Elodie
no matter where you come from, no matter your race be open minded and feel free to talk to people around you and everything will be fine.
Erica
Wow, well for one I would tell myself to enjoy the last year of your high school experience but still work hard. Believe it or not you will miss high school so live it up while you can but be preparing yourself for college all at the same time. Secondly I would say follow your dreams and your heart, not your friends or your families, your own heart. Don't go somewhere only because your friends are going or because your parents went there, go where you and only you want to go. This is honestly a one in a lifetime experience so take it and run with it. Once you get to the college YOU want to go to get involved. This is the best advice I can give. It makes a world of difference to be involved in a group(s), putting yourself out there is the best way to get to know people and really enjoy every aspect of college life. Lastly, don't get caught up in the parties and not going to class. Once you fall behind it's nearly impossible to catch up. Oh and HAVE FUN!
Rachael
I would not talk myself out of going out of state. I think it would of been a good experience to get away from everything and start life out on a new slate. I just thought I would get homesick if I were to live more than 3 hours away from my house. Also if your debating about playing sports in college, do it. You will regret it if you don't. And if you hate it you can always quit, or transfer. But I made my best friends by deciding to play. It wasn't necessarily my teammates but it was all the other girl athletes that I met through university seminar. It gives you a way of meeting people. Loved that I played!!!
Jessica
I would recommend that students and their parents visit as many schools as possible. Even if that school is on the bottom of your list you should take a look at it because you never know. Students should talk to friends who attend different schools to get their take on the academics, extracurriculars, and social life. Also do not choose a school based on where your friends are going. You need to find the one that fits you the best! College is a great experience for everyone. Not only when it comes to academics, but also life-long memories and friendships. You should take your academics seriously and do the best you can, but do not forget to have fun...life is short!
Emily
It is important to research the programs offered at each college in order to make sure you can complete your major there. Also choose a college that has the class size you'd prefer. I think on-campus activities make a college experience so much better.
Danielle
Do not hesitate totry things out. There are a lot of college options out there and one would benifit best from visiting many schools and trying out manyoptions. Go out on recruit trips, visit the schools you think suit you, talk to councelers, make them sell you the school because it has to be right for you. Be sure to keep in mind all the big attributing factors of what school suits you best, like price, location, size, ect. Do not let the enormity of the decision make you scared to start looking early, because the sooner you narrow your options the better you will feel with the school and path you have chosen. College is a great time to explore yourself, and your world so never be hesitant to try new things as they come to you.
Kathryne
Students, examine your options carefully. Different people choose their colleges for various reasons. Some make their decisions based on where their friends are going, while others simply look for the least expensive school. The wise student, however, closely examines all aspects of their options. To do this, consider what best suits YOU. Would you be more comfortable in a large or small school? Which schools have programs that match your potential career aspirations, as well as your extracurricular interests? There is a good chance that if you do your research, you will find a school that can suit most, if not all, of your needs. Once you have chosen a school, make the most of your college experience by not only applying yourself in the classroom, but also taking time to make new friends and get involved on your campus!
Parents, your child needs your support as they go through the decision-making process and adjustment to college life. This can be a stressful time as they enter into a new way of life, oftentimes away from home. However, if they have your help and support, the transition to college life can be smooth and exciting for everyone!
Andrew
Find a school that you like and fits you. Then decide if you will be able to pay for it. Stay focused in school. It is far too easy to get distracted with your new freedom from your parents, but your decisions now decide the rest of your life. Do not screw it up now. You have plenty of time to drink and have a good time when you have your degree and career in line.
Samantha
The most important part of finding a college is visiting and finding that "feel". When you feel like you are a part of the campus and the activites going on around you the whole college experience is better. Finding your own "niche" is the most fun of the whole campus life. Explore, enjoy, and meet new people!!
Geoff
When deciding what college is right for you, the most important question to ask yourself is a simple one; "Can I see myself attending this college?" You must feel comfortable at the campus and you must feel comfortable with the staff. If you can take a step back and see yourself still attending a college in three years, then it is a good school for you. After you choose a school, then you obviously want to do two things; get good grades and enjoy yourself. Getting good grades can sometimes be easier said than done, but as long as you put time into each one of your classes, you will be happy with yourself. Enjoying yourself is as simple as getting involved on campus. If you join different campus groups like student government or greek life, you will find yourself not only enjoying your experience more, but also more focused on your goals and the future.