Timothy
I would say that the most important thing about picking a school is finding one that fits you.
Kevin
Don't start the process too early and parents, don't pressure your child to apply/go to a school they aren't interested in.
Scott
Visit the schools while they are in session. Do not attend the open houses at the colleges unless you do so before the middle of your junior year in high school. Set up an appointment for a campus visit that is not attended by 30 other college bound students, it is more personal that way and you feel more comfortable in asking questions. Once you have narrowed down to a few schools, schedule an overnight visit there and stay in a dorm. This way you get a sense of the atmosphere of college life there.
Tasha
i can honestly say that even though this school was my last choice school, in reality it should have been my first choice. i say this not just because i attend this instituition, but because i truly believe it. i am a sophomore but as soon as i stepped foot in its doors, i had so much to look ahead to, academically and personally. my first choice wasspelman and i recieved a full academic tuition scholarship from Ohio State as a Morrill Scholar. i turned the scholarship becuase at that time i felt that i needed to get as far away as i could from ohio! now i realize i made i dumb and great decison all at one time. currently, ive completed 2 yrs of undergrad research, am still a tour guide, and head cheorgrapher on the hiphop dance team, and have learned so much about myself through being in college. i concluded all my tours with this statement... a school is suppose to be an extension of the individual, all the fame, prestige, and recognizition it gets doesnt matter because those are abstract concepts. what is conrete is that you follow what the heart and soul tells you
Lexi
Visit as many schools as you can to get a feel for what you want for your college experience. After visiting a few colleges I realized that I needed to be at a larger school than I originally planned on to be happy with my college experience. Also, realize that you will never be 100{4a082faed443b016e84c6ea63012b481c58f64867aa2dc62fff66e22ad7dff6c} happy about everything about your college experience, be open to changes and prepared for some disappoints anywhere you go, that's part of life. Finally, just make the best of your college years and enjoy!