Kristin
"Let's party!!! Let's go crazy wild, man!!!" Yeah, sure, it sounds fun...but is it really the best option? When it comes to your education, consider what is important. Will partying like a rockstar get you the degree you need to be successful in life? Carefully select a school for higher education that will fit your needs now, and help you excel in the professional world later. It can be difficult to distinguish between what you want and need in a college, so utilize your parents, friends, and relatives; it's likely that someone you know has been through it and can offter excellent insight to what makes a great college experience. Once you have chosen the college that fits your needs best, continuously remind yourself of the positive things that will come from hard work, dedication, and determination; remember to reward yourself for achieving greatness one grain at a time.
Seth
Choosing a college is very important. Depending on the amount of money saved for school and how much your child recieves in schlorarships and loans will decide where they go. Sometimes it is worth while to send you child to a community college and recieve an associate degree then transfer into a 4 year college. That way you spend less money for the gen-ed classes. It is also worth while to put your child in a freshman dorm because they will better adapt to living on their own and also have someone look after them. It is one of the best ways for them to meet new friends and learn what college is all about. Take as many classes as possible and participate in all social events is key to getting the most out of the college experience. Depending on what your child likes to do for extra curriular activities is also a deciding point. If they love the great outdoors and loves the cold, Eastern Oregon University may be an excellent choice. Sometimes a smaller school can benefit your child.
Cody
I strongly recommend a campus visit and talking to other students while you are there and some professors. Ask about finacial aid and if the price of the school is in your budget. Apply apply and apply again for scholarships, they might take a long time to do and seem to egt in your way but it is all worth it in the end. Make sure there is plenty of majors avilible because you might know what you want to go in because the average student changes his/her mind three times while enrolled. Don't always go off what somebody says about the college, go visit it to experience it a little and see if it feels right or not.
Douglas
Find somewhere fun, but also moderately academically challenging. You want college to be a fun memoriable experience, but you are there for an education. You don't want to be depressed.
debbie
Find a college that fits with the degree the student is pursuing. Next, the smaller the school the more chance for a scholarship. Lastly, something that is closer to home is always nice (less travel dollars and more family time).
Amara
Students and parents should consider the students adjusting socailly at a school. I have found that to be very important. After social adjustment, consider housing, location and networking. Going to a school with good networking and professors who are willing and able to asist students in post-graduate plans is important. Be involved in the campus! Work on campus, join clubs, get to know other students that you wouldn't know otherwise.
Nora
First of all I would tell studnts compensate for yourself don't cover for yourself. If you have a weakness or a need don't think you have to pick a school were that need will be "covered for." Your weakness or need may always be aparent but as long as you can compansate, do things your own way in order to get the job done, that is ok. Pick a school that knows that's ok too and i.e. has a record of working with people, if that is a concen. Also don't judge the school by it's size or location. Go visit whenever possible. On campus in my town is a whole different world than off. A school in a rural town does not equal either no culture or a " hick mantality." Check IT OUT. Than of course trust your insticts. Also know yourself and do your homework. What kind of safety concerns do you have, are you going to feel relitivly safe on campus, does it matter? What kind of workload can you handle?
Parents don't be afraid to put your two cents in. We still need you and your suport.
Kimberley
Look at all your choice and weigh out every pro and con. Look into the support from the community and what activities are offered. Make sure to get as involved as possible, the more connected you feel with the school and people the easier everything seems. Sit down with an advisor and map out a 4 year plan that you would like to follow. Be sure to set lots of goals and with the support of others, strive to meet those goals. Be sure to take advantage of all the resources your school of choice has to offer. Go to study sessions, they really help. Be sure to meet lots of people and develop strong relationships., you won't regret it.
tazha
start finding scholarships and means of affording college early. do not base your college choice off of a career/major you think you may like. most students change majors more then once in there college lifetime.
Lynne
As a student you need to examine all of the programs that are offered at all the colleges you are considering attending, to find out which ones offer the degree program that you want. If possible visit the campuses and talk to as many students as possible at each one and get their perspective on what they like and dislike about the school. Another thing that you need to do is to find out what each school is willing to offer you as a financial aid package, the difference between one package and another could save you hundreds of dollars over your time in school .
To help you make the most of the college experience, you should make an effort to attend any and all orientation meetings prior to starting classes, this will give you an understanding of how the campus works and what to expect as a new freshman. Once your classes have began and the campus clubs have begun to hold meetings you should make an effort to attend several just to get a feeling of what options are available on campus, and to be able to get involved in the social life.