Nicole
Ever since I began to develop interest in the arts, I found myself being constantly discouraged and ridiculed because most believe there is no future in the field. I always did well in school but never had an interest in it. Now that I've moved past these obstacles I have a new passion and desire to learn. I truely believe it is because I not only chose to ignore those who discouraged me, but also used that as fuel to push myself harder to prove myself. I now absolutely love the school I chose and I'm glad I never settled. I have seen one too many friends leave school because they were miserable doing work for classes they didnt have an interest in. Therefor my best advice would be to choose a school and a major that you feel strongly about because you as a student are the only one that is stuck with that major and that career. As for parents, always encourage your child to do what they love and experiment in different areas and activities. Being discouraged by a parent is the worst feeling in the world when it comes to doing what you love.
Rachel
Do it yourself. These three words are the best instructions a college applicant can receive. Choosing the right college is essential to a successful four years of education, and a student is most likely to apply to schools that best match their interests if they do it themselves. Tidbits of advice from parents never hurt; however, parents shouldn't control where children apply, and it is of utmost importance that the final decision of what school to attend is made by the student, and the student alone. Once the transition from highschool to college is made, these words of advice only gain importance. If a student is calling home each day asking what to eat, what clubs to join, or even asking for help on papers, they'll never gain true independence, which is what the college experience is supposed to embody. Students must figure everything out themselves. By choosing activities for pleasure rather than those reccommended for a resume, they learn identity. By approaching professors for help, they develop important relationships with adults who can help them reach career goals. By not confiding everything in parents, new friends will come more easily. Doing it yourself is all it takes.
Erin
In order to find the right college to attend, it is best to visit the different colleges you are considering to decide which campus offers the best for you.
Julie
Finding the right college can be difficult, but doing research about colleges that interest someone, and then visiting those colleges to see if the campus is right. I think visiting the college is one of the most important parts of choosing a college. A college might seem great on paper or online, but visiting the campus can really help in making the right decision. When you visit the campus, you can see the dorms, talk to the students, and see the academic buildings as well. Visiting my college campus really helped me make my decision.
The best advice I could give a student in making the most of their college experience would be to get involved. No matter what school someone goes to, there are sure to be plenty of activities to be a part of. Whether it is an on campus job, community service, a religious organization, band, choir, clubs, sports teams, Greek Life, or a mentor program, getting involved is a great way to learn time management, meet new people, and make some great friends as well. Getting involved on my campus has made my college experience so much better than I ever thought it could be.
Casey
The advice that I would give to parents and/or students regarding finding the right college and making most of the experience would vary in many ways. Choosing the right college relies 100{4a082faed443b016e84c6ea63012b481c58f64867aa2dc62fff66e22ad7dff6c} on the student, what their needs are, what their desires are, and what their hopes for the future are. If a student likes a close, tight knit community, then a smaller college should be the one to choose. If a student wants to expand their horizons, meet many new people, experience a larger campus, then a larger college should be the one to choose. When visiting a college, I knew right away if it was the one for me, and like other students, I'm sure this happens for them too. On a campus tour, a student can tell immediately if they can see that place as a new home and whether they will fit in there or not. Overall, picking the right college depends solely on the student and their needs. There are thousands and thousands of great universities across the globe, and the possibility of finding the right college to suit one's needs is incredible.
Alyssa
If I were to talk to an incoming freshman, there are a few pieces of advice I would be sure to give him I would be sure he knew that it is critical to put yourself out there the moment you get to school in order to meet people. Be yourself, don?t be what others want you to be or you will find out right away you?re mixing with the wrong group. Go to class. There is only one way to find out what your professor is like as an instructor and a grader. Don?t go into the exam after attending only a few lectures and fail because you had no idea what was expected of you. Class is important, but so is the work outside of class. Don?t wait until the night before a paper is due to start it. Professors are willing to help, for the most part, as long as you contact them a few days before the deadline. Last, I would tell an incoming freshman that college is a great part of life. Don?t spend every Friday night at the library. Get out there and let loose after a long week.
Jessica
Submerge yourself completely, this is the time to be your own person and learn what you are capable of. No one is behind you breathing down your neck telling you what to do, it can be overwelming... but if you are determined, you will do great things in life.
Ashley
Being flexible and being intentional are the two keys to happiness and success in college. If you learn to take the good with the bad you'll always be happy with your choice. No school will be completely perfect for you both academically and socially, your college years are what you make them. The more things you involve yourself in, the more satisfying your college experience will be, thats why it is important to find a school that offers a wide range of extr-curricular activities. On the same token, if you know what you want, intentionally seek it out. Take the classes that will give you the most valuable experiences, not just the easy A. Be involved in the activities that translate well to a resume or career experience. It's not enough to be just an advanced student anymore, you need to be a well-rounded individual. Most importantly, have fun. College really is the best four years of your life, so take time to enjoy the things you do and the different people you meet.
Clarice
When looking for the right college it's very important to do your research. When I was trying to decide what school to attend, I made a list of pros and cons for each school to help organize my thoughts. If possible, attend a tour and don't be afraid to ask questions. Some schools allow potential students to shadow current undergraduates to get a feel of college life. There are many resources available online and in your local bookstore that can help you make your decision. Overall, it's helpful to know what you are looking for and how you would like to benefit from your education.
Make the most of your college experience by taking advantage of the resources that the school provides. Resources may include: Writing Center, Quantitative Center, Career Services, Study Abroad Office, on campus museums, Health Services, Recreation Center, Community Outreach, and more. If your ever find that there is a service or club that the school does not provide, you can start it yourself and become the founder of a new organization. Students and parents should always remember that the school is there is to serve you and that your voice is valued.
Julie
I think the best thing for a student to do when picking a college to go visit schools before you apply. You may think that a school is going to be perfect for you, but if you don't visit before, you could find out too late that you don't like the campus or the students on campus. Visiting the campus is so crucial because you can get a feel for what the school is really like, you can see the current students on campus, and possibly even talk to them to get their view of the school. Obviously choosing the right major and program is extremely important as well, but if you don't like the campus you're studying at, I don't believe a student will get the most out of their college experience.
I think a student's experience in college depends on what they put into it. If a person gets involved in activities on campus and tries to make new friends, then they will have a great college experience. There are so many amazing opportunities at universities that there is something for everyone. Making the college experience good is up to the person.