Mary
When I picked the school I went to it was that feeling that they say you will get of, "you just know." I do not regret going to the school I did, but I did not have the best college experience. I picked the school I went to because it was cheap to go to a state school and I knew I would be going on to get my masters and did not want to spend a lot of money at my undergraduate. If you know exactly what you want to do when you go to college go to a school that is famous for what you want. Do NOT be afraid of moving far away if it means getting the best education. If you do not know what you want to do my suggestion is college is an investment do not go unless you know or are very close to knowing what you want. I know too many people that went to school for years and still do not know what they want to do and are now paying 700 dollars a month in student loans for a degree they do not use or do not have.
Jamie
College, much like life, is all in how you define it. In order to find the right college, I think that a tour of the campus is definitely a necessity. While the college might be renowned for its academics or a major that you're interested in, I feel that the actual college environment is a vital determining factor in whether or not the school is right for you. One must feel comfortable in their environment in order to excel. In order to make the best out of the college experience, it is always best to get involved. This may sound cliche, but it is definitely true; getting involved means meeting new people, and making new friends. Although we attend school in order to be succesful in the future, college is also a place to make friends that will last a lifetime. While most will look back on their college years and hopefully be thankful for the classes that they have taken and the knowledge they have acquired, it is most likely not Biology class that will come to mind while reminscing, but the countless memories that were formed at a college to be remembered for a lifetime.
Janay
College is not only an educational institution, but a great social institution as well. It is not a hasty decision to be made considering the fact that you'll most likely be having a four year stay. Make sure you enjoy it and feel comfortable in your surroundings, because if you're not, you're not in the right environment to be doing what needs to get done.
Patrick
I would advise parents and students to visit the campus and get a feel for the atmosphere there since you will be spending the better part of 4 years there on your own. I is important to feel comfortable in the surroundings and feel you can get the support you need whether it is academically or socially. College is an important step and the growth you experience during this time is essential to your development as an adult and in how you will conduct yourself throughout your life socially and in your career.
It is also very important to attend a school which gives you many options in majors that way you can persue new avenues if your first choice of major turns out not to be as you expected.
Remember, it is up to you to get what you want from this experience and the choices you make will shape the person you become. That being said, your education in all areas is what your main focus should be.
Diana
Don't set your mind on one specific college. Always apply to as many schools as possible, because I have many friends that only got into their second or third choice schools and they all ended up being very happy at their college or university. Choose a college that is the right size for you, and don't focus on going where your friends are going to school. Look forward to going to a new place and meeting new people; after all, college is a fresh start in life and you should make the best of it! Also, go with a random roommate for your freshman year! Even if your best friend is going to the same school as you, try to get a room in the same building as them, rather than having them as your roommate. Meeting new people is a great experience and your close friends will always be near by if you need them. Find a school that has a comfortable setting for your needs and focus on what you need to do to better your future after college. It goes by fast!
Tarah
Some good advice for parents or students entering college is, do not worry about fitting in or whether or not your son/daughter will pass or fail. College is not as scary as everyone says, and classes are not as hard as you would think. Teachers will not assign homework that you would not be able to finish, and if you are having trouble they are always available through email, phone number, or office hours. Have fun, enjoy the experiance, and live life to the fullest, but do not forget your home or family. They love you, and want the best for you and what you want.
carl
Choose the college that you can go to if you switch a major or stop playing sports and still look at it as an enjoyable place to be. Choose a college that will offer you the tools and space needed to grow and be wherever your potential lies, which is unlimited.
Bradford
It is important to research the school environment that is right for you personally and for your propsed major.
Samuel
Follow your first gut instinct the minute that you arrive on campus
Virginia
My advice is to find out the dynamics of the campus, take a tour, talk to people, especially the res. life staff. Learn about the campus. See if you can stay a night on campus with a responisble person such as an RA or a close friend. Make smart choices and if its the rigt campus, you'll know it. Just by being here you'll learn whether you will be happy at the campus or if you won't be. Its just like finding the right car, or spouse or anything. You just know.