Tanya
Know that no matter what school you end up at it is what you make of it that creates the college experience. Take advantage, meet new people, strive for excellence, and learn a lot.
Nathan
There is no right answer. You or your student could most likely be perfectly happy at multiple campuses, so choose the school that just feels right. Look for academic or extracurricular activities that excite you and simply a campus that feels a little bit like home.
Jessica
Find a college that will have all of the resources you will need to pursue your degree. Meet the faculty of your degree department, make sure they are friendly and helpful. You need to find a college environment that will make you feel comfortable and motivated to work hard. Also, find a college that has great financial aid plans because it's always good to be prepared.
Claire
GO OUT AND MEET PEOPLE!! Follow your gut when choosing the right school. It will work out for the best. And if you don't like where you end up, then switch! Have fun and do things outside of your comfort zone. Skip class to go play tennis on a beautiful day. Go to symphony concerts and football games. Experience EVERYTHING!
Allison
While it's imporant to think about the academic programs available at your school, you should really think about what the social experience will be like there. Visiting a school is important, but it's also good to talk to some students (those who AREN'T leading your campus tour, because they will likely have a scripted answer) about what life is really like there. And consider the size of the school you want to attend - OU has wonderful opportunities because of it's large size, but it's really easy to feel lost, and there's almost no personal connections with either professors or other students.
Megan
I would recommend really thinking about what you want out of college before deciding on something you may not end up liking. Once you narrow down your goals for college, take the time to visit a few campuses and watch how others interact. Being from the South, I love that the people on our campus are so friendly and always smiling or waving at others. It's a very inviting environment, and you should feel comfortable around the people you attend school with. I had no idea how much I could fall in love with a place that is not my hometown. I truly cherish this campus, and I only wish that others could find the same thing in the college they attend. Get involved, learn the community, show school spirit, and try things out of your comfort zone...you never know who you might meet or what you might learn about yourself. Afterall, isn't college about growing as an individual just as much as getting a good education?
Haley
Make a visit to campus, when you're "home" you'll feel it!
Emily
go to ou! its the best college
Melissa
I would say to just choose a college that you think will accomodate your own learning needs. If you know that you cannot focus in large class sizes, then look into a smaller university. Also, apply to several universities to leave different options open as far as financial aid because you never really know the amount you will receive so if you have options open you can find the one that best suits your capabilities. Lastly, I would say to look at the implications your college choice may have on your future. If you go to a really expensive university where yo will have to take out many loans you will be paying for a long time afterward, and possibly delay grad school plans, and if you choose an easy school it may effect your ability to get a job after college.
Garrett
I would urge each and every future college student to look past the power of grades.