Thomas
the advise that i would give in finding the right college for you is first, if it has your course of study. second, if you like big schools or small local schools.
Nicole
A child has only one chance to be in college, if they know what they want to be and they are going to work on being sucessfull in that job, then they should go to the college they want to. Money is a sevre problem with college but if they want to go to a more expensive college, sometimes that means job placement is better and paying off loans wont be as bad as you thought. WIthout the true college experience at the college of their dreams they will always think what if. So choose the college you want to go to, and I mean dream about going to, apply, and go! If you do not you will always regret not taking that chance, money or not, this is a once in a lifetime freeing experience, and every child that wants to go to college should have the chance to go to the one of their dreams. The money will come later, but if they are a smart kid with a set path then the deserve to go to a college that is going to challenge them and make them happy. If not whats the point in going?
Paula
My advice would go around to colleges that offer what you are interested in or might be interested in. Get a feel of the campus and talk to people who have been in college. Some of the people can be a little older then you and some older then you. This gives you ideas and experiences from others. Follow your heart and take into account cost and distance. Go wherever makes you happy because to go somewhere you don't want to go can be a heavy regret.
Jessica
I would begin by telling the students don't just choose a college your friends are attending, choose one that you feel you can become successful in. Look into the colleges that offer those extra-curricular activities that you are interested in, the job-placement numbers, and by all means the services they offer such as tutoring, counseling etc. As far as the parents go, you should never try and push your son or daughter into attending a college they don't want to attend. They are transitioning into adults, you are not going to make their decisions for the rest of their life. This is a decision they must make on their own, they will need advice along their journey and who else better to give that to them is you, the parents. College is a journey you can go for 2 years, 4 years, 5 years, or even 10 years, but how you spend that time is entirely up to you. Make the most of your time wherever you go. Make friends, have fun, and most of all gain the knowledge and experience that you will be using 10, 20, or 30 years from now.