Ivan
I should try hard now to get into a very good college, because the latter part of my life in college would be easier, especially for Law School.
Elizabeth
Don't be afraid to join a club just because you don't know anybody there; that's just exacerbating the problem.
Don't stress about your stupid roommates too much.
Don't feel like you should join a sorority just because the signs are all over campus.
You still don't have to drink if you don't feel like it.
For the love of God, try to live in Holloway freshman year.
If everyone's talking about a campus event, go to it at least once, even if you don't think you'll be interested.
Do your homework right away or you'll regret it later.
Ask for help if you need it; people will give it to you.
Pumpkinfest is kickass.
If you make an ass of yourself, don't worry about it. Nobody remembers you anyway.
Call your mom if you need anything. Even if she can't help, it's worth it anyway.
Always carry your ID.
Stay safe; hardly any of those blue light things work.
College isn't what you think it'll be, just like high school wasn't what you saw on Nickelodeon before you went. You'll be okay.
Elizabeth
Finding the right college takes a lot of effort. Make sure you take the college tour; after touring a few schools I didn't like, I was able to weed out what I wanted out of dream my college better. In my opinion 90{4a082faed443b016e84c6ea63012b481c58f64867aa2dc62fff66e22ad7dff6c} of the "college expierence" is living in the dorms. When you live in the dorms, you meet people you would not normaly meet. Getting involved around campus is also a good way to get the college expierence. It helps you learn about your school more, and make some great friends along the way while doing something you may be good at or enjoy. College is the time to step out of your comfort zone, by doing this you can truely shine.
Carey
The advice I would give to students is to make sure you don't bring TOO much stuff. I understand that you dont want to forget anything because home maybe quite far away, but there is such thing as too much! Remember, if you are a freshman then you will be living with atleast one other person (maybe 2 other people.) Also, it may seem weird and strange to be thrown in a room with a complete stranger, but try and take it as an opportunity to make your first friend away from home. You don't have to be bestfriends with your freshman year roommate roommate either. Think of them as sharing a space with, someone that you may do laundry with, someone who you go to the library with, or someone you talk to (if not your RA.)
Parents if this is your first child that is going to college, be proud of them / be proud of yourself. This is an accomplishment, college is where they'll find out what they want to do for the rest of their life. College is a major experience for being alone, getting yourself involved in various activities, etc.
Jillian
My mom always told me no matter where I end up, it's as long as I'm happy that matters most. I'm the oldest of 3 kids and neither one of my parents attended college so it was very important to find a school that had exactly what I wanted to pursue but can also fit a tight budgeted family.
The first piece of advice I would give is visiting the campus before applying to ensure that one can see themselves at that location before applying. I'd also recommend having an idea of what one wants to do in the future so one has a base to start their studies. Lastly, I would strongly advise it's in a location far enough one is getting their independence but close enough that coming home is easy.
Most importantly, make sure it's a school that will help one follow their dreams. Having the career one wants is a dream come true and having a stable education is a start but also getting involved in clubs and sports and having great friends is part of that package. Picking the right college is only the beginning.
Laura
The advice that I would present to parents and prospective students would be to follow your heart and choose the school that feels right. Going through the process of choosing a college is one of the most brutal and terrifying things that a person can go through. There are so many questions that need to be asked and so much information that can go unattained, but in the end it all comes down to finding a place where you can be comfortable. I would advise prospective students to definitely go on a tour of each school, during the active school year, that you are thinking of attending. This is the only way you will be able to see exactly how the campus functions. It will also allow you to get a feel for what the student body is like. As for making the most of the college experience, all I can say is: go out, have fun, make friends, and be yourself. This is your chance to start over and really express yourself without the weight of high school binding you down. This is your chance to be free.
Stephen
Price and location and prepare for grad school. The US is oversaturated with people who have undergrad degrees and it's near impossible to seperate yourself with your undergrad degree unless it's a top flight university. Also college costs are skyrocketing putting people in debt during their youth, starting a family, and home buying phases. Lastly, you need the credibility of internships and you need those alumni connections which means location location location.
Keep it simple. Go to a more economically sound state school. Trust me, they will have your major. Keep yourself as far out of debt as possible, debt seriously hampers flexibility. And make sure your college is close to jobs within your area of study. Information is available to all these days because of the internet, making prestegious programs overrated to an extent. Internships are where the major learning and job connections happen and your location and alumni will help immensly.
Also gear up for graduate school. Your learning is much more focused and advanced, your classmates and alumni will be valueable connections, and that "Masters" title will blow out your competition.
Do what you love.
Good luck!
Deanna
Start looking early- and going on tours, too! It's the best way to open your eyes to all the possiblities that are out there. Apply for all the scholarship and grant money that you can find- it'll come in handy later, believe me! Once you get settled at school, GET INVOLVED!! Find a club that interests you and go meet some people. Open your door to the hallway and introduce yourself to your neighbors; after all, you'll be living with them all year. Don't spend your whole first semester with your roommate - you might just get really sick of them before Christmas. Plus, the more the merrier! Don't spend all your money in one place- save a little for those rainy days or trip opportunities that sometimes spring up out of nowhere. Travel, dance, laugh, and have fun- it's the best four years of your life, so make the best of it, enjoy every minute of it, and cherish the friends that you'll make because the memories will truly last a lifetime!
Aimee
Be open to anything-- learn as much as you can about every college you visit; TALK to students that go there now, not just one, a few.. If you can, try to schedule a time to visit and stay for a weekend-- see what the college is really like..have fun!!
meagan
Don't ever go to a college based on what any of your friends or boyfriend/girlfriend is looking for, always chose based on your needs