Austin
College really is what you make of it. Finding the right college for yourself or your child is relatively easy. Let yourself or your child be proactive in choosing the college because if they are forced to attend a college that they aren't interested in, they will be less likely to love their college. Getting involved is the easiest way to really fall in love with the university. There are countless friends that can be made and clubs/organizations are a great way to build a resume and create a networking tree for after graduation. College is the most fun and important time in a young adult's life and creates a mature and focused person. With the right mind set and work ethic, everyone can have the time of their lives and come out as a successful graduate no matter where they attend college.
Laura
The most useful advice that I would provide to parents and students regarding the search for the right college and making the most of the college experience is to take advantage of all available opportunities. When researching and identifying prospective colleges, a student should be willing to consider all possible schools, regardless of financial situation, location, or expectance of admittance. There are always methods for eluding these impediments, so one should never be discouraged from applying to a school for such reasons. This advice also applies to the overall college experience because while in college a student will be presented with a multitude of occasions, many of which have the potential to result in a more enjoyable experience for the student. For example, a student may be given the extraordinary chance to study abroad. Such an opportunity would allow a student to develop a broader world view and encounter irreplaceable situations. Studying abroad is just one example of the many opportunities that can contribute to the academic and social life of a college student. A student will be able to find the right college and make the most of the college experience by taking advantage of the endless opportunities available.
Ashleigh
I would tell students to not pick a college because that is where their friends are going, or because it is close to home. One of the best decisions I have made is to attend college in a big city that is far away from home, because it forced me to grow up and become more independent. Live on campus your first year, join the Greek community (or other social network), and meet a lot of people!! To parents, let your children make the decision, but offer advice. Don't smother them!
Von
When someone is looking into what college they want to attend there are several important aspects they should look into. One is to look at how many people attend the school. Some students want to attend a college that has twenty or thirty thousand students, while some want to attend a school with only a couple thousand. They should also think about what they want to major in and what college or university is suitable for that major. Another thing they should look at is the campus and its surroundings. The prospective students should make sure that the campus of the college or university appeals to them. For instance, if they like to participate in sports they should make sure there is an athletic center or if someone likes to study at a library a lot they should make sure there are libraries that are suitable for studying and doing research.
There are several things someone can do to get the most out of their college experience. The main thing is to get involved. When a person gets involved in something they like it makes it is very easy to find a good group of friends.
Kendra
College is a pivotal time in a person's life. So much knowledge and self-discovery is achieved during the time that a person spends in college. Finding the right one that suits your needs is important, but I feel that no matter where a person chooses to go, so many new life experiences and lessons are gained that will prepare them for the roads and paths ahead. Advice that I would give to anyone who is about to begin their college career would be to make smart choices financially, realize that this is a very important component of your life that determines who you are and decisions that you will make in the future, and make the most of it. Once its gone you can never get it back.
Jeffrey
When finding the right college I believe the most important thing to consider is the campus saftey and how comfortable you feel walking to classes. The student body is also very important, each school has its own "brand" of people and during your college visits you should take the time to stop someone on campus to ask about the social life.
Zachary
I would say search out the best college that suits your needs. Don't just follow your friends or look for the next big party. Seriously consider what you want to do with your life and choose the college that best provides that experience. College is the most important thing you can do with your life. Don't waste it.
Mikhail
Start early by picking out at least 5 schools that interest you. Visit these colleges if possible and talk to students and/or staff there. Look for scholarships because there are so many of them out there.
Amanda
Make sure you visit each college you want to go to and that school is in session when you visit. You can get a really good idea of what campus will be like and see if you will fit in there. They give you so much information at once, but DON'T be afraid to ask quesitons. Write some down before you go so when they ask you can actually ask. This is YOUR choice, YOUR college, you need to make the best decision you can on what college you want to go to.
Carrie
Finding the right college can be a tough choice, but I think the most important thing is feeling at home at the university you chose. Nothing is more important than a student's comfort at, and love for their school. All other factors will then fall into place with ease, such as the quality of specific fields of study offored by the university (i.e. business or biology); participation in greek life or other campus clubs and activites; financial aid; on campus or off campus housing; job and internship opportunities, etc.
In order to make the most of the college experience, my best advice to an incoming student would be to always be open to new experiences. Explore all that the campus has to offer, even if it seems out of the ordinary. In doing so, one is able to find their own niche in a sea of thousands of students, make new friends, and learn a lot about themselves in the process. Change is an integral part of college as one is exposed to people from all over the country, and it is an experience that can be had only once, so take advantage of it while you can!