Jean
Take prep courses in high school toward what you are thinking about as a career. Get the most out of financial aid and scholarships as there are tons that nobody ever applies for. Go to Fast Web on the internet to get the most from that resource. Take your studies seriously. If you want to party and drink a lot, you will not do well at a major university as well as the health risks it involves. Parents should stay involved in their children's education and not think they can do it all right on their own. Be there to help them as it is a traumatic change from high school. Lastly, don't wait 20 years to come back as I have. Although I am doing well, I regret that I didn't get to finish in my 20's and have a career then instead of living paycheck to paycheck. Make sure the field you are going into has jobs for you when you graduate, and be sure it is a career you are passionate about or you will be unhappy.
Libby
Considering most of us aren't fortunate enough to know out of high school what we want to major in or do for the rest of our lives, you want to make sure that the college you are attending has a diverse range of programs and activities to help. And sometimes it's not about the school, but about the staff. There's nothing better than taking a class you think you're interested in, having an amazing teacher, and being able to participate in activities on campus that inspire you.
Amanda
I would suggest that students research the careers that interest them at the time but that they should not be afraid if things don't work out as planned. It might seem like life is turning upside down, but things always work out for the best and all it means is that you have to work a little harder to finish school. It doesn't matter if it isn't on time as long as you are able to support yourself in the future.
Stephanie
My advice to new college students and their parents would be to research, research, research. Make sure you visit the campus, talk to advisors and know your major. Find out if you want to commute or live on-campus. Look into clubs and sports and even greek life.
Kierstan
Look into all the programs at your local colleges and maybe you will be surprised at what one offers that you did not know about. It is also a lot easier if you have an idea of what you want to do and not spend a few years thinking about it. Get involved with clubs and on campus activities, especially if you commute. A lot of scholarships require community service, so make sure you do some or you will not qualify. Your parents will probably not be able to help you pay for college, so start saving up and find as many scholarships as possible. The more active you are in high school clubs and activities the better. Get involved with the community you live in or get a job to help give you experience for scholarships. Be yourself!! Do not worry about what other people think about you. Let your personality shine and you will find lots of friends who are perfect for you!
Bianca
Make sure your child is going to attend the school for the right reasons and that he/she will be getting the right education. There are too many kids who have gone away to college for the wrong reasons and have jeopordized their careers from partying and other events. Also, if your child knows what field they are going into, look into which university has a better reputation. College impacts ones future tremendously and students during their college years need to invest in the right time, money and studies. Look into it and research as much as you can about the schools before making a definite decision.