Allison
I would tell the students to really look into the school they want to attend. See what kind of classes are offered. Also look into the social life of the school. Im not talking about partying, but more into the events that are planned and clubs. And realy find out if other students actually attend those. Make sure if you want a small college or a large college that you know you will be happy with that. But also know that it is ok to transfer if you find out that the college you chose is not right for you. Don't get your hopes up, you will find the right place to further your education.
Chelsea
One of the most important things in picking a colleges are tours. Go to different types of colleges and campuses to get an idea of the different atmospheres. What you thought you wanted might change once you get there so know your options. See what kind of people attend the school and talk to students and get their opinions on the school. Compare schools and decide what works best for you. Interact with the Financial Aid and Student Accounts Offices to see how comfortable you are with the assistance they provide because they can be really helpful or really stressful. One of the best things about orientaion is meeting and making friends; you'll be happy you did the first few nights when you don't know anyone yet. Get to know people in your classes. It's so helpful to know someone in your classes and you'll meet more people. Remember this isn't high school so don't slack off, you're paying alot of money for this. And don't avoid homework for stupid reasons, it will make you very stressed later and you'll regret it when you're missing out on alot of fun.
Cameron
Make sure that you visit the campus! See the school with your own eyes and get a feel for what it will be like before you make your decision. Going and sitting in on a class is a great idea! By doing so you will be able to see just what the school has to offer. Also, try getting in touch with a guidance councilor from the college. They will be able to share a great deal of information with you about the school when it comes to costs, fees, classes and structure. But make sure you talk to some of the students too! They are going to be able to give you the best advice because they are living the experience. Student will be able to tell you about everyday college life, what the coursework is like and so much more!
Taylor
Pick the school that best goes with your personality. Don't just attend a school because it was rated as the best academic school or the best partying school. Make sure that the school can provide you with the best chance at job placement in the future. But most importantly, find a school that you feel the most at home at. The worst thing for a new freshman to face is going to a school and feeling isolated or like they don't fit in with the type of other people at the school. Just have fun with it.
Timothy
To find the "right fit college" for me was simple. I knew what I wanted to major in and I googled Theatre Arts Colleges. I began my sreach from there. Also qasking round for peoples ideas about Theatre Arts Colleges and going to the guidance counselor at my highschool was also a big help.
When finiding various of differnt colleges I asked for information about the campuses. I appied to ten different colleges so I had options to choose from. To apply for my major was easy for me becasue I had to go to adutions in chicago where all of the colleges held one big audtion in the city for student to attend to. The one problem I had was my test scores taking the SAT's.
One biggest advice to a new student is always have more than two colleges to apply to. That way if the student had trouble with the other two, he or she had the thrid one to pick from.
It dosen't matter what college someone ends up going to. It matters how much work the student puts in the education and from there the doors will open.
Aaron
I would advise students to make a list of their priorities, both academic and social. For instance, if Greek Life is important to you, make sure the universities to which you are applying have acccess to fraternities and sororities. I've also noticed that often students end up transferring because they weren't certain what specific major they wanted to pursue. Even if you do not declare a major initially, prioritize your interests to be sure that the university you select offers courses in related fields. Finally, although it is important to consider your parents' wishes, don't let them hold you back from following your dream.
Erik
reasearch schools thoroughly first.
Tiffany
In looking for the right college, you want to look for an education which will not only give you what you need to advance in a certain career field, but you want a program that will help create you into a well-rounded, responsible, focused adult. It's not always what school you went to that will get you the job or the career advancement you want, it's the person who gives off the vibe that they know who they are and they know how to do what's needed--that's the person that will be hired. Students, look for a school that not only gives you a good education, but which will challenge you to be all you can be and which will give you opportunities to grow and discover more about yourself than your study habits. Parents, don't be so focused on a school's reputation or price that you discard an opportunity which may allow your child to learn more than how to be an accountant, but which will help them live as a responsible adult, who knows who they are, in a country where a college education is another step to being hired.
Elizabeth
Make sure that the college fits the criteria of the field that they are interested in, as well as the social and interacting aspect of the campus.
Alexander
You will never have any idea whether a college will be a perfect fit for you or not. As terrifying as that sounds, until you've had your own college experience, you won't really know what you want or what to expect. Taking tours, talking to students and professors, and trying to get a feel for a school is extremely valuable, and it will absolutely help you in your decision making process. Still, there is always risk. Be aware of the risk, but don't let it hold you back. Going to college is like jumping off of a cliff into a pool of water. You can stand at the edge of the cliff and evaluate everything that could go wrong, or you can dive in with reckless abandon. Going to college is the most exciting time of your life. Don't wait on the edge, dive in! Find yourself! You have nothing to lose and everything to gain.