Jennifer
It's very important to consider what you want for your future when choosing a college. One must not choose a major solely because it sounds fun. While enjoying what one is studying is nice, it is much more important to one's future that the college and major chosen are going to be practical for the future. Having said that, I would strongly suggest double-majoring and poking around in other departments. The college experience is best when it is expansive. Learn things about all subjects. Make friends and connections that will last beyond a course. Know what is available. I have been at my campus for 7 years and am just now learning about opportunities I may have missed because I was not involved in or even aware of things that were offered on campus.
Joshua
Parents, you should be supportive and helpful to your child, but do not be pushy. Your children should be allowed to follow their own desires when it comes to college.
Students, make sure you consider all sides of the school you want to attend. Do not go for the most well-known or prestigious school and ignore financial costs. Everything matters in your college decision. Once you are in school, do not take any classes for granted. Every class is expensive, so you want to make sure you do well and make sure the money was well spent. Also, do not overload yourself with classes. Even relatively low level classes assign large amounts of work, and it is easy to get overwhelmed. Know what you can handle, and it's better to play it safe. Remember that your primary goal in college is to learn, so keep socializing and parying under control. Most importantly, don't be afraid to ask questions. Asking the professor or another student can make all the difference.
Nicole
My advice to students would be, when visiting colleges, choose the one you feel that you belong at. When you walk through the campus, you should feel as if you cant tear yourself away. You should be able to see yourself there and doing well. Your college should become your home away from home, and you should feel as if it is a perfect match. My advice to parents is, what is right for some is not right for all. Let your children make the choice mostly on their own. They may feel comfortable with a place different then you had in mind, but remember, they are individuals and they will grow up to be great. No second guessing, you raised them right.
Tiara
When trying to find the right college for yourself it best that hear other students voices who are currently students. They will tell you the truth. Also, compare the finanical aif packages to see which ones are for you. Apply to as many colleges as you can that you like, don't like a college just because you favorite fast food joint is on campus but see what that campus has to offer to you socially and academically. To make the most of college experience do not take more than 12 credit hours your first semester, you are just starting to adjust to the change of environment. Also, get involved in something you like such as theater or athletics, discover something that you may be want to know more about. College is a time to find out about what you like and dislike so take classes that are fun. If you are staying on campus, do not settle for hibernating in your room for all your years in college, go find something to do. College is a time to learn, grow, meet new people and have fun.
ashley
take advantage of college fairs & once in college checkout job fairs.
Michelle
Finding the right college can be hard and my advice to parents and students is to apply to a variety of colleges and visit all of them. I made my final decision after I saw each campus and visited with staff and other students. I think another important part in the decision process of finding a school depends on the student's major. There are many schools who have excellent programs for different subjects. For example, I attend Purdue University Calumet, have been accepted into the nursing program which is one of the top three in the nation. It truly has changed my life!
College experience is very important to think about. In college, it is almost like you get a new start. You have the chance to meet new people and try new things. My advice to students is get involved! From experience I can say that I have made my best friends in college. By interacting with others in activities or sports, you get the opportunity to meet new people. I believe your college experience is what you make it, so make it a good one!
SABA
Dear Prospective Students and Parents:
This is a simple suggestion guide, created by Saba S. Mohammed to assist you in your college search in order to maximize your college experience.
When selecting a college or university start your search with colleges you know will enhance and reinforce your current interests while simultaneously affording you the opportunity to expand on subjects you never seriously entertained as possible curriculum.
Open your mind to the selection process. Do not rely on the name of the school alone as a decision sounding board by assuming the name of your college; alone; will provide for your academic needs, but rather make sure that your ?well-known? selection will be the institution that fulfills your academic hunger and entertains or quenches your personal interests. There is no sense in selecting anything based on prestige alone. It is important to remember a name is only as good as you individually perceive it, so make sure your perception is not clouded, influenced or rose-colored. The truth of the matter is this is your FIRST, REAL, DECISION and should be made without pressure...period; after all you will be the one going to class everyday.
Best regards,
Saba
Charles
Look up the academic programs. If your young student knows what he or she wants to major in, check and see how many professors teach in that subject. More professors means that more classes will be available and your son or daughter will have an easier time finding the classes that he or she wants and needs.
Gerardo
Look into what you're getting yourself into. Make sure they have the programs you want even if you start off undecided. The more options you have the easier it is to decide what you are doing. There is nothing tougher than being a student with so much pressure put on you to pick a major! Find information about the professors that you may have. The more information you have about the professors the more knowledge you have about what kind of an education you will recieve. While your in college dont let yourself down , always make the most of every class and dont think about the negative aspects of it or how much time your losing with your friends. In the end you will appreciate the time put into school because the feeling that you get when you will finish nobody will be able to take away from you. Having a degree is having something alot of people do not have. This is your time to make a difference and may be the only chance you get. This is when you should be trying harder than anything this is when you can show off your talent this is college.