Ari
Academic statistics and financial options aside, choosing the college you want to go to involves a lot of understanding "vibes" of the place itself as well as the people in it. If you feel comfortable in the surroundings, fascinated by what you could find there, and excited from being there alone, then the school might be one of your possible choices. Keep in mind that although the years of your attendance passes by quickly, you want the place of where you spend it to help you develop into the becoming the professional you want to be. There may be some moments that you will find yourself a little lonely or insecure, but choosing a college that offers opportunities that appeals (or could appeal) to you can help you through finding new friends and realizing your hidden strengths.
Tomasz
Make sure that you make a detailed research on collegeges of your choice before you make commitment to attend any of them. Be aware that sometimes information about academics, housing, social organizations and other essential resources universities provide on thier websites and brochures are sometimes biased and you have to make your own informal research with help of other students, alumni and faculty that go to a school of your choice. Make sure you use the website ratemyprofessors.com before you register for any classes. Most of the times comments provided by students are helpful and truthful. Attend extracurricular activities even though they may have minimal impact on your GPA. For example, students with 3.2 GPA and lot of extracurricular activities stand out better than students who have 3.8 GPA but are not actively involved. They have better chance to find an internship or post-graduation job, and even get a scholarship because they demonstrate that they can balance academic and social life. In order to survive in the real-world, you have to be not only smart but also active and involved with other people.
Cassie
I would make sure that the 1st year dorm is the right one. The "best" one or most expensive may not be the best one. If you do not want to join a greek organization then you should not live in a dorm that is known for having a high rate of greek pledges
Kristin
First, know your desired major or at least have an idea. I believe it?s very important and beneficial to know your future career ahead of time. I know a lot of students go to college undecided but knowing your desired field will eliminate majority of ones college searches as well as saving valuable time and money. I would also advise the parents/students to visit the campuses their interested in. A student and parent should get the sense of home when they step on a campus and they should feel safe. I would also advise the parent to let the student get away from home. A student should be introduced to the real world and live life as an upcoming adult. Some advice for the student is to please go to college on a single status. Entering college in a relationship is the hardest task, it really is a job. I believe a student can?t get the college experience in its entirety if their wrapped up in someone else. I?m not saying be selfish here but college is the time to grow, to find out who you are as a person and experience life lessons.
Janet
Students and/or their parents should definitely pick a college that fits their income level and what they can afford. Although the college experience is important, I think it is even more important to keep in mind that college is very expensive. If it's possible, I think that dorming should be considered. Personally, I could not live in a dorm but I found that people who dormed feel closer to the university community.