Dina
If I could give parents and students advice about choosing the right college i would have to say do not wait until the last minute to research colleges. To get the best college experience you need to start researching early, around sophomore year of high school. You should research the school websites and websites, websites that include ratings and ratings from students who attend the school. Remember to always visit the school before you accept, It may look completely different in the picutures. Be sure to do the research on campus saftey especially if living on campus. Dont be afraid to email or message students on sites such as myspace or facebook to get their oppinions on the school they attend, it is the best way to get the inside scoop. Most upperclassmen will be more than happy to answer any questions you have and you might even make a friend.
Maria
College is a stage in life where a person finally on their own. Its a time to grow up, and to also work and play hard. But its very important to remember how to balance the working and playing hard. Its a popular belief that the 4 high school years determine one's future, but if you did great in high school, do not believe that you are done . For those who did ok in high school, do better in college, because how you do in college will really determine your future job. The ages of 18 through 22 or 23 are very significant. At 18, one is finally an adult, and at 21 one is finally allowed to legally go out and drink. Its the last 4 years one has where your an adult but without all of its serious responsibilities such as finding a job, paying the bills, etc. For the parents, I would just inform them that if their son or daughter experiences mood swings, to cut them some slack because its a lot of pressure, but very once in a while, its also healthy to maintain a good social life.
dieulune
I would advice parents or students to take tours and ask as many questions possible about the college. The reason why is because
the student has to be comfortable and happy where they are attending school, or else they will not perform to their best ability
Stephanie
Spend a weekend there with real college students (not the orientation guides) to get a real feel of the college.
Lauren
I would say to spend at least one year living on campus so you can engage with the students and on campus activities. Always visit the campus before you enroll to make sure you feel comfortable and speak with people in admissions to get a feel of how the college operates. I would also reccommend reading course discriptions in the major of your choice to see how colleges differ and what sounds more interesting. I attended three colleges before I found the one that I truely enjoyed so I know how hard it is to find the right one. It is important to do your research and their are some great websites that have information on colleges from the size of classes to the environment. Financial aid, overall, is not difficult to find, but you may have to do some research and work; there is always aid for someone that needs it. Keep up with your work and study! Remember that this is important that you like where you are because it can influence your progress in school. As long as you do the research, I am sure you will find the right school.
Kevon
When looking for a college, selct the one that has the most campus activities and student involvment. The first couple of semesters can be difficult without the help of your fellow classmates.
Dewey
Finding the right college begins with knowing what you are looking for in a college. First, if the college has a respected department in the field you intend on studying. Also look at the campus life of the college and decide if that is what you are looking for out of your college experience. Do you like the cold? Climate and location play a large part of your decision as well the surrounding environment. Remember that you will have to live at or near your college, so if you hate the city or love to watch the leaves change you need to remember this.
Once you are at college make as many friends with as many different people as you can. Surround yourself with people who will make you a better person. Get involved with the on campus clubs, and if there isn?t one you like start your own. Create the environment that you want your college life to be and the rest will just fall into place.
Sydney
Look around. Dont be set on one school. Know that there are so many different places to go. Visit and spend a weekend at a school you are interested in so you can get a real feel for it. Dont be shy. Find activities at school that you are interested in and meet people who inspire you!
Christina
Before finding the right college, it is important that students weigh the importance of balancing a social community and academics. Make sure that the outlying community has enough options to allow students to get off campus. It is important to have an outlet from school and if the community is not geared for students then life can get monotonous. Also make sure that the college has a strong correlation with passing entrance exams to get into graduate programs and accepted to schools.
Alana
Do research for the curriculum one wants to be molded for.