Brandon
I would advise the person to think about what they want. If they want small classes where the teachers know everyone's name, then they should go to a small college. If they want a college with a laid back and not super competitive environment, then they should probably not go to a private college. Decide what college you go to based on what you want. The worst mistake you can make is choosing a college just because your friend or significant other is going there.
Ellen
Getting involved on campus helped enrich my college experience exponetially. When you are a part of any campus organization, you feel more like you're part of your school. It helps you to meet new people, gain new experiences and viewpoints and keeps you motivated to do well academically.
Garrett
I would say try and really understand what you are looking for in a school and often the best way to do that is to go visit. Sit in on a class, talk with an academic advisor, I went 1000 miles away to school after visiting with faculty and staff and realizing that this was a place where people had my best interests at heart and where I would be challenged academically.
cynthia
One should find a college that holds interest on many areas of life. If a person desires to focus solely on academic aspects, then they should find a medium to small size college. The larger a college is the more opportunities to become distracted shall arise. Also, search for colleges that are known for their particular programs. When a prospective student is applying to colleges, he or she should first see if there are any good colleges nearby or in-state. To go to college out of state will cost ten times the amount as an in-state college.
To make the best of one's college experience, someone should focus on school the first year. This will give their GPA a good foundation. For many who use TOPS in Louisiana, GPA is a constant worry. Once a student gets put on academic probation many fiancial aids are "cut off". After a student has created a good beginning in college, they can start to look for groups and clubs to join. When a person has multiple friends that share a common knowledge, it will be easier to acquire help. One can bounce ideas and borrow notes from a friend.
Danie
College is truly what you make it. I would advise students to go to an out of state university because it gives you a chance to grow and find yourself freely. The experience of meeting new people trying new things, talking to professors who have written several books is some of the things that makes college so worth while. College is the last time most people get a chance to let loose and live before they get into the working world and real responsibilities start to bear down on them. My school was not my first choice but once I saw the strong dedication every LSU student has to this school and to being a tiger, I couldnt resist. All in all, everyone has there own motivations for liking a college, but make sure you look deeper then just education when choosing the right school. A positive liberal atmosphere can do wonders for the mind.