Stacie
I would tell them to really tour colleges and interact with faculty and students. I had planned on going somewhere completely different from the time I was a small child, but when I stepped on the campus of Spring Hill, I knew I was home.
Also, investigate alumni and classes available, to be sure they offer your planned major.
Maria
To be very open to the experience. If you do not like your college, give it a chance. Don't wait around for something to come to you, get involved and find a school that meets those needs. My biggest advice to finding the right college would be if when you visit a college, can you see yourself there? Learning? Socializing? If you can see yourself there and feel like that school is where you belong, then that school is the right choice for you!!! Good Luck!!!!
Maria
They need to make sure the college will offer the best courses in their field, think about how often they will be going home and how, get involved on campus!
Kristal
Finding the right college is about finding where you fit in. It isn't about the prestige of the school or the cost, it is about finding a school thats education system fit for you and your child. It is about finding a school that not only educates you mind, but also educates your social skills, your body, and you soul. If your child is passionate about one school you shouldn't hold them back.
Zach
Go far, but not too far
Lesley
The most important thing when choosing a college is being honest with yourself about what you want. Ask yourself if you need small classes, a wide variety of good foods to choose from with your meal plan, 100{4a082faed443b016e84c6ea63012b481c58f64867aa2dc62fff66e22ad7dff6c} availability of on-campus housing, or a constant warm weather. Don't get too worried about getting into the top school in your field. There are plenty of other schools that can help you succeed if you work hard enough. Also, balancing an exciting social life with a good work ethic and great grades is in fact possible. Sometimes it takes time to find your niche, but if you're open to ideas and new experiences you will encounter some wonderful people and learn a lot about yourself. Take risks. Raise your hand more. Know that your classes can have meaning outside of the classroom. Take advantage of opportunities to go places and meet people. Remember that making small, specific goals will help you accomplish more, not only in college but also in life. College is only four years and it will fly by quicker than you expect.
Denise
I would suggest taking time off before college to really try and figure out what you want your major to be. Pick something. Pick something and keep in mind WHY YOU ARE IN COLLEGE. I went in undecided and got so wrapped up with the environment, my social life, and my extracurriculars, by the time graduation came I wasn't ready to leave. I don't regret a thing about college, but I do wish I kept myself more focused on my future while I was there. After all, that is why you are there, isn't it?
Colby
Pick a school that values academics over athletics. While the school with the football team will be fun to attend, the school with the great education is going to matter in the end. Four years is alot of time to invest. Make sure you enjoy the people and professors. Get involved! You will find yourself experiencing life and revaluating it by doing so!
Anne
Adjusting to college, especially as a freshman, anywher you may go is a hard experience. Do not give up the first semester. The first semester is hard for everyone. Stick it out for a year and then see where the student may want to transfer to. They picked the school for a reason so it can't be all that bad.
Adrienne
Spend the night before you make a decision.