Lyndsey
It is important to find a school that is not only academically geared but also has other opportunities to get involved and meet other people either in the same major or of the same class year. I suggest finding a school with smaller class sizes so that the professors have more of an opporunity to interact with the students and help him or her to do their very best throughout the college experience. I also suggest a smaller campus; it will make the student feel as though they participate in a close community of academic pursuit. Most of all, it is important to find a college where the student feels as though he or she belongs and he or she is accepted among the community for whom he or she is. The student will be able to flourish in all aspects of his or her life if the community allows he or she to act in accordance to his or her ideals.
Allison
Don't hold anything back. Strive to achieve and be the best that you can and you will get the most out of your college experience.
Kimberly
Students and parents should make sure that there are a wide range of academic courses offered at the school. They should also make sure that the school supports them and that there are resources that can help them if they have a problem or need help with classes. Students should spend a weekend at the school to see how the social life is to see what they will be living like if they decide to choose that school. They should also sit in on some classes to see if they are competative enough. Finally, apply for financial aid and see if the costs of going to the school is going to be worth what the student gets out of it. Planning for the future is important and coming out of school with hundreds of thousands of dollars debt might not be the best plant for them.
Julie
I think that even if you choose a school that isn't what you thought it would be, you still learn important life lessons and learn more about yourself than you could anywhere else. I'm not totally satisfyed with my school, but I don't regret going here, because I'm a different (and better, I believe) person than I was when I applied.
Kelley
Just make sure where you go to college is where you truly want to go.
Ashley
As a freshman in college, get involved. Join every group that interests you and seek out different opportunities. Make things happen. No one is going to drop opportunites in your lap. You have to go out and join clubs and meet people. Networking in college is very important. When trying to decide on the right school, think about size, availability of majors and location. Do not pick a school just because it has the major you want, because chances are you will change your mind. Instead pick a college that has a few different majors you are interested in. Also look at location. Choose a school that has an active community and businesses and opportunities. Transportation is also huge in college. Choose a school that has access to cities or surrounding towns.
Jeff
Make sure that you go to all of the tours and information sessions available at the schools you want to go to. Also, knowing someone who goes/went to that school is a HUGE plus. They can give you the REAL scoop that you won't see in brochures or hear during tours. During college, study hard, but don't forget to have a social life too!
Maura
i would tell parents and students to go and visit the schools before deciding. make sure that it is right for your son or daughter by researching about the classes, activites, campus life, and dorms. make sure that they are committed to giving you or your child the best education that they possibly can. i would tell them to look at as many schools as you can, even if you aren't sure that you want to go there. make sure that you have a lot of choices at your disposal, and use the resources that they provide to you.
roland
go to the college, not only get the tour but sit in on a class, talk to the students, eat the food, and get around to see whats around the college and what you would like to do when you arent in class
Ryan
when you first visit the campus, you can feel whether or not if this is the place for you. when in college, take advantage of every opportunity that comes your way in order to give yourself the best experience that you can possibly have.