claire
go there and see if it feels right. meet teachers, students and sit in on classes.
ryan
First off, parents, your kids made it through high school, and you need to allow them to make a college choice that?s right for them, not what you think is right. So trust your children, because they'll do what they want to anyways, and if you let them, you'll most likely remain more informed about their life choices and that makes everyone?s life better. Now students don't just go to a school because of the parties or because of how good it supposedly is. You need to go there and really experience it, before going. Don?t be close-minded about the types of people that go there but be aware of how open minded the student body is. And most importantly make sure that the school is good at facilitating what you love to do, even if you know that it won't be you major, because is very important to never stop the things you love.
Brian
Spend a few days at the schools you wish to attend. Try meeting students and ask them about their own experiences, because admissions can tell you many wonderful things about the school, and they may be true, however, until one listens to someone living the experience, one doesn't really know the truth.
Amanda
Make sure you really do your research and actaully visit the school when it is in sesion and come around the campus at all times of the day to get the REAL feel of the place.
Michael
It is difficult to make the right choice. For some career paths the most prestigious schools are difficult to turn away even when faced with their high costs. I would not tell a student to avoid applying to schools that seem unaffordable, but aid should be sought.
Alex
The problem with giving broad, blanketed 'advice' is that it assumes everyone has the same goals and priorities. So if I have to give advice, I guess the first peice would be to sort those out. Sit down and ask yourself- What do I want to get out of college? Where do I see myself in four years? How much am I willing to pay- (How much is my education worth to me and how much can I afford?) For me, I wanted a school that would launch me into a career in animation, and my school, for all its failings, has done just that. That being said, no matter where you go to college, dont expect the school to do all the work for you. Your education is your own responsibility, and the more you put into it, the more you're gonna get out of it. If your history class isnt digging deep enough into a subject, check out your own books, do your own studies. If the film program doesnt require you to make a film until your senior year, make one anyway. In fact, make ten. It's YOUR passion- dig into it.
Natalie
Firstly look for somewhere that appeals to your interests. Secondly look closely at the financial dedication. It might be too expensive, and loans are an option but later on costly.
Chris
If you are the student make sure you know what you want to do with your life, and if your not sure, make sure you pick a school that offers plenty of options. If you are a parent, make sure you know what you son or daughter wants to do, not what you want them to do. If they want to be an artist, let them be an artist, don't force them to go to law school. Once you find the perfect school for you, make sure you start taking advantage of it right away. 4 Years may sound like a long time, but it goes by really fast, believe me. College is a place where you can make mistakes too. Its a safe place to test out your life and your skills. Once you are done and you are out in the real world, thats it. So take advantage of your time at college and make sure you are really prepared for your life by the end of your college career. Because it may be the end of one career, but the beginning of a new one that will last the rest of your life.
Jesse
I would advise to visit the school's website first off, and most importantly, try to visit the campus and get a feel for the faculty and the student culture. Talk to the admission counselors. Walk around. Talk to students. Sit in on classes. This was very important in making my decision. Also, be prepared to know what you want out of your education and try to compare that knowledge with what the school has to offer.
Hall
always re-consider taking a year off