Andrew
The most important factor when choosing the college or university you will spend your educational years at is how well the school fits your lifestyle, ideal professional direction, and is able to establish a comfortable setting. Choose a school which teaches beyond the classroom, whether through its planned activities, extra-curricular clubs, or mind-set of its students. When you are passionate of a particular subject the teachings within a classroom are simply not enough. You know the college you have chosen is right for you when you experience in-depth conversations about your choice of study at the dinner table, hanging out with your closest friends, or even while taking a stroll through town and mingling with the townsfolk. Also, a school which is dedicated to your specific field of work will accommodate your needs more so than one which is not as devoted. Finally, if the school does not establish a healthy environment your level of happiness will ultimately sink. You must feel welcomed and accepted by everyone, including the janitorial and security staff, otherwise you will not be able to have those intense conversations you wish you were getting with the people you live so close to.
Samantha
Choosing a college isn't like choosing a pair of socks from your drawer; it's like digging for a needle in a haystack. However, that's the way it should be: you're choosing your life's path. For me, choosing the right college was all in the visits. Staying overnight and sitting in on classes make the most difference. It is important to test out class sizes to see if you will learn better in a large lecture room or a small classroom setting. Overnights will make or break a college for anyone. When you stay overnight at a potential college, you get to truly experience life at that college. It's like giving a car a test run- you can't lose! Primarily, parents and students should never forget that the perfect school DOES exist, although it may be hard to find. My final advice to students is as follows: when you walk onto campus, cligning nervously onto your college pamplets, look around you and observe others. If you look around and feel comfortable, as if you belong, you're at the right place and don't let anyone discourage you. Stay strong, and follow your dreams.
Amber
Going to college is an exciting prospect, but the process of choosing a school is often long and difficult. There are hundreds of schools out there to choose from and it can be overwhelming. My best advice for a student looking to make the best choice for them is to fist and foremost remember that this is their choice and their life. Your family won't be going to the college you choose nor will your teachers or empolyers so make sure it is what you want and what is best for you, not them. Secondly, remember that there are several facets to a college that will play into how the next two or four years of your life are like. Look into the academics of the schools as well as the social life and see if it is a match for your own life style. Third, college is a big investment, don't ignore the price tag and don't be afraid to talk with financial aid workers. Finally, ask lots of questions beacuase lets face it you have a lot of them and the only way they are going to get answered is to ask them. Good Luck!
Sharon
Finding the right school can be really difficult. For me at least I knew I'd like Green Mountain as soon as I heard about it and decided to go there. My advice would be to not commit to a location that will be hard to get out of if you feel out of place. But if you know what kind of place makes you feel the most comfortable then that's where you belong.
Kadie
In order to find the right college, you need to extensively search the school websites, to start. For most schools, you can learn a lot from the website, and you can write down questions to ask for the things you didn't learn on the website. Then, you must visit campus if at all possible, see the atmosphere, sit in on a class, and talk to students, professors, coaches, etc. Ask the questions you need to ask, and ask yourself if you think you would be happy there. If you are not happy at the school you attend, what will motivate you to go to class and do well? Lastly, take notes on everything, from the answers to your questions to how you feel during your on campus visit. When you get back home, compare your notes between schools to make sure that you choose the one that is truly the best for you.
Christina
The advice I woud give to students and their parents about finding the right college and making the most of their college experience is to let you son/daughter explore thier options on thier own, and then talk to you about thier findings. There may be things that they are looking for in a college that is important to them, such as it's size, location, and abroad studies options, and they should explore these options on their own. You should accompany your future college student in things like campus visits, so you can share this experince together, and make a mutual decession on of the college is the college for your son/daughter. This is a big and exciting time for everyone!
As for students making the most of their college experiece, I would strongly involve them to get involved with campus actvities, and do everything and anything they possibly can. Go to campus shows, be a volunteer mentor, get a work study job, or join a club. Take a class in a subject that you are interested in, such as an art class. Be involved, maked friends, work hard, and have fun.
Robert
Begin looking at schools early so you can examine each one closely. Visit the ones you like and spend at least one night at your top picks; your opinions may quickly and unexpectedly change after seeing more than just the tour. Finding the right college is more than finding professors with the most prestige - it's a feeling, above all, that you can spend the next few years there and succeed alongside fellow students, professors, staff members, and the outside community. Consider schools with your planned area of study as well as alternative fields, since your education may spur hidden interests waiting to be explored. Schools with self-designed majors are especially helpful for students with a unique passion. Do not exclude any school due to distance from home - the right fit may be on the other side of the globe. Once in school, try every activity/club/area of study that intrigues you even the slightest. Do not fear failure; there is no other way to success. Try things you thought you'd never try and those you think you'll hate. They'll teach you the most. Make friends with faculty and staff. These networks get you jobs.
Jilliann
Make sure you know what you are signing yourself up for. Do not pick classes based on what sounds cool, do it because you want to learn it. If you go to a small school get out into the real world as much as possible, because there is always next weekend to sit around the house.
Candy
When you're looking for a school, the most important thing is to find a place where you feel at home. It's more than classes, more than grades, it's where you're going to be living for the next 4 years of your life.
Don't be afraid to try new things. Take that folk music or african drumming class you've always wanted to take. Take risks. This is the time of your life to get outside of your comfort zone and be crazy.
robert
make sure its what you kids really want. and support them