Melissa
Like many high school students, you probably have no idea what you intend to do for the rest of you working life, much less the college where you will prepare for this career. This was my predicament as a recent high school graduate.
I knew I wanted to go to college, but not where. I figured I could take my general courses just about anywhere, and transfer if need be. Either way, I wanted my first college experience to be meaningful.
This is why I chose an out-of-state college. I am confident that studying out-of-state was the best decision for me. I quickly established an independence I would not have achieved living near close family and friends. I have met so many new people and leaned about a different region and way of life in the United States. I even gained the confidence to study abroad in Italy for a year.
I strongly recommend students to study out-of-state. Be adventurous! And, if you find that ?there?s no place like home,? then you can at least say you tried and learned a little more about yourself in the process.
Heather
Have a definite idea of what you would like to explore. College is about learning, but also about exploring and discovering the type of person you want to be. Choose a college that has your desired course, and also, look at the type of people who attend. You want to be able to have a social life as well as excell academically. Make sure you take a least one hour a day to have totally to yourself. Homework can get stressful, and trying to fit too much into one day can really take it's toll. Keep in mind there are only 24 hours in a day...you can only do so much. Overall, college is about gaining the skills you need to shape the rest of your life. Be who you want to be and don't be afraid to stand up to others to do this.
Toni
Find a college that works for you. Your schedule and your lifestyle. Go in with a positive attitude and dont hesitate to reach out for help. All of the professors i have met want to see you succeed. Put personal emotions and differences aside and you will grow quickly and learn what others have to offer.
Randal
Make sure prospective schools are reputal in your field of study. Make sure student population and class population is what you are looking for. Be sure to check your schools safety, good idea is to check the Clery act. Most of all prepare for the transition from high school to college and prepare to work hard.
Daniel
Finding the right college isn't about finding the place that has the best reputation. That has a small part in the college selection process. The most important thing to remember when looking at colleges is to find the place that you feel comfortable. No matter where you decide to go to college you're going to get about the same college education as you would anywhere else. Finding the place you feel comfortable will help you make the transition from high school to college much easier and you'll enjoy college more if you are comfortable. Also you'll get more out of your education if you're comfortable because you'll absorb more of what your professors are trying to teach you instead of being distracted by feeling out of place or hating where you are. The other most important thing to remember for parents is let your son or daughter choose their college. Help them get all the facts, but in the end you need to let them choose where to go to school. If your student chooses their own school they are more likely to put in the effort needed to succeed at their given instituition.
Raymond
When trying to find the right college you must find a college that really represents your values. Never follow a girlfriend or boyfriend to a certain college, go because you like the school. Another thing is to keep in mind is college will bring many experiences and you must be ready for them. Good Luck, its not an easy task.
Nicholas
Just find the right place for you and work hard to acheive your goals. Parents you need to let your little ones go and find out for themselves who and what they want to be.
Gabriell
Do not chose this school. They are going bankrupt.
Jennifer
I think that one thing I would recommend to parents and students is to look at more than just one college. Look at colleges of all different sizes. This will give you the opportunity to decide whether you prefer larger or smaller class sizes. Another thing that is important to look at is what activities does the college sponsor. Are there going to be things for me to do when I'm not studying. Also, look for schools that are have the best options for your major and that stick in your price range. The most important thing that I have learned is to get involved, this is the best way to meet to new people. Join clubs that fit your major, this is a great way to get your foot in the door, most of the time the professors that sponsor the club are the ones you will take classes from. They are the ones that are going to give you the recommends. The best way to make a good impression on them is to introduce yourself, show up to class, and ask for help because that is what they are their for.
Amanda
Find a college that you feel most comfortable at and one that you feel like you are happy. One that fits the distance from home is what you want. One that is in the range of what you are will to pay for your education. A college where you don't want to go home every weekend would be a good college because that means that you are having fun there and you don't miss your family as bad if you weren't having fun.