Whitney
I would tell the student to definitely visit their potential college campus/es. This way they are familiar with the possible surroundings that they would be around. They should also talk to current students and find out what they don't tell you in the brochures, such as what campus life is really. They should also find out if the college offers things that they are interested in and has opportunities for them to get involved on campus. Once enrolled, join a group or organization for greek frat/sorority and make friends in your major. Getting involved on campus allows you to make friends, both in the classroom and off campus. They can advise you in which professor to take and which to avoid, give you notes and make good study buddies. Most of all though, future students definitely need to prioritize. They need to rank their school work, family, friends, work, sports, church and other categories in importance to them and not let something that is lesser on their list interfere with something that means more to them. Most of all, live it up. Make the most of what they can. College is only once in a lifetime, enjoy.
Regina
It's hard finding that one school that will be your second home for four years or more. The moment you step on the campus you will know that it is the campus for you. It is stressful trying to figure out what you want to do with the rest of your life, but you don't need to know right away. Try to first find the school that makes you feel comfortable, but also try to figure out if they have something that might interest you. Finding the right college is difficult, but the search is quite worth it.
The college experience is amazing. I was a child with strict parents, but it helped me out in the long run. You learn a lot from your parents, however, you need to live YOUR life in college. Even though your parents expect much of you enjoy what you have at the moment and live life the way you want to. Don't let others put you down; enjoy college because it will be an experience you will remember for the rest of your life!
Jessica
When looking at colleges to attend, do not hesitate visiting the campuses. A campus tour will not only allow you to interact on the campus, but also give you an opportunity to feel what it would be like to be a student attending that college. Usually a campus tour is given by a student, therefore, a friend is automatically made. I gave tours at Oklahoma City University as one of my on-campus jobs, and I am friends with the students I toured.
The second point of advice is to look at the security of the campus. Oklahoma City University is well protected by our Campus Police. The officers are very approachable and easy to talk to. I feel very safe on my campus and even have the police number saved in my cell phone just in case I need a ride to my car at night.
The third point of advice is to check out jobs and organizations on campus. It is always important to be involved with peers. College is the place where friends-for-life are made. Being part of an organization and/or having an enjoyable on-campus job is very important.
Matthew
Find out where you feel comfortable and feel like you will still be challenged. I went and visited my colleges that I was accepted to and nothing felt right until I came here and everything just fit. so you will know the direction that God is pointing you in if you listen and feel it out!
Tyler
I would focus most on what you are going to the school for, such as what you are majoring in. Do not let the social life or Greek life influence your choice. I promise you that you will always adjust to the social life anywhere you go. What you cannot easily adjust to is how happy you are with the education you're getting. Do your reseach on the alumi from the school and don't be afraid to ask for your current teacher's opinion on the schools you're interested in. Also, paying a visit to the school can really influence your decision. The moment I walked onto my campus to audition, I felt like I belonged there. It's amazing the effect just being in a place can have on a person.
Erick
My advice to anyone would be to understand that it's very hard to know exactly what you want to do with your life. Some people are able to know long before they ever get to college, but for some people, college is part of that process. So, quite crucial that when you are considering colleges, you find a place that you are pertty sure you can feel comfortable in. You need to find a place that feels like it could be home for you. Secondly, at least based on my own experience, I think it's very importnat that students find a place that's far enough away from home that you can't live with your folks. I love my parents dearly, but I'm so glad that I've gotten far enough away from home that I'm able to create relationships with people that are true and deep, and will last a lifetime. So it's important, imperative even, to build strong friendships, because college has great potential to be the best, but also the hardest time in yor life.
Fanee
College is a very excited time. Parents, make sure that your child understands that it is not all fun and college is serious and hard at some times, but you make lifelong friends .
Ngoc
My advice to give to the parents and students are to go visit the college or university that they are interested in to find what majors are available at that college. The parents and students should see if what they are looking for are there. Meet the professors and get to know the environment would help the students to see if that college is right for them. Basically, get to know the college that they are interested in and see what they have to offer.
Linda
Don't come to college expecting it to be as easy as high school. It shouldn't be. Come expecting to meet many new people who are very different from you. Also, make sure that you look at all of your options. Go on several campus visits. Don't settle for any university just because of one thing. You want the whole package. You will be attending this college (hopefully) for the next four years and you don't want to regret the choice you made.
Brittany
As an athlete the one question I would recommend is, "If you weren't playing your sport, would you still want to attend this school?" Make sure you feel like you fit in at the school. Ask current students their honest opinion about the school, the food, the social life, the professors, and any other insights they want to share. College is not just school, it will become your home for at least four years, make sure you pick a school where you will enjoy living for that period of time.
When you do finally make a decision, get involved from the start. Go to freshmen orientation, talk to people, and don't be shy as hard as that may be. You don't know anyone, you may be intimidated, but so is every other person there. Everyone is new; no one knows each other so don't be afraid to introduce yourself. Get involved in groups, but make sure to leave plenty of time for your school work. Never forget, you are there first to get an education, and second to make lifelong friends and have a good time.