Neill
Search for scholorships and talk to a finacial aid representative even if you don't feel that you may qualify!
Art
Honestly, your undergrad choice is not that big if you plan on going to grad school. Just find a school that you feel you will do the best and will match what you want the best. I would say you get what you put into college, so seek out the experiences in your major and join clubs if you can.
Laura
If I were to advise a parent or student about finding the right school, I would tell them that the college environment and expertise should reflect highly on you in the job field. For example, if you are going to work in an urban job field, you should attend an urban college. I think that it gives you more creditials, exposes you to the environment that you will eventually work in and puts you closer to your future employers. You are also more likely to make connections with qualified and recognized people in your field that will be able to help you along the way.
Kerri
Make sure of what you want to be. If you're going into a medical field understand alot of college experience that you hear about will not happen for you. College can be fun, however when you finally get that offer from the school you want, think about what you want before you say yes. It is easy to get into college then start to slip a little. A class here, a small asignment there it doens't seem like it should make a difference, but once you start, you'll find you rapidly lose control and next thing you know you are in serious trouble class and have no idea how to catch up or fix it. It doesn't sound like it can happen but it does often. Remember most people when they first go to college are more interested in being in COLLEGE, then BEING in college.
Finally remember sometimes when you are most stressed and life is falling down around your ears people are there to help, but they can't do that if you don't let them. The hardest lesson you will learn in this journey is to simply stop, and ask for help.
Erica
Look for a college that has a department for the field your wanting to study, and if your college has Greek Life, join it. It is the best way to meet people and it's great networking.
Brittany
I would suggest that students research their options and before deciding on a college look at scholarships and tuition. This was a huge factor in determining where I attended school. There are so many people in debt today and most of it is because of their education so if students choose a college responsibly they will be better off financially in the future. Also, students should look at the environment that surrounds the college. If you are not in a comfortable environment, it is harder to adjust and succeed.
Olubukola
The college should have diversity. This is a time when students find out who they are. They explore, take risks, learn more about themselves and their capabilities than at any other time in their lives. The college should be very focused and grounded in the area of study that the student is focusing on. If they are undecided, then the college should have many areas of study to choose from to help the student decide. the college should also have a lot of pride, and students should exhibit school spirit. Another important thing is financial aid, work-study, scholarships, grants, and loans; parents and students should make sure they know what is available to them. Try looking at professors on-line to see who actually teaches and wants you to learn versus who just wants a paycheck to fund their research. College also depends on if the student will have a vehicle, and how far away the college is. If your student won't have a car, a more college centered area, would be easier for the student to get around and even enjoy life off campus.
Ana
Find that place that intrigues you the most, where you mentally place yourself in a student's shoes and find a fit, where activities that you have never engaged in start calling your name, or where the familiar ones suddenly have an immense potential to challenge you to levels you never imagined. Find somewhere you can laugh easily and not forcefully, where the excitement of beginning a new experience is not overshadowed by fear. Find the place where you see yourself becoming the person you were meant to be, a place that will help you achieve what you want in life, and a place where you learn something you never knew about yourself.
Rheneashion
Go tour the school, talk to students who've been there for a least a year to see what their experiences are like. Live on campus, you make more friends that way if you can. Get involved in at least one organization, thats another way to get the most out of the experience. Make a friend in each class, just in case something comes up where you cant make it they can help you out. And most importantly make sure you know everything about the financial aid, such as work study, scholarships, and especially loans! Get only what you need as far as loans go and make sure you read all the fine print!
Colleen
When I walked onto UMKC's campus, I could immediatly see myself going to school there. I could see myself walking around classes, having a future there, and that's important. I didn't find that anywhere else, and that's one of the big reasons why I chose UMKC. Follow your instincts, if you think a school isn't the right fit for you, then it's not! Try to immagine your life there and picture yourself in a year or two. Is it there? Then you picked the right school.