David
The first step in picking the right school is deciding how big or small you want to go. The second step is picking the feel. Some colleges have a hometown feel while others have a very urban feel. There are historic brick schools and concrete paradises. There are scenic countrysides, crowded cities and everything inbetween. On top of this you want to pick a school that is geared toward your interest or major, but make sure you have a couple. Most students I've met didn't stay in the major they went into, it is great to have a few back ups. Now it is time to visiti their website. The internet is becoming a larger means of communication and is a great resource tool for finding information. If you don't like what you see there, you can eliminate those schools far away from your list of ones to visit. Save the long trips for the ones you really like. A lot can be told just by visiting a school's site. Finally visit, and decided for yourself if the school is right for you. Never make a decision this big without a school visit.
Stefanie
The advice I would be is to make sure that parents and their children visit the campus of their choice and be open minded. Many schools may seem like they are just right and turn out not to be or the other way around. If the upcoming student visits the campus of their choce regularly they will know what to expect when entering the next stage of their adult life.
Heather
Always ask other people their opinions about the college. Ask what they like about it, and what they strongly hate. I would suggest staying the weekend with a student that they know, and get the experience themselves, then they truely do know what the experience at the college is like. If the child is close with the family, then i would suggest staying atleast in a two hour radius, so then they are able to come home when neccessary if something was to happen, or if they are just homesick. Always have faith in your kids. It usually works out and everything will fall into place.
Christopher
Research and gather all information pertaining to a specific school and don't automatically eliminate a particular school, becuase of any one reason. In terms of making the most of the college experience, I would advise, find your own niche and just have fun and make the most your time in college, both academiclly and socially.
Erick
The advice I would give to students is to make sure you feel comfortable in the enviornment you will be in. If the school is known as a party school and you are not known as much of a partier then make sure you are okay with going with that school knowing that piece of information.
Madison
Go out to the school and visit. Take tours. Talk to students and faculty.
Thomas
Find the campus and town that best fits you. You will get a good education almost anywhere you could go, but you have to find a place where you are comfortable. You wouldn't want to sleep in a bed that wasn't comfortable.