Yoon
Don't just choose the college just based on its name value, but consider all aspects.
Neema
I would say that it is most important for parents and students to fully explore all of their options. Once accepted into schools, both student and parent should visit every school and get a feel for each campus' atmosphere. While UCLA turned out to be the perfect fit for me, it may not serve the same for others. Everyone has their own idea of what they want out of their college experience, and every campus has its own unique experience to offer. The difficulty comes in finding the right campus. As I said before, this can only be done by visiting, as well as researching every campus as well as the surrounding city.
Katy
Don't go for the name or any superficial reason (i.e., it's been your dream school), rather find out whether or not you can flourish at that school.
Courtney
Don't get your heart set on a college before you get in. Keep an open mind and visit any college you are considering before making your final decision.
Sarah
Find a place where you feel comfortable enough that you won't feel out of place. Make sure you feel like you can handle things on your own. Let the student choose where they want to go - because ultimately their happiness with the school they have chosen will impact their entire experience (academic and social). Don't just look at the campus and housing - look at the environment surronding the campus - is there transportation, do you need a car, are there things to do close by? Don't be afraid to look for things that are out of your traditional set of values/ideals. Some of the best experiences occur when you are learning without even knowing it. Make friends and don't let life pass you by.
Phillip
Don't worry too much about how prestigious or competitive the school is. Pick the school that best fits your social, atmosopheric, educationsal sensibilities.
Amie
When people ask me about my experiences at UCLA, the first thing I tell them is it was the perfect place for me. When searching for a college, you can't let its reputation influence you; you have to experience it for yourself. Location, price, size, and ambience will have a major impact on your entire college experience, and they have to flow harmoniously in order for the college to be the right fit. For me, UCLA's urban setting, liberal attitude, large size, and influence on academics was the perfect fit. In order to make the most of your college experience, you must feel at home. Make great friends (not in terms of quantity, but quality), go to a big sporting event to cheer your team on, have a fun and varied social life, explore your campus's surroundings, and do the best school work you've ever done in your life. Soak up all the experiences you can, because college will form you into the person you want to be, and the person you need to be for the rest of your life.
Maria
First, I would advice students and parents to visit the campus with a tutor guide and other time without a guide. Go to the events that are host by different organizations. Also visit an academic counsler. When students are in college, to make the most of it, find what events are happening around the campus. Go and explore different clubs. Get involve with your dorm. Overall, be friendly and outgoing.