Natalie
Do what is right for you. Not for your friends or your parents, but for you.
Chaise
Definitely consider your options and look around until you find the school with the campus and programs that best fit your goals in life.
Ruth
Parents shouldn't force their kids to go to a certain school if they obviously don't want to go there. Students should follow their heart and dreams instead of listening to their parents. You have to do what you want to do and that's the most important thing that should be considered when choosing the right college.
Karyn
Parents and students should consider the school itself, as well as the opportunities it provides. Plenty of schools have a science major available, but the student needs to be comfortable with the setting and environment he/she will be learning and/or living in. In the same way, a lot of schools have a great social network or reputation as a fun, "party" school, but don't provide the major the student is looking for. Both of those things need to be a factor. Money should als be taken into consideration. These days it is very difficult to find grants or scholarships and schools are becoming more and more expensive. Parents and students should do all they can to figure the best possible payment plan because not doing so can cause serious regrets about ones education in the future. Students should aim to leave college with the smallest amount of loans possible in order to fully appreciate their experience. The most important thing to look for in schools, though, is the atmosphere. Are the students willing to learn and dedicated? If so, the environment around a new student will really encourage him/her to do their best work.
Kenyetta
The best advice that I could give is to make sure you do your research when looking for a potential college or university. Do not look for schools that have popular names and reputation. Make sure that the school that you want to attend has the programs that you want to be in. Make sure the college has everything you need to succeed in the futre. After that is done, try to get involved and build new experiences.
Terry
Pick the school that best fits the students personality and needs.
Nedea
visit the college before coming and weigh all of your options
Yangfeifei
College really isn't as big and scary as Iit seems. Make sure you pick a school that fits you, not just academically. It has to have flavor and fun besides drinking. If you like to have a social life but hate hangovers and if you enjoy cultural diversity you should probably look into a big city school. Don't let partying and socializing be the number one priority! I've seen smart engineers fail out of school because of partying. Don't let your social life take over your college life! As you go from freshman to senior, your classes will get harder and smaller, this is call weeding out the failures. Don't be one of those who get's weeded out. Actually study for your exams! This is not high school, your professors are not going to take stupid excuses. You're an legal adult now so you absolutely NEED to be responsible!
Rebecca
I would tell parents/students to research colleges in junior year of high school. Also visit the school to see what it would be like to go there. Go to the library or the common hangouts and see how students interact.