Erin
Go see the college. Take the authorized guided tour. Also, call someone in the department in which the student wants to study and ask for a more "in depth" tour. This is what I did at Columbia and I was so glad I did it. Not only were the individual teachers and students more than happy to show me around, I learned things that I never would have picked up on a standard guided tour. I was also able to see my dorm (with was under renovations) during this time. This allowed me to plan for my move and the things I would need. Finally, with regard to embracing the college experience, I think it is important to be able to get out and enjoy the surroundings of the campus or city in which the school is located. Once again, I am fortunate here as my college is in the heart of Chicago. It is wonderful to balance this academic life alongside the constant movement of the city.
Alexandra
I say, go to a college that will best fit your personality. If you are a sarcastic and creative person, attend Columbia. If you like the idea of brotherhood/sisterhood then go to a university. You will be able to feel more comfortable in a place that you feel at home. It will help you concentrate and will make you happy. Also, take everything that the college offers. Don't be afraid. Talk to people. And for parents, have faith in your son/daughter. Encourage them in whatever they are doing. If they are doing something that you do not approve of, then give them advice. Don't preach to them.
Mary
Pick somewhere where you can picture yourself for four years. Don't pick a place because of a friend or boyfriend or girlfriend. You will be making friends at your new school. Don't pick a school that your not 100{4a082faed443b016e84c6ea63012b481c58f64867aa2dc62fff66e22ad7dff6c} sure of, pick a place that you fell in love with right away. Also look on the web for what other people said about your school your thinking of, many people talk about the good and the bad on the web.
Carmen
Visit the colleges you intend to apply to in order to get a "feel" for the college. If it is possible/ afforable to get housing on campus, definitely go for it. This coming from an "ex-commuter", I felt that I was truly being cheated off the whole college experience because most of my time was spent on a train ride than actually being on campus and enjoying campus life. Plus, it allows more time to attend events and network with people because sometimes it's not about what you know, but who you know that can help open up a new window of opportunities.
nick
be a free thinker.
Students tend to drop out fast because they are to lazy to do the little work we are giving. Dont waste your time or money going to any school of your planning to work.
Emily
Make sure that it is the student that makes the choice and not the parent. Pick a school that speaks to you and how you opperate. Pick a school that feels like home.
Jonathan
When selecting the right school for, one of the primary concerns should be, do you feel comfortable at that school. Look around does the community suit you, would you feel comfortable walking this campus everyday. Classes are another part of your college experience that you should be concerned with, do you feel that the courses the college provides are interesting and will they prepare you for entering your desired field of study? When looking at college courses you may also want to check out what internships or other educational opportunities ,such as studying abroad, are available. Also inquire about the school's faculty. Are the professors you will be learning from professionals in your field of study? This aspect of your school can help you out a lot in learning how to be successful in your desired profession and can give you some excellent advice onhow to break into it. Lastly make sure to check out the dorm buildings while you are at the school. Will you be comfortable living in the college's dorm rooms? If so, colleges usually have dorm buildings, if you apply to this school, which housing complex would you like to live in the most?
Stephanie
It is not about the name or the status of the college, but what that college can do for you. College is the last four years (or so) before you head off into the "real world", and it is supposed to build the backbone you will need for the rest of your life. The school has to supply you with the right major, academics, and faculty to enhance your education. And if it does not, students should not be afraid to transfer if they are not getting what they want or feel they need from a college. Before deciding where to go, do not just look at the website and college packet, but search online for what people think, look at the professors online, find out what the current students and alumni say to really get a feel for what you are getting into.
It also depends on you to learn all that you can. Truly dedicate yourselves not only to the education, but the experience. Get involved in the community, in college organizations, friend people of the same major -- this is how you are going to grow in your craft and as an individual. Make it worth it.
Zachary
GO AND VISIT THE SCHOOL! Your surroundings have a large impact on your feelings. If you are a big city person and go to a school in the middle of nowhere, then you are not going to be happy. Or if you want a slow paced, non-rushed lifestyle, don't go to a big city. You will learn a lot from just going to visit. Also try and sit in on a class if at all possible. That way you can see they style of teaching.
Nassim
The student should follow their heart at all times. They should accept guidance from their friends and family but ultimately they should make their own decision. Even if they change majors over ten times, everything happens for a reason. They have to go through experiences and failures in order to get where they truely want to be in the future.