Haley
If you think you know what you want out of life, prepare to have your mind changed. Be open to new ideas, experiences, and especially to new plans. We all think we have a five-year plan or whatever, but the truth is it's hard to know what you want out of life. Keep that in mind when choosing the right college. Find a place that suits you but make sure that it will also challenge and inspire you. Don't go to a college just because it is prestigious or even convenient. Do your research and seek a school that is prepared to meet your own unique needs and provide you with the experiences that will shape the rest of your life.
Patricia
The best way to determine which is the right school is lay out your goals and see which college or university will help you achive those goals. If you are into engineering, you would look into a school that provided experienced professors, good labs and class rooms, as well as an extensive curriculum that will give you a better understanding of your field, not just a lot of "general" courses. Once that has been determined, visit the school, talk to current and former students, and see if the enviornment is right for you. If the environment doesn't match who you are, you'll find it more difficult to learn and enjoy the time you are there. Also, don't worry too much about getting into the perfect college. It is the knowledge and experience that will make you more valuable to the world then the peice of paper that said you graduated.
Cassandra
Find out what ever you can, ask questions, ask lots of questions. not sure what to ask? search for the answers on the school web site at the Student Union Building. every campus has one and you can find the know how there or if they don't have the answer your looking for they can always point you in the right direction. my campus has a student services building that has been a very help full thing for me.
Brian
Get involved, it makes everything so much more conducive to the college experience. You'll have fun and get better grades
Kariann
If your student knows what they want to major in then look for colleges that have a great program in that major. Other than that have your student look into the student government at their University and other ways the student can get involved. It really does help them with academics, having a social life, and staying out of trouble. Make sure you are allowing your student to make their own decisions. I've seen one too many cases where the parents have held on too tight and their student has gone of the deep end when out on his or her own. Let your student choose, but always be sure to keep in touch with them. Support your student! College is rough. We learn new life lessons, we face hard situations, our eyes and minds are opened as new understandings come our way. Support your children through the hard times and through the good times. And always always always ASK QUESTIONS. Show your student that you still care about them, be involved in their life!
Kaitlin
Find a college that has a solid program in the field you want to major in. Find a school that has people with similar interests as you and get involved the second you start college, whether it be rushing, joining a club or playing a sport. Put your self out there and don't be afraid what people think. It's not high school, no one cares what you wear or what party you go to. Live at the dorms your first year, great place to make friends! Find a good balance of school, work, and social life. Remember, college is hard but is something anyone can do!
Leslie
Take advantage of the resources that are available to you. Many schools have so much information that you can get your hands on, and it is really helpful in not only matching what school will be best for you, but also planning for the rest of your life. Take your time and do your research, don't just jump into the first thing that you see. College is a great experience as long as you stay focused and friendly. Don't get caught up in "college life" so much that you lose track of the whole reason you're there in the first place. Make sure that you make great friends and even greater study habits, these years are so much fun and they will determine how you live the rest of your life. Don't just learn the academics, but focus on learning life lessons and expanding your horizons on as many levels as possible. Most of all, do your best and have fun!
Kate
Choosing a college is very similar to selecting a pair of shoes. If the shoe fits, wear it, if it doesn't, find one that does. Colleges, like shoes must follow along these guidelines if you are going to include them in your everyday life. This means that like the correct college, the shoe cannot be too expensive and it must be appropriate for what you want to get out of it's use. Always try on your shoe before buying it and always visit your college before deciding to attend. DO NOT settle. This decision will affect the next 2-4 years of your life. Make sure your school can accomadate to the field of interest you're looking to pursue, that it is the correct size, that it is in a location you feel comfortable in, and that you've heard good things from the people you meet on your visit to the school.
Nicole
What do I want to be when I grow up? Who should I marry? Where do I want to live? These are all questions that have high importance in a person?s life. Among them is the very important question: Where should I go to college?
Beginning to fill out college applications can be an exciting experience. Choosing a college is where the difficulty begins. There are many things to consider, including location, tuition prices, and overall opportunities offered.
As I researched which college I wanted to attend, academics also played a major role. It was important for me to attend a school with the most esteemed professors in order to get the most out of my education. Considering I would be paying expensive tuition prices, I refused to settle for anything less than the best.
Therefore, when choosing a college, it is important to think about what opportunities you want to obtain out of your education. Whether that includes involvement in clubs, sports, volunteer groups, academic associations, and others, it is essential to consider all the benefits of a university before making a decision.
In conclusion, simply getting involved can make your college experience a memory to never forget.
Dane
I know some parents don't want to hear this but it is important for a student to choose his or her own University. The student has the responsibility of finding a University that his or her parent can efford, if he or she wants to go a college out of thier parent's budget then it is thier duty to find the funds. Applying early before October prior to attending college allows you to apply for more finacial aid. Having fun in your University is extremely important, even if you go to college primarily for school you will perform better if you have fun from time to time. Students should choose a school where they are able to enjoy themselve however you shouldn't choose a school primarilly out of enjoyment. look at the statistics and awards held by the university and talk to Academic Advisors about where alumni go and what alumni do after they graduate.