P.
Parents should definitely help their children and prospective college students select a good college. However, the ultimate decision is in the hands of the student. The next four years are pivotal academically, emotionally and psychologically and all aspects of the schools setting, atmosphere, climate, location, size and academic achievements must be considered. There is not one single most important aspect in making such an imporant decision.
Kyla
Start early but take your time. Visit the campus and make sure it has the right environment for you. Study something that interest s you and you will enjoy studying. Try to balance work with fun. It is important to have a social life and make friends but you are also there to study and learn.
Christopher
Really find time to visit the school, even beyond touring. There is only so much they will tell you when it comes to life on campus. So find time to really spend a day/weekend around there. Dont ever be afraid to ask any kind of question!
Sarah
Look for a college with professors who conduct actual research in the field and who enjoy teaching
Ashley
you can always transfer, seriously consider if it is worth to have a lot of loans
Shalea
Make sure that your son or daughter feels comfortable at the college. Make sure they see everywhere they want to see especially the dorms, library, and scientific area's if they are interested in the sciences. You should also ask the students what they think, maybe some that are walking around we would love to answer any questions. Also make sure that your son or duaghter decides on their own, you can have a say but this is their future and they need to decided what they want without pressure from you. College is a whole new world and its a chance for your son or duaghter to start to weave their own life and Vermont is a very loving and careing place I ahvent met one person who isnt beautiful on the inside.
Frank
Experience college as if it was a full-time job. Get up early, go to campus and study until your first class. Read your textbooks while you eat your meals. Study and attend classes and then go home after dinner. Then relax at night and most of the weekends.
Greta
"Wherever you go, there your are" A lot of schools have a lot to offer but its really what you bring to the table that matters. If you get involved in on campus activities and are pro-active about being social and having fun, then you will be able make the best of any school and it's resources. College is a place where you really have to be comfortable in your own skin because you are on your own for the first time and are meeting so many people who come from different places and have different histories. .. So, be happy and be who you are!!
Molly
Don't be afraid to look at schools that you'd never consider. Transferring is always an option so take a chance and try something new!! It's an important decision but it's not unreversible.
Richard
Students - remember, the decision should ultimately be yours, but if your parents are paying for it, you have to come up with a good balance. You'll want a school that's just the right distance from home that you can really be yourself, but still come home on weekends when you want to. Check to see if the schools your applying to offer not only the academic programs you're interested in, but also the extracurricular opportunities you enjoy! And when you arrive on campus, don't be afraid to check out something new, even if it's by yourself. It might prove to be a positive, life-changing experience!