Carol
Many say an ideal college must have top notch academics. I believe this to an extent. In choosing a college it must have the major that you're interested in so you can get the career desired. I believe quality academics are not cost dependent. You'll find well educated and enthusiastic professors at most colleges. College activities offered matter as well. It's through experiences with peers that people learn and grow. Being a part of activities makes you feel connected with the community and will help a new student adapt to college. One final thing that?s crucial to choosing a college is to make sure the location is someplace that you're comfortable with. This might slip some people's mind, but if you?re someone who gets stressed from not having off campus necessities (hospitals, grocery stores, etc.) nearby, then the city might be the best location for you in order to minimize stress levels from the onset of ones college experience. In closing, being comfortable with your surroundings is integral to success. Quality instruction, adequate facilites, and the correct social activities all play their role in allowing a unique and benificial college experience.
Laura
When looking for a school, take a look around the campus itself and look at the people who already attend the college. The type of people who go there is a good way to judge whether it is a good place for you to be or not. Also look at if the school is a suitcase school or not. If you want to hang around on the weekends, you want to make sure there are people around to hang with. To make the most of the college experience you need to balance both school work and social time. School work is the most important part of being in college but another major part is having fun. Get your work done early so you can spend more time making friends and having a good time!
Christopher
Go to the campus for more than one visit, visit it during the week on a Tuesday when most students have their classes or have gotten assignments so you can see how the population reacts to their schedules. Ask students what they do in their free time and what they would change about the campus. If it's something that your son or daughter can't do without then the school will not be for them. Then come back on a Saturday and see what is going on, see what the students do when they have free time on the weekends and ask around to see where everyone is...do they work or are they hanging out? I'd also recommend checking out jobs and possible off campus living for the future, because if your son or daughter decides to look for a job in the area or move off campus they need options. Always talk to a freshman and a senior! See how similar their responses are to your questions about the school, are the seniors there because they want to be there or are they just finishing it up to get it over with?
Joe
I would recommend that you look around for yourself. Don't take any one elses advice, and have that be that. Because, what may fit for somebody, may be a total miss for you. If you think youd prefer a smaller school, then check it out; go to an orientation or open house and see what its all about. If you think the city is the place for you, then by all means, check it out. The right college will lend you the right college experience. If you feel comfortable with where you are, then all else falls right into place. The last thing you want to do is be anxious everyday before class or a social event. So to put it simply, do what you would do when your looking to buy a new car, SHOP AROUND. And, if you can, DON'T settle for mediocre; EVER.
Paola
I would advise students to visit as many campuses as they can so they can know what the schools are about. I also think they should have an estimate of how much they are looking to pay and if the school is worth the cost. I think once the student has a strong idea of what they are looking for they should get involved in activities, sports or clubs on campus. They should also take any opportunity that is offered to them and grow with the college experience. As for parents I think the best advise I can give is not to cut their college student short of their future. I also think they should be very supportive and understanding because college is a very big step in someone's life.
Uzo
Look for a school that is academically strong with well educated professors. Look for a school with adequate social life.
Erika
Chose a college that has a major that is perfect for you, because only then will you truly be happy studying to earn a degree. Take an opportunity given to you, no matter how far out of reach it may seem, because it's with those opportunities that we as students are formed into professionals. Its those opportunities that set us aside from other individuals, and really help us to stand out in a crowd. Take all you can from your college experience, because its each education, social, etc. event that forms us and allows us to continue to grow to our full potential.
Magdalena
One's college experience is one of the most important parts of life. Although the main point for many people of attending college is to earn a degree, attain a high paying job, and reel in money, there is a plethora of other factors that make attending college worth-while. When deciding on the right college, both parents and students must remember that it is ultimately up to the students to decide where they would like to go. Some important factors students must remember in choosing the right college are the setting of the college, (rural/urban/suburban) the size of the college, (campus/population) and some of the programs and activities the college has to offer. Of course financial aspects of college are also important, whether a student plans on taking out loans and/or apply for scholarships. Whatever the college is, however, the student's decision in chosing it must be personal and realistic. The student ultimately decides.
Bruce
Pick a college where you can see yourself most at and once your there learn as much as you can and meet as many people as you can, this is a time where one learns alot about themselves.
Christina
see a LOT of colleges and DONT just settle for something because it's close to home!