Alyssa
Pay attention in class. The things that you are being taught actually will help you in college. Also, watch your grades. Don't think oh it's just high school it doesn't even matter and just slack off because you're a senior. If you keep up your grades you won't have to get a loan and stuff. That will take a lot of stress off. Don't get in the habit of slacking off either because once you start to get into that habit it's hard to get out of; especially when you start college. Because once you start to fall behind it is very very difficult to catch up. One other thing, high school is small but there is still a lot of diversity there. Accept it and learn about all of those awesome people cause college will have a lot more of them. Don't be shy, get out of that habit as well. If you don't talk to anyone then you'll miss out on a lot of awesome opportunities.
Chase
I would advise myself that making connections with others is one of the most important things about the college experience, because networking is the best way to find a job after graduation. Joining clubs and extra-curricular activities is essential in meeting others and connecting with them. Campus organizations and activities are ways to find people with common interests, which helps in forging the bonds that will help land a job. Initially, college will seem intimidating, but it is important to accept it and have fun. Studying and homework should always take priority, but there will always be plenty of time to socialize with friends afterward. Finally, I would tell myself that college life is not nearly as strenous and time-demanding as many of my high school teachers would have me to believe. There is plenty of time for friends, band, homework, studying, and anything else that needs your attention. College life is not something to worry about, it is something to enjoy and experience.
Amber
Don't procrastinate. Buy rainboots. 8:00 a.m. classes may be a better idea than 1:00 p.m. classes. Read the chapter when your teacher tells you to. Get organized. Don't drink the night before a test. Dont eat out so much...go to the grocery store.
Kalee
Find a college that makes you feel at home. Like you belong there because a good majority of your time is spent walking around the campus going places. Find a campus that caters to what you need and not necessairly what you might want. A campus should make you feel at home so if it makes you uncomfortable being there its probably not right for you. To make the most out of the experience you need to get active and involved, find friends that will support you and even guide you. Talk to the teachers instead of just listening. Interact with them, it'll make learning easier. Take a leap out of bounds and expand your learning by maybe taking classes that interest you even if they dont go towards your degree. Always look for ways to broaden your horizon, gather experience and knowledge, but most importantly be yourself and have fun. Thats what college is for. Its a growing and learning experience that will make your life so much brighter.
Chandler
Obviously the reason a person goes to college is to get a good career. But sometimes the really good students can get caught up in partying and what not. Some advice I would give to anyone out there is be aware those MOST colleges have a party social life. If you don't want to get sucked into it, don't attend a big school, since the bigger schools have a lot of partying. Also when choosing a school, think about the career you would like. See if that school has a good program for your career path choice. People also need to remember that when you get to college there are going to be alot of different people with a lot of different beliefs then you. You just need to stick to what you believe and don't let others corrupt what you believe in your heart. Also, be open to new friends! I came to ATU knowing nobody and I made so many life long friends!
Vanessa
When you are looking for a college, you don't just want to look at how expensive and well-known the university is. Yes, those are important factors, but you also want to take into consideration the faculty at the school, the location of the school, the surrounding area, and how big the school is. Is the faculty nice? If they are, that usually means they sincerely care about your opinions and your needs. How far away from home is the university? You don't want to go too far, but depending on your degree this may not matter. What is the surrounding area like? Are there things for you to do off campus? It can be really frustrating if you're stuck on campus all year with nothing to do on the weekends. You don't want a school that's too big for you because then it's harder to contact your professors. However, you want to do some research into the university's credentials in the area you plan to major in! This is the most important!
Brittany
There are several things a student or their parents should know about choosing their perfect college and making the most of their experience. One of the most important pieces of advice that could be given is to choose a college that best fits the student. When I was choosing colleges, I wanted to make sure the school i attended wasn't too big. I don't believe i would do well in an environment that is always crowded and where the teachers arent genuinly concerned about my educaion. However, some students do better in that kind of environment. It all depends on that student's personality. Once you have found you're perfect college, it is important to make the most out of your experience there. Join clubs, attend sporting events, and enjoy the free social gatherings the college provides. It is important to make friends and make these years the best of your life. You'll never get these years back, so why not enjoy every minute of it?
Lindsey
Visit as many colleges as you can, and not just on pre-arranged mass visit days. You'll learn the most if you go on a normal day and see students acting natural; most high schools have absentee forgiveness for such days. Sit in on some classes to try and get a feel of the place. Don't let your friends decide where you go, and be careful about rooming with your best friend; You will make a lot of new friends at college! Be sure of what kind of atmosphere you want at college - city, rural, or in between. You should live on campus your first year, it really does help you focus on your schoolwork and become part of the amazing social networks that develope in your class. Most of all, stay positive! The first year of school is tough, it's a big change in your life. Also, don't forget to call home! Mom and/or Dad just lost a kid to the big bad world, they're gonna be worried for a while!
