DeAnna
I would tell them to visit the campus before you attend because there is a certain atmosphere for each campus that may or may not suit you that well. I attened 3 different campuses and I fell in love with Western Oregon University when I went and I definately made the best choice by going to Western Oregon.
Alicia
The right college won't find you just by looking at websites. Students and parents need to see and get the feel for the campus before going. They need to find out whether or not they are comfrontable with school and its location. When visiting you get a feel for the campus and whether or not you will be sucessful there. That is the key to finding the right college. Knowing yourself and in what enviroment you do your best in.
Spencer
I think its all about going to every college you have in mind to see if you like the campus. I think the biggest part for me was visiting Western Oregon's campus. I fell in love with the campus and from then on I knew this is where I wanted to be. Also I think something you should look into is if the school offers the right programs for you. That should be something else that influences your decision on the school you choose to further your education. To make the most out of you college experience I think you need to communicate with as many people as you can. The friends you make in college are the ones you will be with for the rest of your life.
Hannah
Make sure they have a solid financial plan to help students and parents that are unfamiliar with college payment plans. Also check out the loans they offer. If it is your first year try to surround yourself with new people that are probably going through alot of the same thing that you are ( nervousness, anxiety, excitment, homesickness, etc.).
Christina
Why is it that so many people are unable to cultivate their full potential? It is because people cannot see this one basic concept. People are like trees. Let me explain myself here. There are many kinds of trees and they all require different conditions to reach their full potential. No tree is better than another, they are just different. A farmer knows that he cannot plant a palm tree in the North West and expect it to thrive. It is too wet. But apple, maple, and fir trees grow wonderfully under the same conditions. People are in many ways the same as trees. What may be the right conditions for one person might be the worst conditions for another. So before choosing a college you should know what kind of tree you are. Do you learn better in a small classroom environment? Do you enjoy the city or the country? Are you an auditory learner or hands on? There are many aspects to consider. What may have worked for your parents, friends or siblings may or may not work for you. Choosing the right "growing" conditions are essential for reaching your fullest potential at college and throughout life.
Tricille
My advice to parents about finding the right college would be to find a school that allows students to get involved. May it be in volunteer work or in student government. By having extra curricular activities, students are able to network and build friendships. College for most students can be overwhelming. This is the first time students are exposed to a wide variety of personalities. Many students will learn to make their own decisions. By having a strong positive influence of student activities, it will enable students to stay focused and avoid potentially dangerous habits. Of course, the course work and focus based on their childs career is important. College is a costly investment. Therefore, the more the career geared course work available, the better the investment is spent. Overall, parents should pick an institution that both them and the student will feel at ease with.
Kayla
Tour the campus multiple times, including when class is in session. Talk to the teachers in your major field. Once you start going to the college, go to class regularly. Make use of study groups. Balance school, social life, and health. Use the tutoring services at least once so you know if it helps you. Go to at least one obscure school function just to see what kind of people are there.; you never know what you might find in common with them.
Amanda
If possible talk to campus faculty, professors, and students when visiting the college. Everyone's views are different so it's helpful to obtain a variety of opinions so see what fits best. I encourage students to get involved in clubs, government, and intermural sports they help make friends and provide stress relief from classes.
Daniel
Dear Students,
First, congratualations are making it this far! Yes, studying and obtaining an education can be tedious, but I promise you that it will be well worth the perseverance required. I consider the years of that I have been in college to be my absolute favorite, and continually look forward to the coming terms and years that I have remaining.
My advice to you, as you begin your college experience, is threefold: first, make sure that you actively participate in class and regularly attend; also, stay connected to your college and what is going on in the college life/atmosphere around you; lastly, take a lot of time to spend with good friends and develop relationships.
All three of these tips lead you to a stronger support group and a better education. Class participation and attendance really allows the instructors to aid you in whatever way possible. Being connected to your college and the various campus activities brings a sense of security and makes the environment feel more friendly. Plus, the time that you share with your friends will truly impact who you are and where you head after college.
Study hard, make memories, and have fun!
Daniel Bowdoin
Teresa
Save money for fun times and make sure that you are picking the school that has the best education for the lowest price.