Carl
In finding the right school that fits one must take into account the distance of the school from one's home. Many students would rather stay close to home and this can have an affect on the students college life, and academics. Financial status should be taken into consideration. No one wants to be in debt to their knees after they graduate. Therefore, findings a school that fits into one's financial budget is good. Make sure the college has the major one is interested in pursuing. It is also nice to have a school that has one's major and is accredited. That means getting the degree from an accredited program is better than just having a degree from a ordinary program. Making the most of college life is in the students hands. Get active at one's school. Meeting new and different people can go a long while later in life. Joining clubs and participating in extra-curricular activites enhances one's college experience. It will definitely one to remember, because most only get one chance.
Mark
The advice that i would give students about finding the right college is to read as much about the school you think you like then go see the school while it's in session. See if the school has you major that you plan to study. Visiting a college is the most vital part of picking a school. This will allow you to know almost everything from the kind of place the college is. From how the students act, the class interactions, and just the city or town itself. This will give you the best idea to see if you really want to go to that college. During the research first on the college will partly insure that you are not wasting money on a visit due to travel.
Claire
Visit as many schools as possible and try not to be influenced by what other people tell you you should look for. Size has a huge impact on a school so make sure you have the feel for big and small schools so you know what is right for you. City versus suburban can also have a great affect on your experience so make sure you figure out which is best suited to you. The most important thing is to make the decision on your own and don't be influenced by what other people are doing or saying because this is where you will be for the next four years and you need to know it is right for you. Ultimately you will get back what you put in, so where ever you end up get involved in as many things as possible and meet as many people as you can.
Cynelsa
Finding the right college is not always the easiest thing. Make sure that before you begin searching, you know what types of envrionments you thrive in, how much money you're willing to pay, location and transportation concerns. Setting these types of ideas beforehand well pay off. As far as making the most of your experience when you've made it, make sure you are challenging yourself daily. Make sure you have a positive outlook on life and that your personal goals have to do with empowering yourself and the people around you. Get involved and help your community!
Lauren
I would advise students to research the schools that they really are interested in visiting. Don't just go off what the acceptance packet or the website or people say actually look into it. The tours and orientation are good options as well, however asking the actually student body is probably the best thing for you. They can tell you the true climate of the campus and what's really going on because if you do decide to come to the campus they are going to be you. Also, don't settle if the campus doesn't feel right or things just seem off to you don't go because you think that you'll end up liking it late. I've had friends that returned to schools that are closer to home because they went to they thought they'd grow into but they didn't. So feel out the school that you're interested in and don't settle you'll be spenidng four years of your life here and you're going to want to be comfortable.
Jennifer
The greatest piece of advice anyone could give to potential students (and the parents who want the best for them) is this: you get out what you put in. Yes it is a bit cliched, possibly trite, but it is one-hundred percent true and is especially well-suited to the college experience; regardless of which institution of higher learning in which one chooses to pursue a degree, the experience will only be as positive and as fulfilling as it is allowed to be. So even if you didn't get accepted to, or can't afford, your first choice, chances are an amazing and educationally-sound experience is waiting for you at one of your safeties so long as you are willing to give it your best. Try not to be too concerned with where your high school friends are going, and don't allow the specter of homesickness to keep you from venturing farther than you may be comfortable with right now, you will rise to the challenge and be better for it. When you do get to college try not to allow high school hang-ups to keep you from experiencing everything you can, do it all.
Amanda
look for schools size, and environment... sign up for lots of activities to meet new people and friends
Katie
In order to find the right college, I would tell students to go on as many college visits as possible, and when they go, they need to think about how they would fit in at that particular college and talk to students that already go there. They also need to think about their passions, and what opportunities that college can offer them during and after their undergraduate experience. Don't ever choose a college because everyone you know is going there. College leaves different impressions on different people and it is important to decide on the college that you feel fits you best.
Making the most of your college experience can be described in two words: get involved. Whether it is undergraduate research, volunteering, clubs, sports, or Greek life, getting involved on campus can make or break your college experience. Student groups can introduce you to new experiences, people, opportunities, and outlooks on life. The people that you meet can potentially be life-long friends, or just leave a lasting impression on you. Find your passion and pursue it; once you are in the real world you can never get back those opportunities missed in college.
Laura
When searching for the right college, visit a school at least once if not two or three times before you make your decisions. Attend a class, stay overnight, get to know the campus to make sure that this is truly the school for you. I visited my college 4 times before I made my final decision, and I'm so glad I did. Also, take the tour and ask questions!! The tour guides are there to help you and make sure you know everything there is to know about the school.
Another tip: Don't count a school off your list because it rained or was bad weather the day you visited. Not all days are like that. Yes, the weather can make the trip less enjoyable and more uncofortable but try to make the best of the situation.
Alot of times, you'll just know that a school is perfect for you from the second you step onto the campus. Listen to your heart. Make sure you love the school, and be open to all the new opportunities that lie ahead! And you'll be fine!
Adriel
My advice to students searching for their right school would be to follow your passions. Students today are being pressured to choose a school based on its academic merit as opposed to what they really offer to the individual. As a result, those who choose a school for its prestige and not for what it can offer on a personal level, will eventually either receive poor grades or graduate with a degree in a field in which they are not satisfied with. What a school can offer you is a very important factor to consider because after your academic career, you will be the one responsible for paying off the debts that have accumulated. Because of this, I believe that if you are going to end up paying off debts for a while after you graduate, you should be able to pay off your debts with the thought in mind that you got your money's worth.