Melanie
Don't get frustrated with the endless search for colleges. There is a right college out there for you and don't be afraid to pursue it. There are lots of scholarships out there to help you accomplish your dreams, so just take the time to search for them.
Paul
Whatever makes the student comfortable. You'll know what the right fit for you is and don't fight your decision. Also, narrow the choices down. I would visit the school again just to make sure it is the right fit, but you will instinctively know. Parents should not have any say unless it is financially-based. The parent is not going to college, the student is.
Students should try new experiences. High School and college are completely different entities. Enjoy yourself and don't let yourself get too stressed out. They say high school is the best four years of your life, believe me college is. Don't just party it up all the time, though. You definitely need to focus on your acadmeics. Be sure to balance both as best you can. Make sure that you are preparing yourself for you career too. So, if you can balance your future career, present academics, and social life, college will come to you. Never force anything, but don't just sit in your box.
patricia
listen to what your children want.
Chad
Tour Tour Tour! Make sure its a place you could see yourself living for 6 years tops.
Jeremy
Dont worry about knowing what you want to do when you first get there. There will be plenty of time to make those decisions.
Kyle
My advice to parents and students considering colleges would be, not to look for the place that will neccessarily provide the highest level of education, but look for the place where you know you can be happiest. I could have gone to much more prestigious universities than Kansas State University, but the environment here was warm and embrasive, as opposed to cold and self-centered, which was the impression I received from other universities I visited. As long as your degree is from a decent university, it is your failure or success in your career after college that will ultimately determine your level of success. Spend time on the campuses of the universities you are considering and go to the college that makes you happiest.
Sarah
The most important thing to do when choosing a college is to give yourself room to grow. The average student changes college majors more than once, and will change careers six or seven times after that. Choose a college and a class schedule that will prepare you for all the unexpected ways your life can change.
Look for a school that is strong not only in your chosen major, but also in several other areas that interest you. Remember that when you walk across the stage 4+ years from now, you will be a very different person from who you are today. Choose a college that will support you through this transition.
While in college, take advantage of the best your college has to offer. Take classes with top professors, even if they're not required. Find an extracurricular activity to be passionate about. Take time for electives; what seems unimportant right now might become your focus later in life.
The college years are a time of dramatic change and growth. It's impossible to know where you'll end up. A solid educational foundation will give you the tools you need to succeed at whatever you choose to do.
Lance
There are so many questions that need to be answered when trying to choose a college. Is there a program that matches my career goals? Is it affordable? Will I fit in and make friends? These are just a few of the concerns of someone trying to choose a college.
The first step in choosing a college is to talk with a school guidance counselor. Find out which schools offer good programs in your area of interest. These are the schools that you need to begin focusing on.
The next step is to visit the college web site. Here you can find information on tuition and fees, scholarships, and financial aid. Also, the web site will give contact information for the different departments and organizations. Some sites even list on campus/off campus jobs. With all of the resources available, it becomes easier to map out a plan for paying for your education.
Finally you need to visit the campus. This is the best way to know if you'll fit in. Talk to current students and get a feel for how easy it is to fit in.
With these steps, you'll know which college is right. I did!
Paul
Visit the college on a regular day of classes and see how you like the enviroment. Be sure to take the tours as well.
Cameron
Make sure to visit many different colleges. Ask as many questions as possible. Evaluate the schools based on every criteria you can think of.