Caitlin
I would tell a student or parent that to find the right college it is very important to visit the college and even sit in on classes to get a feel for what that school is like. There are many important things about college not only studying and class but friends and building lasting relationships.
Barbie
Be sure that the college meets your needs academically and financially. Be prepared for all costs
Michael
Chose a school that has a good prgrom for your child. If your child is not exactly sure what he wants to do, then send them to a school that has a variety of classes they can take to figure out what they want to do. The most important thing is chosing a school that is right for your child. Find a school that they feel comfortable when visiting and has a strong program for whatever carrer your child wants to enter. College is not all about having fun, work needs to be done as well. While many college students today tend to be a lot more social and not focus on school work, to get a good job and suceed later in life, they need to get in to a good accredited program.
Mark
Research your prospective college, make sure it has a good program for your field of study. Research the financial aid at your college to find out what their financial aid package consists of. Find out what the job situation is on and off campus. How is the housing situation if you are going to be living on or off campus. How accessable is the campus if you are commuting, ie parking. Is there a good food plan. How new are the facilities, how many computers does the school have and is there good avaliability to use them. What kind of educational value will you get for your money at this school, and how marketable will you be after graduation.
Lindsay
Don't listen to what anyone else has to say about the matter. Do what your heart tells you. It's your college experience. Do it for you!
Paula
Your first choice is just that- a choice. Keep all schools in mind and always go with what you want- not what your parents or friends want you to do.
Seth
Advice I would give to parents/students would be to do a lot of research when looking for the right college. I am very happy with Kent State, because I visited the campus and looked it up. I also visited other campuses even though I was basically sold on Kent, just to make sure it was my top choice. The college your son/daughter goes to is very important and really shapes their whole future so it is important they choose the college that best fits them. Finding a college you are acidemically compatible to as well as socially compatible to is a hard but rewarding task when you feel like you fit in to the college you attend.
Jessica
I would visit any and every school that one is planning on attending. If you don't visit first, you can't be sure if it is what you are really looking for. Also, research the professors, and make sure the school has the major you would like to study. To make the best of the college experience, remember homework and studying comes first, but do not overwork yourself. Leave time to socialize, everyone needs friends and support!
Krysta
Narrow your search down to colleges that offer the major you want. Then do some research on each of them to see if the program is accreditted, etc. Finally visit the campuses you have left and figure out which just feels right to the student. This helps to find the right fit to complete a degree, but also allows the student to know they will enjoy the time they spend there.
Brandon
Visit many and ask all questions.