Ryan
Advice i would give parent and students to picking the right campus would be to pick the one that is best known for your major and one that isn't really big but not to small. Another reason would be to pick a campus that they would be living at because i think students that live at campus get a better expierence of being responsible for themselves and a chance of being on their own.
Kaytelin
Make sure the college is what will be the best enviroment for you or your child to be at. A place were everyone is friendly and willing to help one an another. A place where they can call home and be proud of it. A place where teachers care about their students and are willing to give them more help if and when need. A place that they can say 4 yrs from now that they are proud to be alumni.
Joanna
In my opinion, it does not matter whether you attend a school that has 5,000 or 50,000 people. It matters that a student makes the best of their experience by getting involved on campus and making friends. Most schools offer activities and clubs that any student can find interest in at least one. By getting involved, it allows students to meet new people and find out what it is they really want to do in life. In addition, students put a lot of emphasis on the surrounding areas of the school, however I think that the most important aspect a student or parent should consider is the academic portion of the school and whether or not it contains the area of study which the student is interested.
College is a time for students to find themselves and figure out a career path for the rest of their lives. It is also the last chance for students to be young and have a good time. That is why it is important to find a school that balances out those aspects in the eye of the student. Find a school that suits your personality and career interests!
Julia
When you are searching for potential colleges or universities to attend, make sure you visit! You will defnitely get the vibe of whether or not you are going to fit in, and you will see how students spend their time on a regular day. Make sure wherever you choose is best for you and suits your needs, whether it be financial aid, a specific major or academic program, or internship opportunites. It's going to be your home away from home, and you'll be spending a great deal of time there, and you want to make sure you're comfortable. Once you do choose your institution, make sure you get involved! No matter where you are, there will always be opportunities for clubs, sports, or community service. It's all about balance. Don't be a hermit, you want to get out there and mingle because you will be making lifelong friendships. But don't forget the reason you're here..keep forcused on your studies!
Ashley
The first thing is don't limit yourself. If you know you want a small college still visit a large one. Always go with your gut. If the college really wants you they will work with you so you can attend. Be willing to make compromises. Always visit your schools and if you can do an overnight. Talk everything over.
Ray
Well for finding the right college, I feel that you need to realize what you want out of your education. There are always means of getting some kind of grant, scholarship, or loan towards school so money shouldn't be made into an issue. If you're the type of hands-on, need the professor nagging you about this or that, then a smaller college or university is the way to go. If you just basically want to waltz by in and not have to worry about attendance or anything like that then a larger school should be your choice. As for making the most out of the college experience, it all starts with the friends you make and the people you associate with. Over my 2 and a half years so far, I've made some great friends and met some great people who that I probably never would have if I didn't go to the school I went to, and I feel that many of them have had a big influence on my life. So to make the most, go out, have fun but make sure school is the first priority or honestly you will fail.
Jerome
When searching for an appropriate college to attend, be open minded. Do not become too focused on attending your dream school; there are many other colleges or universities that offer the same opportunities. Also, be sure the college you choose to attend offers opportunities for career or research experience, as they will be vital in ensuring that you are competitive when applying for a job or graduate school. Many colleges offer the same courses, but it is the out-of-classroom experience that truly makes you a competitive applicant. As with most college applicanst, money becomes an issue. However, it is important that you do not sacrivice quailty for quantity. A small private school may offer you greater monetary incentives to attend, but that slightly more expensive school may be more well equipped to prepare you for your life after college. Of course, in your search for a school, finding a college that offers a comfortable social life is important to your well-being and adaptation to your new life away from home. Those around you wil be your support group for the next 4 years. So, keep an open mind and find a college that will ensure your success.
Brittany
My advice is to ensure you do research on the schools. Do not choose a school because a friend/family member is or has attended that school. You need to decide what is best for you, or your child. Everyone has different needs and wants in life. Cost is another aspect to consider, you have to compare each school that you are looking at. You need to be sure to visit the school and familiarize yourself with its surrounding area. You also need to consider the degree programs available at the school. Make sure that they offer a couple programs that you are interested in. Most students change their major multiple times before actually deciding on one. Also, what extra-curricular activities are offered at the schools you are considering? Housing and transportation are also very important. You also need to familiarize yourself with the financial aid department. Dealing with this office can be very frustrating, make sure that the school you are going to attend is prompt in responding to your concerns. Despite the frustration of the financial aid office and the course scheduling fiasco, I am satisfied with my education and my choice of a school.
Joshua
Parents and students have to understand that finding the right college is impossible. Whatever a college brochure or study says about a school may be irrelevant when the student actually starts in the Fall semester and experiences the lifestyle for the first time. The best measure of finding a good school is to take the time to visit the campus, ask as many questions as possible about student life and academics, and then stay over for a night and experience what a college student does. When this is done, a prospective student has the best chance in deciding whether or not the school is right for them or not.
Jeanette
I would say pick the college that you think is right for you. Make sure you take the time to visit the colleges and get feedback from students who are currently attending there. Be open to what the campus has to offer. Focus more on your academics than on your social life. Get to know as many people as possible because you will make lifelong friends in college. Develop good study habits. Make decisions for yourself not for anyone else. Also, think wisely about your financial situation when picking a college.