Molly
College is all about what you make of it. Regardless of the school, you have to dive in head first! Join something a club in college that you were in in high school, or try something you always wanted to do. College is all about finding out who you are and to do that successfully, you need to take chances and make mistakes. Some things you try you will love and continue all 4 years and others you will quit by spring, but the point is you got involved, and hopfully gained some knowledge and a friend. This is the easiest way to assimilate to college and the easiest way to make friends. College doesn't last forever, so make the most of it from day one!
Jeffery
I would tell incomming college students to visit as many schools as possible and to choose the school that you feel is the beset for you. Never base a college choice by where your friends or significant other is going. It is essential to chose a school that you feel you can see yourself being happy at for numerous years down the road. Partying, drinking, and social events will come and go. However, a great education will stay with you forever.
Angela
Find a college that you feel comfortable at when visiting, not nervous. Also look for one with strong programs in the area you are interested.
Brandon
Just make sure you feel comfortable at the school. If you're an athlete, go to a school where you would go even if you didn't do athletics there.
Joey
When selecting a college, don't rush your choice. Explore the campus, see what it has to offer, and the main objective is find a school that will give you the education and career oppurtunities you are striving for. When you get to college, get involved. Join clubs and groups to meet new people and socialize. The main thing is find what fits you and will make you happy so that the next four years of your life can be memorable. To build a foundation for your future you need something solid to start with and picking the school that is right for you is the first step.
Josh
visit the college and make sure that you will fit in with the surrounding. Sit in on a class and see if you like how the teacher teaches or lectures the class. Visit the dining service it is easy to see how people enteract in this area and how friendly people are or if most are rich little stuck up kids.
Tricia
I would tell them to look a little out of their comfort zone. I chose a small school because thats what I was used to. Althought I enjoy the small university I chose and have recieved research oppertunities I would not of recieved at a larger institution, small schools tend to lack school spirit and other social experiences I feel I missed out on. Also, sit in on a class, it really gives you a feel if you would be comfortable to learn there or not.
Sarah
you should visit the campus before making your decision. your gut will tell you whether or not it is right for you when you step foot on the soil/pavement.
Frank
Choose the school that fits you best and makes you feel the most comforatble. Be sure the school you choose also allows you to make improvements and set you up for your career and life.
Shane
Make sure it is a place that you feel you will fit into. It will become your home for the next four years, if you don't like something about then don't go there! You'll find where you belong, and once you do, you will know it! I believe the key to making the most out of your experience at school is taking one day at a time and enjoying the time you spend there. While it may seem like such a pain at times, I guarantee that all the homework and testing is worth it. Once you do begin school make sure to cherish it, it goes by so incredibly fast. You will wonder where it went, but you will have some amazing friends and memories that will last a life time.
Chris
Focus in on what YOU need (both as a parent and as a prospective student) and make your decision that way. Money will come around somehow; I don't know of many colleges that do not offer substantial financial aid to each one of their students that requires it. Never let some fast-talking college representative try to swindle you into coming because they have a brand new sidewalk somewhere, and it's basically the talk of that town. Have a plan in mind of what you want your college experience to be, and decide based on what you want for YOUR future and YOUR goals; don't tailor yourself to what the University offers. That should be their job.
Jackie
To get the most out of college, students must find the right college for them. You can't figure out which school is the right school without actually experiencing several different schools. The most helpful thing is to visit schools and stay the night with a student. Visiting a school and taking a planned out tour with your parents really doesn't do anything that you can't get from reading and looking at a picture in a school's literature. Spend real time at the school with a real student and you will get a real picture of what a school will be like.
Martin
Go to a college visit that is not planned with the institution and talk to random students around campus about the institution. The people who work either at the institution or in the admissions office will do or say whatever you want to hear to get you to go to their school, get the real inside information from the students not affiliated with the admissions office. Focus on grades a lot your freshman year, one bad semester your freshman year can cause you to work yourself out of a rut the rest of your college career to get your financial aid back.
Joye
Look for a college that feels comfortable for you. I would say go with your first instinct. It has to feel right!
Jaime
Visit a lot of different campuses. Just because a college is close to your hometown, does not mean it is a right fit for you. Sit in on a couple of freshman classes in subject areas that you are interested in. It is good to know what you might be getting into. If the classes seem too easy or much to difficult, you might want to consider a different course study or a different school. Also, don't go to a certain school just because a lot of your friends will be going there. College is a great place to meet new people and make new friends. Talk to current students at the schools. Most will be glad to help you out. Do a lot of research. Know what you will be getting into before you committ to a school. Lastly, search the internet and ask school counslers about possible scholarships available for you. There is a lot of money out there to help lessen the financial burden to the student.
Deidre
When finding the college of your choice, make sure to stick with it for a while. Many students will enter a college as freshmen and within a few weeks leave to go back home. This is one of the worst things to do, always give it a shot for the first full semester. Homesickness is inevitable. Become best friends with your roommate. Join things on campus, clubs, sports, or go greek.
Sean
It is important to find a school that fits the student's personality and priorities. If non-academic college life is important find a more populated school in a city. If academics are important find a school with small enrollment and involved programs. It is also important to find a school that is strong in the subject that the student is interested in pursuing. If the student doesn't know what exactly they want to do with their life yet, find a great liberal arts school that will allow them to experience several different areas of study before making a decision. Basically, just choose a school personally fits with the student's preferences and desires. The best place to find out the truth about a school is from current students who would not be as biased as the recruiting office.
Laura
Choosing a college is hard and there is no sure way of knowing you picked the right one. Be sure to visit all of the colleges you are interested in, preferably while school is in session. It gives you a feel of how the school works and what the students are like. Once you pick a school, dont be scared to step out of your comfort zone and take some risks. Get involved in things. Dont put yourself or the people you meet into a box. Explore new things that interest you and take some classes just for fun. No matter who you are or what you beleive, there will be someone there who wants those same things you do. It may take awhile, but friends will happen with time. Be patient and persistant. College is a place to have fun, but also a place to learn and to grow.
Courtney
Make sure your son/daughter is willing to put forth the effort to succeed in college before you go spending tens of thousands of dollars on your child's education.
Lauren
The advice I would give would be to go and visit the college of your choice. You are going to want to get a feel for how the campus is and how the poeple are at that particular school. To make the most of your college experience make sure you get involved. Being involved in a club or a sport will give you things to do on the weekends and it will also help you make friends, people who will be your friends for the rest of your life.