Katherine
It definitely helps to visit the campus to get a feel for what the campus life is like. Find a college whose general views and morals align with your own. Once you are there, do your best not to complain about restrictions put on you, but be happy about the freedom given to you.
Nicole
When it comes to choosing a college there are a few things that one must look at before deciding which path is right for them. The first thing that a student must look at is location. If the location is too far or close to home or it is just not right for the student it doesn't matter how great the institution is. The second thing that one must look at is the student body. Visits to school are imperative in finding out if you can integrate yourself into this already formed body. FInally the student needs to decide if this university is going to serve him academically and professionally in the future. College can be the greatest years of a persons life. This is completely dependent on picking the right school and doing all you can to make the most out of your time there.
Courtney
Before you begin "shopping" for a college, make a list of the things that are really important to you and that you want in a college. Be open to hearing about schools, but don't feel like you must take in every aspect of every college before making your decision. Narrow down the list of colleges that you are considering by the requirements you already established for what you want in a college. Also, don't let the cost scare you away from a college if it has everything you're looking for. Most colleges have lots of financial aid opportunities. Don't rule something out until you've explored the options. Once you're at college, find a balance. Some students are really academically motivated, and others are not. It's important to invest in both your academics and your social life. Don't forget about the whole reason you're at college, but don't let the work stress you out and keep you from investing in friendships.
Elizabeth
I would tell them to go with their heart. If their heart is telling them a college is not the right place for them then they should not be going there. If it is the right place they will know. Don't waste your education, go to class but still find the time to go out and have good time. There is a balance you just have to find it. In the end college is what you make of it and a gateway into the real world of work. You need to set yourself up to succeed, look beyond yourself and volunteer places and find out what you are interested in rather than assuming when you go into college that you want to be a certain major, look at what you're interested in and find jobs or take classes based on that interest.
Jerrell
I suggest that for one searching for a good college. Go to college fairs of your high school and possible other high schools college fairs within a 50 miles radius. Search the internet and ask other college students about the college they attend. Go visit several colleges within your residence and out of town. Plan family time to visit out of states colleges.
Nicole
My best advice for anyone who is choosing a college to attend themselves or helping make that choice is simple. Research the school you want to attend and have a patriotism for that school, because if you do not then you will not want to do the work. You will not make yourself proud and the school you are representing proud if you don't. I would talk to someone who is a student at the school you want to attend and visit the campus from a friday to a sunday to get a feel for the campus and people. I would also look up the progam or school you want to go into within the college and university and decide if it is right for you. If it is not right for you then you will wish you did not go. Lastly,I would select a school that represents you. The school you decide to go to will not only define your academic career for the next four to six years but also yourself. Enjoy college.You, usually, only get to go once. Define your life and make friends and do activities. This makes all the diffrence.
Bradley
There is no one college that works for everybody. Each place has different traditions, different styles, and an all around different outlook on what your education experience is supposed to be. This is a point which should come as no surprise to anybody. However, there is also an aspect of what you put into your college experience directly affecting what you get out. You may not get accepted to your first choice or you may not be able to afford it. You may end up at a school that is different than what you thought it would be. To let these things discourage you would be a great mistake, because it would be allowing these institutions to dictate how you feel about yourself and your education. You must instead be ready to work to make your college experience what you want it to be. This is how college's get their unique feels; because some student(s) at some point decided to act according to their own personalities. So, my advice is to not stress so much about the school you go to, but instead to focus on your approach to the experience.
natasha
For students: Don't go where your friends go. Go to a school thats right for you. You'll meet plenty of people once you get there. Try to find a good group of friends that do other things for fun besides drinking, partying, and doing drugs (you'll actually remember you college career). College is a wonderful time in your life, so enjoy it!
For Parents: Don't make your childen go where you want them to go, and don't put pressure on them to do what you want them too. Let them choose their own school and their own major. Let them grow up and make these decisions on their own.
Daniel
The right college is not always the college with the most prestigious name or the best rating. Though a schools reputation will help in finding a job after graduation, many prestegious schools are focusing on their reputation rather than their students. When this happens one personel growth and care for the individual student are usally left by teh wayside. As a result, when selecting a school actually go and visit. Talk with current students and ask them about professors, dorm life, homework, and how prepared they are for their career. Each school is differnet. Each school will afford one different opertunites to lead, socialize, and interact with others. When looking for a school find the one we you can be active, learn, and mature.
Danielle
I would tell both the parents and the students to visit the college or university before attending. This way the student can get a feel for the atmosphere of that campus. I would tell the parents to be supportive of the students decisions and help them in any way possible. I would tell the student to pick a school that values education and wants that student to succeed in whatever field he or she chooses. It is also important to look at the field of study the student wishes to pursue and to make sure the school of choice has a good program in that field.