Hannah
To find the right college, make sure the facility's priorities are your priorities; otherwise the campus will waste your time with their agenda. To make the most of college, remember to work hard without letting yourself get stressed; you're there to better your own life, no one else's.
Elizabeth
Definitely visit a school before you commit. That's the best advice I could give. I wasn't even thinking about my school until I visited, and I don't know what I would do if I weren't there. And once you find a school that fits you, JUMP IN! Don't be afraid to meet people, ask questions, and make the most of this life. You've only got once, so make it count!
Beth
I would tell students to really focus on time management in school, and to find the right balance between socializing and studying. Everyone has different needs from a college or university, so find one that has your major and the major is well known at the school.
Rob
As I look back at my college experience in order to find the best advice to give to students getting ready to begin the journey, one particular piece of advice comes to mind. When it comes to college, it has to be about the student. This advice comes in two parts. For the students, this means that you cannot rely on what your parents want when deciding where to go and what to do. This is a decision that must come from withing yourself, not from your parents or anyone else around you. I will be the first to admit that I am one of the countless people who have changed their major several times during college, and I believe that it can be attributed to the fact that I started college doing what my mother wanted me to do rather than what I truely wanted to do. That said, this advice is not a one-way street. It works for parents as well. Yes, you should be involved in the process, but do not make the decision for your student. They have enough to think about themselves without being worried about your approval of their college and career choice.
Anastasia
I think the best college for an individual is a combination of many contributing factors. Firstly the school should be a agreeable both to the student and parents, compromise is always necessary but the decision should not soley be made by just the student or the parents alone. The student should have a career plan, or a plan of action to determine a career. The school should be within the price range of the student and family, as to not go into excessive debt. The student should visit the campus with the parents and evaluate different aspects that are important to the student. Determine what to look for: size, academic standing, the institutions values and beliefs, location, cost, campus life, food, professors, etc. according to what's most important to you. Pray about your decision and most importantly go with what the Lord tells you, he will guide your decision and he knows the perfect college for you.
Audra
When you visit, make sure you see all the places and talk to other students than your tour guide. It's important that you get a real feeling of what the campus is like, since that's where you'll be living. While you're there, STUDY HARD, but don't forget to make friends and have fun. Getting a 4.0 will not mean much if you don't have any friends to celebrate it with.
Jeremiah
First, know what you want to major in. If you don't know, think about what you enjoy doing and go from there. One of the worst things to do is study for a career that you won't enjoy.
A school that exceptionally meets your major's needs is important. One with professors that take an interest in your education is near vital. If you can find a school with small class sizes, do consider taking advantage since that will give the professor more time with you.
Finances aren't always easy to come by when attending a school. A school with scholarship and grant opportunities can help you greatly in paying for your education.
A good social atmosphere that fits you isn't critical but is important. Especially if your an extrovert. A campus with good extracurricular activities is a plus. If you're an introvert, be prepared to adapt a little.
While in college, study hard because your education is important. Remember to take time out to socialize with positive people. Don't go party crazy but have fun. It's important to have fun so you don't burn yourself out in your studies.
Susan
Each student and parent needs to physically visit the school which they are interested in attending. If I had not visited my school, I never would have felt the warmth, friendliness, and utterly genuine aura that surrounds the campus. It is important to meet with a member of the academic board, a member of faculty who may be teaching in your area of study, and with a student who can truthfully state the strengths and weaknesses of the university. I would recommend that the student stay overnight in campus housing to get a taste of the community which is present there and to attend classes with someone who is studying the same area in which the student is interested. If the student desires to be a part of a sports team, music group, art club, or other student body organization, then I would recommend he or she spend time with those people. The day I visited my school I met the music faculty members as well as the nursing faculty members. Each drew me in and offered me a chance to learn their ideas for my education. I would never pass up the education I've received at IWU.
sam
to begin: apply to as many colleges that interst you.
after being accepted to 1 or more, look into and visit the colleges if you can so that you can get more information about them.
pray for wisdom in chosing the right college
Megan
My advice to parents and students looking for a college/universtiy to attend would be to search. Most students decide on the college they would like to attend in High School and stick with that one without ever visiting other colleges just to check them out, that was my mistake. Ever since I entered High School I planned on attending a college in Nashville. I was accepted, enrolled and even had a roomate, nothing was going to change my mind. Then through a twist of fate I came across IWU and despite my stubborn attempt to not be swayed from changing schools, I quickly fell in love with IWU and honestly believe I made the best choice. So parents, and students even if you have your heart set on a college I strongly encourage you to visit other colleges as well to get a feel for the atmosphere before you make your decision. Then you can really feel as though you made the best choice when choosing your college.