Krista
Find a college where you feel comfortable right away. If the people walking down the sidewalk do not seem like people you could be friends with, you may not be in the right place. Although academics are the most important aspect of college, you will not be happy if you do not feel socially connected to the school, and this is impossible if you do not have anything in common with the students. I am proud of the decision I made to attend Butler because I believe that I am getting the best education possible. It is expensive, but I know I will never regret spending the money on a fantastic education. Look into the job placement rate of a school, because it is a huge indicator of the success you will find there. Most importantly, just find what makes you happy. If you do not like your major, change it! If you don't like your classes and they aren't required, drop them! Get the most out of your college experience, because it will be time to grow up when you graduate.
Meredith
Decide what you want from your college experience as well as what you want for your future and find the college that fits those requirements. Once you are at college, don't be afraid to put yourself out there and join organizations and get involved on campus - it will help you meet people and make friends so that you feel more comfortable at your new school and you will have so much fun!
Sara
Don't give in to the pressures of family and friends. Pick an undergraduate school you feel comfortable in, but one that also challenges you enough to force you to more complex ways of thinking
Janice
Listen to your children: even if a school seems too expensive or not right according to your standards, allow you child to expore the university and find out on their own. Encourage them to go outside their box.
Kristina
My advice is to start looking early and apply early. That way you have plenty of time to make up your mind. Also, visit all the campuses you can before or during the application process. Try to stay over night if possible to get a real sense of the campus. Once you start college, get involved, but not overly involved. Pick the clubs, sports, or Greek organizations that are important to you and stay committed to them. Also, go through rush/ recruitment. You will never know if being Greek is right for you unless you check it out. Even if you don't join a house, it is a great experience and you can make great friends during it. Most of all, have fun and enjoy. Those 4 years go faster then you could imagine!
Rachel
Explore all of your options, financial need aside. Go and visit the school's you are interested in because sometimes seeing the campus can change your opinion. Look into both small and large schools and see what fits you best. Don't be afraid to go far from home. Talk to the financial aid office and see what is available through the school and local communities. When you are in college, don't be afraid to try new things, take classes just for fun, get out and meet new people, inspire others; this is your chance to start over if you aren't happy with who you were before, or felt you couldn't be yourself before. College isn't for everyone, but it's well worth trying for...it really does open so many doors!
Erin
Don't settle for a college that doesn't meet/exceed your expectations, and definitely don't choose a school based on the amount of financial aid offered. Also go on as many visits as possible. Look at all your options and write down pros and cons for all schools right after your visit or even during your time on campus. Don't be afraid to ask questions either.
To make the most of the college experience you should try new things or expand your horizons. Also you should take chances and make as many friends as possible. Join a club or greek house, but don't spread yourself too thin. You'll get too busy and have no time to relax, and trust me.. you will want time to sit down and relax.
Alycia
When looking at schools, make sure to visit the career center to see what resources are available. If you wish to stay in the city in which you reside after you graduate, it is probably best to attend a school in the same state. Make sure to visit a variety of schools both in size and locations to find your best fit and ask the same questions at each school you go to. If there are opportunities to do overnight visits, do those as well to find out what the social life and students are really like.
Lauren
look at a lot of schools
Adrienne
Allow your child to not only tour the school but stay with a current student in the field that they are interested in. That way your child will get to experience the people that he/she will encounter and how classes will be conducted.They also will get to experience the food and the living conditions. It is a hands-on experience that is not only informative but fun!