Michael
The advice I would give myself is to try my best and get more involved in school clubs.
Nichole
When you walk on to a campus and feel at home you know its the right Campus for you!
Austin
Ultimately, the right college is one where the student feels comfortable that they can get the most out of their college experience and where the parents feel comfortable in sending the student. The final decision of where to attend college rests with the student, but it is important that the parents feel like they are sending them to the right school. Colleges should not be picked by the financial aid they give to the student or the social scene. It is more important to go to a school where a student feels they can get the most out of their potential. This school should increase the quality of the future for the student and help them to live a quality life. No matter what college is chosen, it is up to the student to make the most out of it. College is what you make it, and students should get as involved as they want. Making the most out of your college experience is key because many students do not get the opportunity to attend college and it is a once in a lifetime adventure. Enjoy college, but go somewhere where you can get the most out of it.
Sara
First and foremost if you know which area of study you wish to go into look at schools that are well known for that area. if you are entering are an undecided major head to a larger university that offers a variety of majors and career fields. look into all the finacial aid options as well as those provided at your high school. college offers a lot of great opportunites so get involved!! you will meet many new people with differnt beliefs and backgrounds but stay open to their ideas and in the end it will help to make you a more well rounded person. dont do things like drink just because its what many of the other students are doing. stay focused and remember your paying for this education so do you best and work hard at it. go with your gut instinct if you vist somewhere and it feels like the right place it more than likely is.
Chris
The best advice I can give any parent or student is research. Orientation is a great way to get a feel for how a university want to be perceived by prospective students, but you still need to do some independent homework. Talk to former and present students about financial aid, job availability, and overall campus life. Talk to professors about class size and homework expectations. Students considering residency need to look at on-campus and off-campus pricing and options well in advance of the first day of classes. It is also very helpful to review the bookstore - textbooks and all the supplemental reading deemed "required" by the professors do not necessarily need to be purchased through the bookstore. If the campus bookstore offers an online listing of classes and the required texts, you can save some serious money by buying your books online. The last thing I would suggest is getting the meal plans in writing and make sure you understand the limitations and exclusions that apply to each plan.
anthony
Finding the right college is about figuring out what you enjoy doing. By finding a school that caters to your interests, you will make the most out of what your school can offer you. Schools offer so many opportunites because they want the students to take the opportunities. It is very inportant to get involved with as much as possible on campus. It will make for a more enjoyable college experience, and most opportunities can be added to resume's.
Alexander
Becoming a college student is very special and highly influential time in one's life. Parents and/or students really should begin searching their Junior year in high school. This is the age that students may have found their path and understand what it is they want out of life. The most valuable piece of advice that I could give an incoming freshman is to get involved on and around campus. Joining and creating service programs have shaped me into the successful student I am today. Becoming part of an organization that makes a positive impact on communities as well as individuals really depicts who you are. Getting involved truly helps a college student grasp the big picture and shows them what life is really about. Make the college that you choose your special place. Be sure that your actions will leave a positive mark in your college's history.
Sara
When looking for the right college, don't settle. Find one that has your desired academic major, is of a comfortable size for you, has a good curriculum, and has a variety of extra-curricular activities that interest you. To make the most of your college experience, try your best. Study often and as much as you need to, but allow yourself to have a social life. Interact with other students to make friends. Don't fall into the habit of wasting the weekends away with parties and alcohol. Keep your goals, morals, and beliefs in mind; don't let anyone push you past your boundaries. Take this time to discover who you are and what you want out of life. Use the opportunity to experience being out on your own. Try to exercise regularly and eat healthy to avoid illness and depression. Don't isolate yourself. Be involved with your campus; attend school events and have fun. Have a sense of pride in who you are, and the school you attend. Having pride in your school will give you a more positive college experience. College is your time to experience life; enjoy it, don't waste it.
Kristina
Go on college visits if you cannot decide upon what current students, coaches, or professors are telling you. I chose my school before even visting, came to make sure it was exactly what I wanted and fell in love with basically everything about it. If you are not interested in sports then see what other campus activities or clubs or organizations are on campus. Even small colleges and universities have more groups than most people would imagine. Be as social as possible makes the college experience more interesting when you have a group to share it with. Once you are an upperclassman treat the underclassman with respect and offer them help at all times. You can make more friends and make the campus more enjoyable and possible a little less scary for them and even you. Always remember to have fun and leave a little bit of time for just you.
Kristin
Make sure that the college provides the majors and classes required to complete that major in a timeframe that fits your goals. Parents need to investigate all options and find a college with helpful financial aid individuals. Ask a lot of questions of these individuals, there are many grants/scholarships available and if they aren't helpful, find a college who is. A strong support system in any college administration is extremely important for young people. We are just "learming" to be on our own and still need some leadership until we become comfortable in our new environment. A smile and kind words go a long way in making us feel welcome.