and studies are important, take time to enjoy your surroundings and your friends and enjoy the best years of your life!
Brian
Find a college that is the right size and curriculum that you are in search of. The college experience is obviously different from university to university, but each university does offer its own experiences. Definately do not limit yourself and try to go to the colleges that you have in mind and tour them and talk to students and try to fully understand what the overall feel of it is. College is said to be the best time of your young adult life and you want to go somewhere you feel comfortable and know you can focus and get a good education, and also somewhere you can graduate from and say that you were satisfied with your experience and would not change it because YOU made the best decision.
Kathy
Visit the school before you accept to go there. Research into what is around it and some activites that the school offers that you are interested in. Know whether you want a bigger school or smaller, are sports important? most of all, follow your gut instict. The place that feels "like home" is where you want to go.