Elliott
Try to talk to some of the professors before hand and see if you can find out what they are really interested in. If they put more value on their labwork than teaching then I'd think twice about attending that school.
Jessica
I thoroughly recommend the 3 R's: research, research, research! Be educated on what each college has to offer: location, size, what the campus is like, what the people are like, financial aid options, major offerings, and special programs like study abroad and internships. Also research what YOU want. What size is preferred? Are you looking for a competitive or relaxed setting? Knowing what you want before you get to college and knowing which colleges have that are the best ways to find the perfect fit. Know what you're looking for and research, research, research, ALL your options until you find it. Finding the best fit will undoubtably make for the best college experience. Once you get there, all you'll have to do is get involved and do what you love!
Joe
Start with what will make you happy. If you are academically driven, find a school where you can focus. If you have strong morals, find a school where students and faculty value your beliefs. Try not to feel pressure. Sit with your family and decide what your goals are. Are you looking for a good paying job? Are you looking for challenges in character and integrity? Are you looking for companionship? When you find that school, be satisfied, but only to a point. Many students get to school and become overwhelmed and/or lose focus. Try making friends and getting involved in school curriculars that focus on your goals. Focus is important in every respect. As you enter the adult world responsibility no longer lingers over your present. Everything you do has an impact on your future from here on out. Try to be creative and friendly! Be open to new ideas but also conservative to your beliefs. And finally, please, please, please, don't worry about having fun! No matter where you end up, if you are doing what you love, fun will find you! Good luck!!
Chatzy
In order to have a hands on college experience a student should probably live at the dorms to learn how to deal with a roommate as well as getting used to living alone without your parents around which would prepare you for life after college. You should also join some kind of club or volunteer in order to meet new people, something I haven't had time to do. Also, if you can get an on-campus part-time job, 'cause having a little extra money never hurt anyone plus whenever you want to treat yourself to buying a cute blouse or some cool new iPod for getting good grades then you can afford to do it.
Diana
I would advise parents and students looking into college to also go on campus visits. They need to get the feel of each campus before making a decision because it saves the hassel of transferring if they decide they don't want to stay at the college. Good luck to all!
Jeff
If given the chance: live on campus, take AP courses in high shcool, apply for EVERY scholarship you can find & are eligable for. Only live on campus if it is financially feasable and do research on the dorms so you know which one to request (some are run-down, constant "fire drills" while other are new and very clean). Taking AP courses in high school will allow most schools to give you credit for that course if you score well enough on the AP test but even if your college does not, most first-year classes will not go far beyond the AP material which means it will be a review of previously learned material and thus will greatly reduce stress for your first year. Finally, apply for every scholarship you can! Every bit helps and the more you apply for the greater your chances of getting money for college. It may be a pain to fill out what will seem like a never-ending stream of scholarship applications but it will all be worth it if you are granted even one.
Kelly
I would say that you need to pick a school that you are truly interested in and that offers a good program for whatever area you want to major in. Although it is hard, you need to pick a school for your own good rather than a school that all your friends are going to. You should try to steer away from a school that has a party reputation if you only want to go there so you will appear cool to everyone else. In all you just need to follow your heart and go where you want or you will not enjoy your experience to the fullest.