Good luck, and Have FUN!
Amanda
Finding the right college can be tough if you don't know where to start. I started looking at colleges at the end of Sophomore year in high school. I think it is important to get an early start so that the student and their parents have plenty of time to go over information, make campus trips, and send all paperwork in in a timely fashion. Every prospective student and their parent(s) should take their time in looking over the prospective school's information. Make sure your school has everything you might want and at a price you can afford: degrees, housing, financial aid.
Once you've made up your mind, don't forget to relax and have fun in college. Try new things, meet new people, but don't forget to stay true to your self. Stay on top of your school work, it's important for keeping those scholarships and staying in school. Don't stay away from home too long, or at least keep up with your parents because they'll definitely worry and miss you after a while.- and you'll miss them (or the dog, whatever).
So, have fun and ENJOY!
Chelsea
Don't just go to college because its the next step. Go to college when you have a clear idea about what you want out of life. Otherwise you will feel lost and no where near the end of the tunnel. But when you do know what you want, go for it with everything you have, don't stop reaching for your dreams.
Christine
I would suggest that you look at potential future plans. Do you want to focus on research, do you want to own a business, do you want to cook? Have some idea of how important your interests are to you and choose a school that will provide the opportunities you need to succeed in your interests. Don't put all your eggs in one basket, apply to at least three schools. Financial Aid can also be important. If you know you do not want to be in debt when you graduate with your associate's or bachelor's degree than choose a school that offers you scholarships and awards for good academic behavior. Take your test early and be prepared with a winner's mindset. You can succeed, you can fulfill your dreams! It just takes a little preparation and hard work. Good luck!
Violet
My advice is when looking for a college or university it is important to look at many different programs. Choose a program that is going to give you what you feel is important. If you want to have some experience for when you graduate look at what kind of internship program they have. If you want to do more of a research based career then look for schools that give opportunities to work on research projects. It is important to find the school that will give you the closest experiences for your goals and interests.
Sarah
Go with what your heart tells you is right. Don't follow friends to their choices just because you're afraid to go by yourself. The best part of college is meeting new people!
Demetria
Advice that I would give to parents and/or students would be to not just look at tuition. Think about their personality because they wouldn't want to be at a college that does not suit them. For example, if they do not like big crowds, they should look for a smaller college. I would also tell them that to make the most of their college experience, they need to, first of all, keep GOD first in their lives, keep their priorities in order, study hard, and do the best you can to keep their grades up and then if they have time to have fun, they can have fun. Like my mother told me, work comes first.
Susanna
My advice would be to find a place where the student is comfortable. Touring different campuses is an excellent way for students and parents to get the "feel" of a campus. Of course making sure its a crediable school and offer the degree you are interested is also very important but I would definitely recommend visiting a several different campuses before making your final decision. College can be the time of your life but only if you're smart about it. For me, and a majority of students, it was my first experience of being on my own and being "free". You have to make decisions that you never had to before. Deciding whether to go out with your friends or studying for a test can be a hard choice for some. The key is balance. Have a good time and make the friends you will never forget, but don't forget the reason you are going to school. If you mess up your first year it will be alot harder to get out of a hole, so it is better to start off on a good foot. Always remember these are the best years...be smart and enjoy them.
Terry
Everyone is unique and this should be remembered when looking into a campus. You should always visit the campus at least once before applying and talk to students, instuctors, and locals. Try and talk to students that are going after the same field as you. Ask about the classes and instructors. Get a feel before you apply.
Getting involved and living each day to the fullest is the best advise I could give.
Jenna
Finding the right college is very important. If you do not like your college then you will not have a good college experience. If you are religious then make sure you pray about which college is the best choice for you. Also, listen to your parents. Even though you may not think that they know everything about your life, they do know some because they raised you. What they tell you is not punishment. They are just trying to help you make the best decisions in life. To make the most of your college experience, join everything you can. Get involved. If you dont interact with other students then you will not have a great time in college. Go to every event that you can that is offered within your university. You may not want to at first, but in the end you will realize that it is a good thing to get involved.
Alex
Make sure you can be comfortable where you are. The place you choose will become your home, and the place you create amazing memories. Make sure the school you choose has plenty of on campus activities, because it helps new students get to know others and get involved in their school. The only other thing to worry about is if your school teaches the major you are wanting to obtain, and if that major is accredited. It also helped me to know that my school is not a research school, so the professors ambition is to teach what they love.
Jessica
Don't go by what High School was like. I went to super small school (36 in my class) and now i attend a fairly large college. I love it! Get involved with things like the BCM and have a little fun along with your work...it relieves stress and tension. Become friends with your roommate, you're around her for a year after all. Make the most of it