Cristina
Do as much detailed research as you can. Be sure that whatever choices you make suits your comfort level but more importantly, has your career interest as its focal point. However, make sure it's not too into that area that you cannot explore other areas. It is only your first year in college; the leveled exposure might persuade you to go into another field that you find more interesting and compelling than what you had planned to do. Furthermore, you may not be accepted to your first choice so always make sure that down to your tenth or hundredth choice facilitates to all your needs or even as close as possible. Be sure that your finances are on point, in case your scholarship didn't go through or a family-related mishap occurred or something that forces you to reconsider your educational endeavours. And most importantly, have fun. It is a time that shows your parents that you are growing up and becoming an adult and it is a time to really get into the working world and be that Noble Prize Winner, but have fun with it. College is what you make it, so make it worthwhile.
Crystal
I would tell parents and students to make sure that what ever school is decided, it should be the school that has best prove to you that that specific school can satisfy all of your expectations. Instead of looking for the easy way out when things do not turn out the way you had planned, really try to see if changes could be made or if there are any adjustments that have to be made because in the real world you cannot run away from situations that do not go your way. In today's society, it may become a burden to start over and correct mistakes. Try to make the best decision of what school you want to go to, what major you want to study, and what career you want in the beginning. To make the most of a college experience, stay humble, grateful, and positive because it goes a long way. Remember to stay focused and serious but also to enjoy each moment. College can be the best memories for a person so cherish each moment.
ashleigh
I would advise parents and students that the college of one's choice should be comfortable, as far as safety and well being is concerned, but allow one to reach out of thier comfort zone and venture into events or experiences that he/she may never have tried before. The college must be academically challenging, culturally diverse and engaging, and preparing of global leaders.
Audra
Finding the right college is a process. It is important to research all the information possible that a school offers concerning your academic, athletic, and/or social interests. Visits to the school are essential in forming an overall idea of what attending would be like, and to get a feel for the students, faculty, and campus. Attending orientations and open-houses are also stellar ways to meet other students interested in attending, and current students who can provide you with personal experiences in dealing with the school's academic and financial administration.
Once you decide to attend a school, making the most of your college experience becomes the most important aspect. Learning to balance your workload with your social activities is critical. How well you manage your time can make or break any college student. Be involved in organizations pretaining to your major and academic interests, then a few extracurricular groups on the side. Campus involvement is important and exciting, however academics are the main focus. Do not spread yourself too thin; you must always make time for classes and studying. College can be one of the most enjoyable time of life, and will be if you act responsibly.
Mia
I would recommend choosing several different types of schools in different locations, and go spend some time there to get a feel of the campus. Interact as much as possible with the students, teachers, and administrators. Make the decision based on your financial situation, interests, and post-graduation expectations. The best advice I was ever given from a student was be true to yourself, and make your college experience suit you.
Brittany
The first suggestion I would make is to save money every chance you get, so it can be contributed to the cost of the education. Even if the student is on a full scholarship, some things have to be paid for that are paid for by the scholarship, and that money needs to be saved. Also, go with your gut feeling. I have been in the situation where I had to make a tough choice between going to a school at home for money or go to a more expensive school, so I would enjoy the college career, and I can tell you that the only thing I regret about that decision is not saving enough money. If you feel like the college is the right school for your and it has a good repuation for a high education, GO FOR IT!
Jai
College experiences will last you a lifetime as well as steer your lifes path. Make sure you choose the college that you feel fits your personailty. It has to just sit right in your soul.
Toi
Go to a college that you think will help you grow into the person you want to be. GET AWAY FROM YOUR HOMETOWN!
Jovonne
The advice I'd give parents about finding the right college is to try not to dominate their child's decision. Help your child, don't decide for them. I say this based off of personal experience. Although I love Howard, it wasn't my first choice. My parents decided on it which made it hard for me to adjust when I arrived because I had my heart set on somewhere else. I felt like they forced it on me therefore when I entered my freshman year, I wasn't open to anything the university had to offer. My advice to students about making the most of their college experience is to keep an open mind. I say this also based off of experience. Because I didn't want to attend Howard, I closed my mind to everything there. I was angry that i wasn't attending the school that I wanted. But when I began to meet new people and open my mind to new things, I fell in love with it all and I wouldn't trade the experience for the world. At the end of the year, Howard went for being just Howard to being "My School."
Lavernon
I would tell them to choose a college that is in the city, because there is always something exciting to do and beautiful people to meet. Cities usually are preety diverse, so they provide multiple opinions across various subjects. As for the parents I would tell them to allow the your children to choose their own major and the shcool they desire to attend. This is because parents who do this almost always hinder their children from establishing their own identity and achieving their dreams.