James
Be sure to visit the college or university first and not only go on a tour, but branch off yourselves to see the real life that students lead. Colleges like mine take visitors on tours of only their nicest parts and do not show where you will be spending the majority of your time. Also consider the possibility that college life is not in your best interest, many friends of mine attended school for a short time and dropped out. This is a waste of time and money, not to mention you are wasting money on a school that may grant no opportunities or advantages whatsoever.
Ashlee
One thing that I express to parents is that they have to allow their child to choose the college of their choice, this is not a decision that the parents should make; then can be equally involved, but the child has to do what feels right to them. To the child I stress that they should talk to current students and see what they think of the school. I also tell them to choose a school that they feel they will be comfortable at and one they think they succeed academically. Students should not be looking for a "party school," every school has people who party it just might be well-known. Partying is the choice off the individual, and that should not be something one is looking for in a school. Finally I tell students they should figure out what they want from their college experiance and some goals that they would like to achieve, then do a lot of research on financial support, academics, extra-curricular activites, and other things that contribute to the college experiance, and from their find the college that will best help them achieve their goals and benefit the individual.
Nicole
I would advise them to look for a school that fulfills there needs for there major as well as the school that is most affordable for them. Always take a campus visit and speak with current students. Make sure the campus is safe and easily accessable for all your needs :ie: public trans., campus shuttle, security force, academic center with academic and technical support.
Make the most of youir college experience by becomming involved in your school. Join school activities, clubs and attend schoolevents. Make lots of good friends and above all this , never ever forget who you are and that you don't need to change that for any reason to belong. College has enough people that will accept the real you. Those are the ones that become your LIFE LONG FRIENDS.