David
The earlier you know what you want to do after college the better. It allows more time for planning your place in the world and the steps you will have to take in getting there. At the same time, you may spend college searching for your passion and continue searching after graduation. The best advice overall is to keep an open mind and always look, listen, and learn.
Kayley
Research is an important part of the process. Don'y just take a tour of the campus, take the time to shadow someone in the field you are interested in to get the full picture. Make sure that you are financially able to cover the costs of attending the school. This is extremely important for both small and big schools. Apply to a lot of different schools and dont get burnt out in the process. if you do, you may end up in a place that you aren't happy with. although there is no way to know which choice will be the most beneficial until you get there, researching your options will definitely help. I definitely believe that researching your options and all of the pro's and con's is the most important part of the college process. research will allow you to have a wonderful college experience. it will allow you to see all of the aspects of your potential college life. if you are happy in your decision, you will have a positive and wonderful experience.
Cleo
Visit the campuses before making your decisions. Realize that tuition increases every year. Know that some degrees don't have a clear cut job path and researching job positions is important. Do as many clubs and activities as you can because you meet people through these opportunities.
Kim
Choosing where you want to go to college is an extremely personal , and frequently stressful , decision that teens and their families have to make. In order to ease the tension of picking a college one would determine what you might like to study or major in at college first, giving you some idea of a career. One could develop a list of criteria you want to use to evaluate and weed out colleges. For instance, distance from home, financial aid assistance , or class sizes. This would help to lessen your options. Another thing would be to visit the college first. The brochures might show you one thing but when you actually visit you could be expose to a whole new world.
Th greatest outcome of the college experience is finding yourself in the proceess. With new responsibilities and a lot of time it is eeasy to discover something different in yourself. When you do, you embrace that innner person and apply it to the rest of your life.
Jennifer
Find out a situation that you are most comfortable with, and go with the college that best suits these needs. I weighted my need to stay at home with my divorced mother heavily in my case, and don't regret it. Because of this I picked a school nearby, and lived off campus to save money. If you're social, and feel that in order to experience college-life to the fullest you need many friends and need to be able to immerse yourself into academic and social pursuits, join a sorority/fraternity and definitely try living on campus. If you're into the arts, focus on schools who offer reputable Arts and Science degrees. Being a business major, I looked into the reputation of Stetson University's Business School before applying. It was rated #1 in the state at the time, so I knew I'd be getting the most out of my money. Always remember that you (or your parents) are paying for you to attend this college, and because of that you should be experiencing college life exactly how you want to. Never go second best, and always think ahead for your future in your career!
Chantel
I would pay attention to the size and the kind of environment that will be best for learning. It's also important to know what kind of financial aid each school gives becuase it is different at every school.
Michele
For prospective studnents and their parents, I think one of the most important things they can do together in selecting a university that fits their needs, is sit down together and make a list of all the features they want at a school and then continue to go through the process of selecting schools together. No one should choose a college without also visiting and seeing what the vibe is at every school they are thinking of attending. Don't choose a university just because your best friend or boyfriend is going there; make the choice that best fits your dreams and aspirations for your life. Follow what you think is right for you, and you won't be disappointed.
Jennifer
You want to make sure the college fits your personality. Also you want to think on situations such like not being close to home or not having small classes to see what your fit is.
Carrie
I would make sure parents and students consider what colleges are economically feasible for their family.
Paul
"The only things one never regrets are one's mistakes." - Oscar Wilde