Megan
Do not rush into any choices, and just because a certain school has had an appeal for a long time, do not limit applications to just that place. Visit the colleges that you are interested in and be sure that it is a fit. Be sure that you can visit at a time when school is in session and try to sit in on a class at that time. Do not pick a school based on whether you will have friends there. Just be yourself and you with make the friends you are looking for. Join a few clubs/activities to start with. This will help you make friends and also help with time management skills. After the first year, then add more activities if it fits in the schedule. Be sure to talk to your professors about any problems you are having in classes and learn how to take good notes. Do not just follow the text book, but look for more information to help you learn the material the best that you can. College is fun, but is also ment for learning. Do your best and you will do fine!
Robin
My advice to parents is let your child choose for themsleves the college that best fits their needs for their future career, social life and extra curricular activities. The most important is there career; the college choice should offer the very best for internships, volunteer work, study abroad, prefer large/ small size class rooms (depending on their work ethic). That is one i considered looking at Bridgewater, because my work ethic is more successful with a small size classroom where I have more one on one with the teacher; you learn a lot more especially group projects/field trips!!!
Ashleigh
Find somewhere where you will be happy for four years. They are the four most important years of your life so far.
Kylene
The most valuable experiences in my college search came when I visited the colleges. As I began my search, I was excited about going away to school and every school seemed ideal. However, as I continued my search, I was able to formulate a list of qualities that I wanted in a school. I learned that I wanted a small school, preferably in the country. And I also realized that the dorms and dining hall were not that important to me because I would not be using the meal plan very much due to food sensativites. I had already planned to major in Chemistry and Spanish as I began my search, and I was able to compare labs and departments which gave me a better idea of what I was looking for in a school. Visiting the schools helped me determine what I wanted most in a school and to develop my ideal atmosphere. By the time I had reached my senior year, I was able to visit a school and compare it to what I now knew I wanted.
Kirk
Take your time and find a college that offer what courses you need, a college that make you feel comfortable, and most important make sure if you want to transfer to another college that your credits will transfer. Search for all the scholarships and grants that are out there, because you don't want to graduate and be in debt the rest of your life. College is very expensive and not something to take lightly.
Perry
When looking for the right college make sure it is a school that you will be comfortable with for four years, because this will be your new home for quite awhile. Make sure there many things to do off campus as well so you can get out into the community and explore. You also want to make sure that the schools academics fit your child's needs. If they are interested in a certain major, tak to the proffessors of that major at the schools you are thinking about attending so you can get an idea of thier program and thier requirements. Professors are always happy to talk about thier programs and are willing to share any information that you will need to help you make your final decision. Have your child talk to students that attend the school and get thier point of view on the school. That is a very good way of helping your child make a decision on where they will be most comfortable and social. It is important to be social in college so make sure the school also has many oppurtunities for them to socialize and meet people.
Cyasha
Albert Camus, the French author, philosopher, journalist, and the 1957 Nobel Prize winner, wrote, ?Life is the sum of all your choices.? Choosing the right college is a big step for high school students. There are many options available for those seeking a degree, and the decision process for finding the perfect college can be overwhelming. The following section contains three suggestions for students looking for a college that meets their needs and will support the fulfillment of their goals.
First, it is important to find a college that has the intended major or field the student wants to study. Most students enter college with an undeclared major. However, to find the right school, it is imperative to have a general idea of a possible major the student would like to study. Second, students should look consider campus size of the college. Some students may appreciate living in a small, community based campus, while others may embrace the diversity and activity of a larger campus. Finally, students should visit the campus and talk to current students to get their perspective of the school. While visiting, students should also look at extracurricular activities that can enhance their college experience.
Theresa
The best advice I can do is VISIT the schools and really try to find the personality of the schools you are considering and distinguish which best suits your personality. James Madison University was my first choice until I finally went and visited the campus and decided it was too chaotic for me and there were way too many people. Then I visited Bridgewater College and I felt a warm welcoming feeling that made me feel like it was home. Look for that feeling where you know you will just fit in and enjoy the opportunities the campus you choice offers..
David
I feel that getting away from home and being able to adapt to new circumstances is essential. You need to be able to get away from home and make new friends. However, make sure that you chose a college or university where you can really see yourself fitting in and make sure that you realize that you are picking the ideal place for four years or more.
Amber
make sure you know everything you can about the colleges you are considering and visit wach before making your final decision.