Jessica
Oftentimes, college really has nothing to do with the location. Stop stressing about where you kid could end up and just end them away. Either way, it's how you raised them that's going to dictate how they pursue their career, education and social life. Money doesn't always factor in either. You could send them to ivy league or public. There's a good chance that their education will wind up similar.
Megan
Make sure you visit the campuses you are looking at, and talk to students who attend the college you are looking at in the major(s) you are condidering.
Jessica
Make an appointment to do an on campus tour and really research your options before choosing the right school for you.
Mark
Check out everything that a college has to offer and also learn from people you know and don't know about the college as well.
Heidi
The best way to find the right college for you is to visit the college in person. Once you get there, look around and simply ask yourself 'Can I see myself here?'. If you can, you are on the right track. Find out everything you can about the college and then just go with your gut. If it doesn't feel right, it probably isn't right.
Once you have found that college, jump right in. Join an organization that might be a little out of your comfort zone, and find another that involves something you know you love. That way you push yourself and your boundries, but are able to make friends with similar interests. Who knows, you could fall in love with the group you were a bit wary of!
Amanda
I would tell parents and/or students who are trying to find the right college that they should look for a college that makes them feel at home, even though they are away from home. It is important to plan campus visits, that way you can get a feel for the campus and maybe even sit in on a lecture. You can also ask questions or voice concerns that you may have. When it comes to making the most out of your college experience, I would tell students to get involved, especially during your first few weeks. The beginning of the school year is a very critical time for new students because in a way it can outline the rest of the year for you. You should try to meet as many people as you can and take advantage of the groups and activities that your school has to offer. The more outgoing you are during orientation and your first weeks of school, the better off the rest of your year will go.
Eric
There will always be doubts about whether or not you will be at the right place at the right time in college. Get to know your professors, ask them about their opinion of school and how they got where they did. Talk to your advisor. The booklet they give you to look up classes for your major is incredibly boring but you need to explore it early. dont drink just to put the pictures online later or prove you are cool. there are two truth serums; sodium penathol and alcohol. The latter more acessable and illegal based on your age. Join an extracurricular even if your not that interested it the activity, just to meet people. Don't just hang around in your dorm, go visit other dorms. Email and talk to your professors and classmates whenever, even if you think it may not be necessary. Leave your door open often to get to know strangers, youll be living with them for a year. The sooner you decide what you want to do, the closer relationships you will form with important people. Read up on colleges online and the transfer programs to make sure you have the right one.