Laura
The first piece I would give to any incoming student would be to job shadow. I believe that everyone has preconcieved notions of what their future job is like. However, a student should job shadow to see if they like the environment, stresses, paperwork, or people that the job entails. This will help prevent students from switching majors as much and therefore having to take less classes. As far as the right college, it needs to be a college where the student feels comfortable and has the opportunity to challenge the student. The right college has to also be affordable in order for the student to keep attending that specific college. Students should also find the time to make friends and to get involved in something that they are interested in. There are tons of clubs to get involved in.
Monique
I would like to advise parents and students to start early and make the best decision based on their specific circumstances. There are so many choices these days with online education, correspondence courses, the ability to transfer credits from high school to college. Research all available options and find out what the requirements are for scholarships and aid, then work toward meeting them.
Charlotte
I would suggest that students not only visit the campus, but get to know current students and sit in on some of the lectures before you enroll. Talk to students about the professors. Visit the school website and search for syllabi of classes you intend to take. Finally, when deciding which organizations to join, choose two that will allow you to be active and possibly serve in a leadership roll, rather than signing up for several and not having the opportunity to get the most out of the opportunity.
ryan
Take your time and start as early as possilble
Candice
College is a milestone in one's life, and the process is just as important as the outcome. One must take into consideration of the kinds of lifestyles demanded by particular campuses. Studious individuals must look for those places that will quench their thirst for knowledge while those not so ambitious must relieve their wants. Parents must come to the understanding that growing up doesn't always mean cutting off, but letting go in order to thrive. College is not completely about grade point averages and late night cram sessions for threatening mid-terms. It's about the homecoming games and endless parties that sew memories into our life stories. It's about the best friend we meet that without, we would otherwise end up in tearful breakdowns. It's about finding the inner you without disregarding the exterior self. College is the best horrible thing that could happen to a person.
Its a journey without end but resulting in discovery.
jesmy
Deciding the right college is a very difficult decission. My advice to students and parents is to prapare well in advanced for college and to make sure your picking the school that you , the student, feels will help suceed in life.
Tina
Diversity should be one of the biggest factors in choosing a good school. However, one must not forget that college is a center for learning. College is a place of growth for any individual willing to grow. Both academically and socially college give us what our parents and community can not.
Lyndsey
Finding the right college is not about where your best friend or your boyfriend/girlfriend is going, its about where you want to spend the next four years of YOUR life. If you know what you want to do with your life research which university is best for that major, if you aren't sure about your exact major look for a university that specializes in your interests. When you get there join as many clubs and organizations as you can and want, always speak up in class, and get into as many study groups as possible. The point is, you need to have fun but don't forget you're here to begin the rest of your life.
Brittany
Don't get your heart set on one place that you think you want to go. You should leave your options open and apply to as many colleges. When entering college, go in with high expectation, and be ready to work.
Brittany
Make sure the college you choose fits every aspect of you. Don't choose based on family alumni status or where most of your friends plan to attend. Make sure the school is well accredited and offers the classes you need to get the degree best fit for you. Also make sure you enjoy the surrounding area. If you are used to living in the country a school in downtown Houston or D.C for example may be a bit intimadating, which could hinder your ability to perform well.