Tiffany
I would say that the students should check out all of their options and pick the one that is right for them. Parents and students should visit the colleges that they are interested in to see what would be in store for them, as well as to ask questions of actual students and professors. Once a student has narrowed his or her options down, they should check into the specifics of the respected institutions. They can check out details about a major they may be interested in or how much financial aid they may be eligible for. Once a college has been chosen, the student needs to make sure they get all the paperwork and registering for classes done by the deadline. This way there will be no, or at least, fewer complications. To make the most out of the college experience, the student should try to get involved with campus activities in some way or another. The student could join a club or organization. Also, I think the student should try to meet new people. Being friendly and openminded can really help out when starting out at a new place. The student should try to stay positive and happy.
Mary
Always visit a campus before you decide it is for you. It may seem like a good location and a wonderful campus in the virtual world, but once you walk around the campus you will know if you will feel at home. Make sure to think about a large campus and small campus, decide which on fits you best academically AND socially! Speak with current students of the prospective major if possible. They can give lots of insite and help you develop a decision on if this is your college home. Although, do not base your decision 100{4a082faed443b016e84c6ea63012b481c58f64867aa2dc62fff66e22ad7dff6c} on what they tell you. Essentially, this is your decision, make it a good one!
Traci
When deciding what to do after high school, I looked into a lot of colleges. Tour the schools and ask all sorts of questions. Try to sit in on a class to see what it would be like. After you have selected a college and have started , get involved in campus organizations or intramurals. Doing these two things helped out my social life so much coming to college. I was nervous and did not want to be left out. Now that I am involved in them I am enjoying every minute of college. Make friends and never stop. Try to avoid the drama because it will be that much more enjoyable if you do.
Jenna
Find the place where you feel most comfortable. Take into consideration not only the size and quality of the school, but most importantly the students and faculty. If you do not feel very welcome, it will be hard to have the confidence to go out and make the best of your college experience. The best thing you can do is get involved, whether through sports or organizations. The only way you can meet new people is to get out and try new things. The best people you meet in life are usually found at college. Many of your friends are potential colleages and when you have that connection, you begin to create a network of people you can count on and go to when you need them.
Nichole
Get involved on campus. get to know you professors. Know how they teach. Dont be scared to ask questions. You are paying for you education so make the most of it!
Jennifer
The best advice I could give to student and parents looking for the right college is to choose one that you feel comfortable at. School and moving away from home can be stressful at times and being where you feel comfortable makes it a lot easier. Another peice of advice would be not to be afraid to ask questions; set up a private tour and then also talk to some of the current students.
Jessica
Advice I would give to parents is to allow students to visit the campus on their own. When they do not have their parents there, students are better able to judge if the campus is a correct fit for them and if the atmosphere is what was expected. Students must pay attention to not only the social aspect, but also the learning environment which is what college is about. For parents, I recommend sending their children to a college where they feel comfortable and willing to attend, while also keeping financial responsibility in mind. Sometimes money is not an option when happiness is important, but parents and students alike must both be reasonable.
Samantha
Entering college can be an amazing experience. As a student considering college, keep options open. Visit colleges around the area, take a tour, and meet a current student. Do not be afraid to ask questions while you visit. Decide if the college you are visiting is "right" for you personally; no college is right for everyone. Even if you believe that a college is not right for you, visit it anyway. Choose a college that is appropriate for your major. Talk to professors in your major of choice and ask them about the program. Living in the dorms is essential; it is a huge part of the college experience. To make the most of your college experience, one should get involved with activities and try to meet the people in the dorm. Do not be afraid to break away and explore the campus and area. Study hard and go to class. If you have a question, ask your professor. Also, get to know the on campus tutors if you are struggling. Getting help with academics when you need it is essential. That is the difference between a student that succeeds and one that does not. Most of all, enjoy yourself!
Daniel
Find something to be passionate about while you are in college, because you will enjoy your experience, your education, and eventually your career. The extracurricular activities that are offered on campus are ways to interact with the community, your fellow students, Alumni of the college, and are a great way to gain experience. The decision to go to school is an important decision, one of the most important decisions that any one can make in their adult lives. Stay persistant, hold true to the goals that you set in place, and finish strong with an eye on the career path that your college career has helped prepare you for.
Nikki
First, if you can't decide on what field of study you want to go into, then pick a few ideas that interest you, and find out how long it would take you to graduate from that specific shool, with that specific degree. Second, check if the school has activities like those that you like to get involved with because a lot of times, schools don't offer what you think they will. Third, try to meet people when you visit the campus, this will help you when you get there in making friends and connections. It is important that you remember that even though you will be around a lot of people all the time, that not everyone is going to reach out. So don't be afraid to be the first to talk to someone. You'll be surprised at what kinds of people you can make friends with while you're in college. Also, find study groups, either with your friends, or with other people. Many times, just talking over new material with others can broaden your perspective, and help you remember. Above all, remember that it's ok to make mistakes. Just learn from them!