Hayley
I would tell parents and/or students to pick a school that has programs that best fit their interests. Also, if they're used to a big city setting and want to continue in that, they should pick a school in that setting that they can afford. Don't let the fear of not making friends keep you from joining in activities you might enjoy. Join as many groups as you can manage and make the best of it all!
Tamra
I would say use your time wisely and make sure that the University you choose is best for you for social reasons, safety reasons, and most importantly educational reasons. It can be hard to move away from family and friends but it is important to do what is best for you and your future. Once you have chosen a college, step out of your comfort zone and make the effort to meet new people and have fun! You have to remember to be open minded to cultural differences between students but at the same time, you don't want to forget your beliefs and morals. Last but not least, stay close with god and remember that he knows what is best for you and he is always with you go share the good times and help you with the bad.
Melissa
Going to college, and leaving home is going to be scary for both, parent and child. Going to the campus and getting a tour is important. If the student feels even the slightest comfort on the grounds, or discomfort, it should be noted strongly.
Most campuses have great resources and facilities to help, tutor, or advise students; take advantage and become aware of these facilties.
If the student will be living in the dorm, be prepared for their intereactions with room/suite mates. There will be good ones and bad ones; this is part of the college experience. Be supportive, but also point out the comparison to the real world. Human interaction whether it be at work, home, school, or any other institution promotes growth.
Moises
Do extensive research before making a final decision!
Cindy
When choosing a college you have to consider first and foremost what you enjoy doing both for classes and for extracoricular activities. While it is great to find a campus that offers exactly what you want for your degree plan, you have to think about what you will be doing when not in class or doing school work. Learning how to balance work and play is an important part of everyone's lives so the sooner this lesson is learned the easier it will be later.
Michael
Parental Guidance is such an important process in sending and progressing your son/daughter through college. Unfortuantly, I did not have the luxury of have my mother and father. They passed away when I was 15 years old. So, be there for your children and make them make the right decisions. They will appreciate it even if they don't say it.
Ashlee
There are many important things to consider when deciding on a college. The best thing that my parents did was sit me down, ask me what I want to study, and then narrow down a list of colleges that excel in my field. During my junior year of high school, I went and visited all the universities and applyed to the three I narrowed my choice to. Once you get to college my biggest suggestion is GET INVOLVED! I joined two oranizations my first semester in and then stayed involved and made some of my best friends. I am now actively involved in every organization that the agriculture department offers and in Delta Tau Alpha Honor society. There are so many oppurtunities to get involved at any university and every freshman should get involved.
Stephanie
Parents and students need to first find a college that will be useful in the field they are interested in. Then from those choices, look into the sizes and the extracurricular activities available and decide what would be best for the student. Once the school is chosen, the student will benefit most if they try and make the most of all opportunities they offer. They should try to make friends and talk to people in their classes. Join study groups and go to school events. The student will find that in making the effort to be a part of the college experience, they will find what the college experience really is.
Amanda
Make sure you find a college that you will enjoy. Stay there for a few days before making your decision, talk to other students. Also, make sure the college you attend will offer you the classes you need to major in the field you choose. Live your college life to the fullest, but make sure you keep up on your studies. Always remember what you are there for, where you want to be in the long run. Last but not least, stay in touch with your family, remember where you came from, and stay loyal to your beliefs.
Liz
When it comes down to it nearly all colleges are the same and while the big 12 schools are better known they do not always have the highest rate of success when it comes to finding a job after graduation and providing the one on one attention that students need to thrive in their future career.