Kevin
Pray to Jesus about it
Marika
Try to get as many scholarships as possible. Go into college not looking for what you can get out of it, but how you can benefit the school and your peers.
Lydia
Think, research, visit. I think initially, it is important to discover what you want to do, or at least get a general idea. I know many students go to college with no clue what they want to do, but I found it helpful to have an idea what I wanted so I knew what type of classes I wanted to take and what type of school I wanted to go to. It's important to look for a school that has a strong program in what you consider going into, which is why researching different schools are important. Finally, it is important to actually visit the school. Often a school can look great on paper and may have a catchy website, but when you visit the actual campus, you realize that it's not really a good fit. Schools can brag all they want about their students' accomplishments and the awards the school receives and whatnot, but in the end, if you don't feel it is the right place, it won't suddenly become that. It's important to pick a school that both has great academics and will make you feel comfortable and welcome.
Elizabeth
Really search for the school that will benefit you the most and vice versa. Find a school that has your program down to a "T", and don't settle for anything less than what you want! If it looks impossible because of money, use all the resources out there to apply for scholarships. It's what I had to do, because I knew my family couldn't afford college alone. And once you find the school that's perfect for you, get involved! There is so much that you will learn and so many people that you can meet if you only take the time to get involved on your campus. You can even look into the off-campus programs offered, like maybe tutoring or an after school kids program or something. This is a good time to get acquainted with the community that you will be a part of during your two or four years at that college or university. But at the same time, don't over do it. Find a school that offers what you want and check into their campus activities and programs before you get there. That way, you can divide up your time wisely!
Allison
In order to find the right college, decide what is most important to you: the availability of a major, professor involvement, size, availability of times classes are offered, location, etc. Look for a school that has the same priorities and values as you do. Visit the college before making a decision to make sure that it fits. Once the decision has been made, make the most out of the college experience by getting involved, get to know professors and other students. Find ways to become part of the school. Enjoy the random and diverse activities that go on within the school. Invest in relationships with others and in classes.
Rebekah
I would recommend visiting each prospective college in person before making a final decision. Don't worry too much about the Admssions process- it's more difficult to choose a school than to get in to one. Once you're there, remember that you're in college to get a degree, not to party. While college is a blast, it is ultimately an experience that is supposed to prepare you for life.
Emily
When looking for a school, find graduates who are not paid by the institution and listen to what they have to say. It is the non-donors who testify to the strong characteristics of the school who will give you the most trustworthy insight to what your experience is going to be like. They aren't being paid by the school to recruit students, so you know that their testimony of their time spent on the campus is uninfluenced by outside factors. Once you find the school, a good rule of thumb is to know that what you will get out of your time in college as entirely based on how much you put into it. Open your dorm door, go to different school functions, and get involved with your academic department. Don't waste your time locked up in your dorm, playing video games. Use your time wisely and do not become too overly committed. Find what you are good with and do it well, learn to say no to the other options. There will always be other opportunities. Study abroad while you still have the freedom to travel, it is much harder to after you have graduated.
Alex
The things that you love to do will probably have a big impact on your major. Try to think of all your skills and hobbies when you decide on a major.
Josh
In order for one to adequately choose a school that will benefit them academically, spiritually, socially and economically, one must research. You can't expect to fit in at any college or university across the country, and you most certainly can't rely on scholarships and government grants to get you where you need to go. To find the right college, learn about yourself. What are your likes/dislikes? What are your pet peeves? How do you relax? Each of these will determine which school will suit you best. If you hate hustle and bustle, an urban school is probably not for you.
Likewise, in order to make the most of your college experience, don't be afraid to get involved. Most schools offer a wide variety of extra-curricular activities in which you can participate, so don't be afraid to sign up for things and commit. On the flip-side of that, be careful not to over-commit, because when the rubber meets the road, you'll appreciate the little time you have to relax.
All in all, know yourself, learn about the schools, and get involved.