Megha
Parents, don't force your child's decision. It's a stressful process, and entirely exhausting as well as nerve-wrecking. If your child gets rejected from their dream school, don't add to their grief by telling them you saw it coming. Console them; be their support, because they'll remember it, when they're homesick and thinking of you. From the schools they get accepted to, make sure you visit them. Check out the living situations; the dining situations; and the social life. Yes, your kids are going to college for their education, but a social life is important too.
Prospective students, I know you're scared. You're allowed to be. But be brave; don't be shy. It's your chance to change whatever you want about yourself, if you want. Embrace this new start. It'll be a great ride.
Joseph
College is a different experience from high school. It's a better experience, one that offers you the chance to learn skills and knowledge that you will carry for the most significant years of your life. Before you start your application process for whichever school you had in mind, try to have a general sense of what you want to do as a career. You don't need to be 100{4a082faed443b016e84c6ea63012b481c58f64867aa2dc62fff66e22ad7dff6c} certain, but definetely have an awareness of what the schools offer. Some colleges specialize in certain areas. Ask yourself if that specific college will cater to what you are looking for, and if it has other desirable degree choices just in case your first choice was not what you expected.
Uzoamaka
I would suggest your chile make a list of potential majors and find a school that offers the best program and go for it!
Jay
Students and parents assume that the most top-ranked and academically selective college would be the best possible choice for a bright future. My parents and I also had this similar view of college. However, because of financial reasons, I had to settle for a "decent" school. I will never in a million years regret making this decision. All the campus tours and student orientation programs made it extremely easy to become socially active. Within a matter of hours, I had made bonds with people that will last a lifetime. Yes, college is about education and building a future, but it is up to the student to make his or her own path to their future. So parents, why pressure your children into getting into top-notch schools? Education and knowledge can be attained by any individual with a passion for learning and some books. What matters in college is how students learn to utilize their education. So, my advice to the students is to focus on studies and not let freedom tempt you away from your goals, but do take advantage when opportunities are presented to you because college is a once in a lifetime experience.
Kris
If you or your child has already been accepted to a certain college, then the first and most important part of whether this is "the right college" is taken care of. If you are chosen to join the traditions, academics and cultures of a college then you surely belong there and were deemed qualified and able enough to be content there. The rest is upto the individual who is attending in the fall. Promise yourself or get your child to vow to make the most of these next years. Talk to everyone who intrigues you and to research new ideas to the fullest. Take advantage of the computer labs, research opportunities, extracurricular groups and social events taking place at your college, but also remember to manage your time for all of these things. A crucial reality of college is taking on more responsibilty and being able to manage it. If this is done, then success and happiness will come mutually. Most importantly, do not forget to see the big picture of this time of life, realize that the smallest pieces, such as helping out your community and the environment , will help you in discovering yourself and your campus.
Jasmine
Choosing the right college can be a challenging experience. The best part about selecting the right school is visiting each college campus and getting a feel for what the social and academic life is like. First years may feel overwhelmed and intimidated by the amount of people on campus and how comfortable they seem to be, but the best part about visiting each campus is that the student will immediately know where he or she feels most comfortable. Parents may not want to "let go" of their children, but attending college is truly an unforgettable experience - whether one is living on or off campus. College is where students begin to form more personal, independent views on life, politics, and reason. Time-management is one the most important things a first year could have, without it one will find it very hard to adapt. To truly make the most of the college experience students should go in open-minded. My first year was one that is invaluable. I opened myself up to the opinions of others, learned to manage my time, and met life-long friends. Choosing the right college can be difficult but the experience can be life-changing!
Alexia
Envision college as a time and place of discovery and experimentation. During your first semester, I advise you to only focus on the general degree requirements of your college. You should take this time to experiment with different fields of knowledge. Never begin your major requirements during your first semester because many students I have encountered have done this and have ended up changing their major later on. If you start your major degree requirements early and you end up changing your major a year or so later, you can potentially end up with more than a handful of courses and credits that do not count towards your new major.
Some students feel sure about their major early on. I went from Biochemistry to Biological Sciences to Psychology. I now have a handful of courses and credits that do not count towards my new Psychology major. I felt so sure about my first major that I did not experiment and now I wish I did. No matter what happens, I ask that you always try to enjoy and experiment with, at least, your first semester because this semester is usually the hardest to adapt to and fully experience. Good luck!
Zeeshan
Finding right college: Don't think of ivy leagues and big name too fast. Think of the important things: Distance from home, and cost. After than then narrow choices to find which college suits you based on program of studies, what it's known for, and where graduates are known to go. College experience: Everyday when you get up, remind yourself why you are there and don't forget that you're there to get an education and barely anything else.
Emily
Don't let academics stress you out or consume you completely. School is about getting an education, but it is also about maturing as a person. Enjoy the new friends you make and your new environment. Be sure to join clubs and open yourself up to new things. Always check message boards for fliers, you never know what you will find! Don't be afraid to ask for help, there are plenty of counselors, teachers, even friends, who will help get you through not only academic problems, but also emotional stresses. It is very hard to leave home and start anew, but give things time, and realize that many other students are feeling just the way you are. And finally, for actual academics, read the textbook as you progress through the semester, don't just cram at the end! Take the time to understand the subject. In college, especially if the class fulfills some of your major's requirements, it is important to understand it all. You can't just get an average grade and move on like in high school. But don't be intimidated by that, because when you get involved in the subject, you will succeed effortlessly.
Nicole
Take your time in picking a school that fits you. If you don't you could end up being miserable in what should be one of the greatest most rewarding times of your life.