Chelsea
First you have to decide the career path you would like to take. Once you know that it is best to search for the colleges that are best suited for that career. Then, pick the college from those colleges that you like best location wise.
To make the most of the college experience once in college a student should try out different groups and join the ones that they enjoy the most. That's a great way to meet friends who are interested in the same things you are interested in. If you don't join any groups it might be hard to make new friends just by going to class. My best advice would be to join at least one group while in college because it will keep you active on campus and give you more of a social life outside of school!
Pamela
If I had to give one piece of advice about choosing a college, I would tell the family to go visit. Visiting the college on a day when school is in session is the best way to get the "feeling" of the place. You can imagine yourself as part of the crowd and see if you like the atmosphere. Seeing it with your own eyes, instead of trusting what the internet says is a vital part of choosing the place that is best for you.
To make the most of a college experience I would suggest joining at least one group. It doesnt have to be varsity sports or a big fraternity. But any group will do. You form ties with people which automatically make the place feel more comfortable. From there you will gain the self esteem to step out and meet more people. Its those bonds that you form that truly make the college experience.
Jenna
Spend some time visiting the college, you cant know if you will like it unless you see it in person. Remember professionals take the pics. in the pamplets, so you need to see it with your own eyes!
Amanda
As a freshman you have the chance to really branch out and meet new people. I would advise that a freshman spends minimal amount of time with people you already know, really try to put yourself out there and get involved in all the social/service groups you can! The longer you wait, the harder it is to build up a busy social life. Take all the advice you can get, and try your hardest not to procrastinate on school work. I think that no matter what college you get into you will easily find a place where you "fit in". Get ready for a big change! Leaving home for college has been the best experience of my life.
Byron
First i would do some research into your major. Find out what areas in your major you like the most, and that will give you the best chance to succeed after college. Go in with a definite major in mind. I know it is hard to know what you want at such a young age, but it will save you alot of time and money if you know what you want to do and stick with it. Also get familiar with all of the programs and courses the university offers in your degree program and choose carefully. Find out about all of the options you have to pay for your school experience. There are many programs, scholarships and grants that no one knows about and that are avalible for your major. Taking the time to be prepared for your classes can also be a big help. For freshmen going in life can go a thousand miles an hour and can be very confusing, so dont get overwhelmed, take it very seriously, and study every night. College can be fun, but dont spend all your time having fun, be serious and dedicated. Have a great experience, and good luck.
China
Research your favorites and give yourself as many possible choices as you can so that you don't end up just "settling" for a school. Make sure your interests will be met the best they can at the schools you apply to because nothing is worse than getting into a program that really doesn't meet your plans and ideals.
Matt
I would tell the parents to become more involved in the selection process. I see too many students who are going through this process all alone, as I did. It can be a very daunting and intimidating experience to go all alone. Parents, research several universities and make sure your children look at a variety of schools. I think too many students focus on one school and then when they are not admitted, are too late to apply for other schools. In addition, I would tell prospective students, to take advantage of all the resources that your university would provide to you. There is so much available to students that is not utilized and is put in place for us to succeed if only we take advantage of them. College really is the best years of your life. Take the time to enjoy the whole college experience. Most importantly I would say, meet new people, help others out. I think college is much more rewarding when you meet new people , and branch out.
Alex
Find the college that you are willing to stay in for 4 years. If you do not know what your major is, take the time to search for it in College. Most importantly, concentrate on studying, your not in school to just have fun; your here to get a life for your own.
Alexis
Listen to concerns you kids have about their overall college experience. Let them grow on their own but be supportive. Do not put such a strong emphasis on academics, encourage them to be well rounded students.
sherry
Maximizing the college experience involves searching for a campus that offers the most important qualities to a student and their parents. A variety of resources are important, as well as, prices, location, access to food, housing, and overall quality of the education experiences. The right college should be within a budget, offer the courses needed for a degree, and amenable to the learning experience. When students are away from home, they need access to resources in times of assistance. All of these things are important.