Kevin
It is wise to visit the campus while students are in attendance to get the real feel of the campus. Make sure the school offers the course of study you are interested in. Don't be afraid to reach out to others and get involved. Step out of your comfort zone. This is a once in a lifetime experience that can change your life. Check out as many scholarships that are available as possible. If you are at all interested in the school - apply early. This will save you money for the early application fees. College gives you an excellent opportunity to mature spiritually as well as physically. Set specific study times in your schedule so you'll never fall behind in your homework. Work hard and challenge yourself to be the best you can be. Make a difference in someone's life each day. Live on campus for the first year for sure, so you can get involved in student life and get to know other students. Have a great attitude and you'll be fine.
Adrianne
Advice for parents: Although your children know that you are only doing what is best for them, give your opinion only when asked. Forcing your college choices on your children may not only cause unhappiness, but also might cause them to give up on their education simply because they did not have the choice. Be with them through each and every step because it can be a scary or exciting transition, but your children most likely would lke your support. So, parents, support your children and help them in anyway you can, but please do not force them!
Advice for students: First of all, do what you want to do. If your passionate about something, then go for it. Of course your parents are going to share their opinions about what you should do for your career, but that is only because they love you. Still, don't be afraid to say no. Do what you want to do, find a college/university that will take you to that path and go for it! And for those who are unsure of what they want to do, go for a large university with many opportunities in an area that you love!
Dianna
First of all, it is very important to know what kind of experience you or your child want from college. Just because some school are more well-known then the other, that does not mean its more suitable for you. Analyze what kind of environment you adapt the best. Do more in depth research of schools you're applying. This will eventually determine your whole 4 years and more of college. Once you're in college, do not be afraid but join any school activities as much as you can. Once you get the idea of which activities you like, you can choose from there. Do not, I mean by all means, DO NOT slack off in your first year. Once you set down a wrong foot, it will be a complete downfall from there. I wish you a good luck.
Emily
Before applying for a college, truely thnk about where you want your life to go, not where you've seen your life heading during high school.
Chris
Consider your local state schools. They are of a much higher quality than you would think and are a great value.
mia
The cost is not what is most important. It is the confidence you feel after graduating from a school that fits you best. With confidence, you can do anything.
Julia
Don't settle, and search far and wide for schoarlships because the federal government probably won't give you anything.
Kevin
The only way to find out what you want out of college is to experience it first hand. Don't worry about making friends, fitting in, or perfect grades. Take things easy with a postive outlook and fortune will come knocking in the form of dreams.
Dahyun
So many students fail to truly know themselves before entering college. Knowing who you are as an individual, what your interests are, what you are good at, what you enjoy doing, is all very important and are significant factors towards your future. Countless students come into college not knowing what they want to do in the future and spend a year or two searching for classes that might interest them. As a result, they end up graduating one to two years behind their graduating class. Although it is good that students take time in learning what they want to do at college, it is even better to start finding your interest and talents prior to entering college. Don't get me wrong - it is good to take fun classes in college and enjoy your four years as a college student. But don't come into college thinking that it will spit out an answer for you and your future. College is a tool to confirm your interest and build your future. Also, find out what kind of environment you work best at, what kind of community you will like to be a part of, and of course, do your research!
Katie
Do not let fear of the unknown hold you back from what you have the potential to become. Choose the best college that you are accepted to. If you attend a college that challenges your mind and your way of thinking, you will find yourself expanding your horizon and growing as an individual. Do not choose a college because your "best friend is going there" or because you heard "the parties are rad"; new friends will be made and parties will be forgotten, but this is the season of your life where your education can really shape who you are going to become, and what you are capable of. Allow yourself to be inspired. Most importantly, do not be afraid to step across the boundries that others have set for you. Set standards for yourself, and then surpass them. Regardless of what you have so far achieved, the best of you is still waiting to happen. Therefore, view your college experience as a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity; one in which "the sky is the limit" and the world sits at your feet.