Dianna
I'd just encourage students to check into schools at the beginning of their junior year, so that when they find the right school they can apply early. If they apply early, they can find out early if they got in or not and make arrangements to apply to some other schools that didn't make it on to their first top ten list. This way they have a back up and they aren't forced to go anywhere. I'd also encourage everyone to check everything from cost of classes to even getting to know staff a head of time; this allows the student to see if the school is as promising as their brochure makes them out to be. As for the most out of college life, it all comes natural if you have no money, homing or working problems, so get all your personal issues out of the way ASAP.
Lisa
I would definitely make parents check out the entire degree program. RESEARCH everything. Money is important. Check out the type of university it is. Go for your degree and anticipate the unexpected. Make the choice that is best for you, and for your future. Finally, graduate!
Jodi
Never get discouraged! Stay true to your heart, do your best, make friends and memories.
Julie
I would tell them first and foremost make sure you go somewhere that you feel comfortable being yourself. Whether it is when you are studying, learning or practicing - it is so important to feel in your own element so you can succeed at your best. Also, unlike myself, i would reccommend going away to school. I never wanted to go far for school because I did not want to leave my friends, family, boyfriend, etc. However I know i would have had a great experience and could always come back to the people that mean the most of me. Lastly, I would figure out how you are going to finance your education, keep it organized and smart. Look for the lowest interest rates and even better get scholorships and volunteer!
Tahlia
Make sure that the classes not only suit your needs but are actually teaching you. Being a new student, you may want to make the most of your college experience, but don't forget why you are there in the first place. It is no fun being the person who didn't graduate with all your friends. Live up college life, but stay focused. Sit in on classes to see how big they are and what they are like. Find out how much tuition is and how much will come out of your pocket. Also, don't be afraid to change schools or programs if you find out it wasn't right for you. Don't wait to change majors or schools because the longer you have invested your time in one school the harder it will be to transfer without postponing the graduation date.
Arlena
Find the college that meets your educational needs so you will be able to pursue your career in the future. Sometimes the schools that cost the most are not always the best.
Danielle
Make sure your child is ready for school and willing to sacrifice their personal life/activities at time in order to suceed. Have fun and make sure you get involved in campus activites because it will enhance their experience.
Cassondra
I would tell students to visit the college campus that they are thinking of. Once you get there, you'll know if it's the right choice for you. It's an overwhelming feeling of belonging and you just know that it's where you are supposed to be.
Yesenia
A common question asked amongst students looking for a college is most often "Which is the right one for me?" When looking for the right one, you have to go with your gut feeling. What makes you comfortable? What makes you feel at home? What makes you say, "I can't wait to come here. " You have to look at all of your options. What do you see yourself doing in the future? If you're unsure, then go with a college that will help you expand your horizon. "Your college years are the best years of your life" my mother used to say to me and she was right. That's where you learn who you are and what you stand for. So when you're choosing a college, go for the one that says, "I'm going to work with you to become the best you can be". That's all you can ask for. The right college will help you strengthen the abilities that you already have and find new abilities within yourself that you didn't know you had. In the end it's about becoming a better you and enjoying the ride.
Bridget
I would tell others to take as much time as needed to find the right school for you. I looked at a number of colleges and made the effort to concentrate on their campus. I visited each school I was accepted to, trying to find the best fit for me. By figuring out what you need to succeed, you can narrow down your choices. I knew I needed the disabilities accomedations at the schools I was looking at. I began by looking at the schools with strong disabilities programs. By figuring out what you'd like to study, you can also narrow down your choices. I was interested in community work/ social work. Alverno had a unique program, community leadership, which I felt was exactly my vision of a carrer. Their campus was in the city but, in a residental area. The fact that I could commute and recieve a large scholarship, help me weigh my choices. Look at schools with an understanding of you not a large group of people your age. Talk to anyone and everyone that has experiance with the school from a business , student or community perspective. Through networking you can find a perfect fit.
Amber
College is a great opportunity for students to expand their education, social skills, problem-solving skills, analytical skills, communication skills, etc. When choosing the best college for yourself and or son/daughter, cost should not be an issue. Even though college is expensive, its worth it in the end. College is about building your knowledge as well as other various skills listed previously among many others. Choosing the right college should involve looking at the various qualities and opportunities they offer. The program of study is one of the most important qualities when choosing the right college no matter the cost. College is a life experience and overall the opportunity of a lifetime. In order to make the most of your college experience, you should participate in clubs of interest, volunteer opportunities, sports, study groups and more. Most importantly, students should not forget to make the most of their personal life as well. College is challenging and will be frustrating at times, but enjoying everyday life is very important. Overall, I feel students should make the most of their college experience because its a wonderful opportunity to develop as a great individual and make a difference in the world.
Rachel
I would suggest them to not just visit one, visit as many as you can. I would also recommend visiting ones that you might not be interested in but you never know what can happen when you go there and take a tour. When visiting colleges and universities ask lots of questions and talk to people that already go there and what they think of it. Most of all just be open to the whole expierence, Alverno was not my first choice and i never even looked at it when i was first looking but i wish i would have because it is truly a wonderful experience.
Hailey
Do what is best for your child. Find the needs that fit them, not something that will make them feel uncomfortable at or that they will not like. Tour the college before and spend a day in the classroom environment and schedule a night to stay in the dorms with an upperclassmen to get to really know the school. Make sure the school you want your child to attend can fit the needs of yours or her budget and it has the program right for your child.
rebecca
Make sure that the school you elect has a good background in the field you want to study.
Megan
Make sure you know what you want out of a college. If you want to go to a large that fine but you need to find the right fit. You need to know before you go looking if you want to go to a large school or a small school. You need to know if you want that one on one with the teacher or not. If you are an learning diablity student should find out if the school they are looking at offers help and if so is it offered in there uplevel class.
Jamella
Always make college choices that are right for you. Not mom and dad or brother and sister, but you.
Nancy
I would advise students to follow their heart. They will get what they put into it. Hard work pays off and the more work you put in now the more reward you will get later. For parents, keep encouraging your child to succeed, having a good relationship with your child helps maintain a healthy life style and is great support when you need advise or a shoulder to cry on. Understanding that someone like your parents are behind you, encouraging and offering support and help threw rough times is what keeps me going and exceling. Most of all never give-up and follow your dreams!!!
Corissa
If I knew there would be an eassy question at the end I wouldn't have wasted my time. Sorry
Tamra
Make the choice that seems right for you and what will make you the most comfortable. Even if it seems out of reach financially you can find a way to make it work.
Karla
I would tell parents and students to make a visit to the college or university before attending. In fact, make a visit to many before making a decision. Ask students that attend the college how they like it, and see if you can get honest answers from an actual student, rather then the school. To make the most out of the college experience, I would suggest attending a larger university because a larger university provides more options to get involved.