Carly
First and foremost, PLEASE visit the campus. Many of my friends picked a school based on it's reputation, family ties, or what they found from a website. Visiting the campus, taking the tour, and seeing other students during a typical school day makes all the difference in the world. If the students don't seem like you at all, you probably aren't going to be happy. For parents, you want to make sure the campus seems safe, and there is a strong feeling of community. My decision was so easy as soon as I took the campus tours.
Aubrey
visit all the colleges that you can
Chuck
Make your own decisions.
Sara
The best advice I could give someone about choosing the correct college, is to make sure it makes you feel like you are at home. I would also make sure that the college you choose offers everything that you are looking for, and that you would expect out of your school. Things like housing, meal plans, and academic credibility. I believe that to make the best out of your college experience, you have to feel comfortable wherever you are.
Margaret
Follow where your heart beats the fastest. You want to wake up every morning more excited to be at your college than the day before. Challenge yourself, but don't feel pressured to try to be someone you are not. Also, know that you are not taking your parents or friends and all their opinions with you to college. This is your time to shine and make the memories that you'll tell Your kids about someday. War Eagle!
Candace
The advice I would give parents and/or students about finding the right college would be to explore your options before making the decision. If there is a school you have always had in mind, do some research and college visits, because the college may or may not be to your liking. As far as making the most of your college experience, I would reccomend studying hard (especially in the first year) and trying hard to stay focused. It is so easy to get distracted when you get to college. The temptation to stray from one's studies is very strong. It is okay to enjoy college life to the fullest (parties, football games, etc.), but it is still best to prioritize for maximum success. Maintaining a steady GPA and a good social life is in my opinion one of the best and fulfilling ways to enjoy the college experience.
Matthew
Try to find the school that fits the students lifestyle. Almost all colleges are great, but all are different. Also apy attention to what the school is known for. Auburn is an engineering school for example. For parents, ask your child questions to see what they are looking for and listen to them when they comment on the school, good or bad.
Keith
be sure that you like everything about the campus from the food choices, clothing stores, sports teams, weather, cost of apartments, hospitals in local area and how you feel. You may have your heart set on one place your whole life and you find out they dont have the major that you wanted and then what do you do?? amek sure you look around at everything!!!
Sheena
My advice would be to always remain focused and don't allow your social life to get in the way of academics. It's ok to be social and entertain yourself, but always study first. Time management is very important as a college student. It is also important to develop good study habits. When searching for colleges, it is important to find a campus environment that best fits your personality. Attending a college that interest you and is really in your heart may cause you to work harder, stay focused, and be academically successful. Once time management is mastered, everything else will fall into place.
Connor
find a school that fits your needs not only in the classroom but also outside the classroom. if you are a social person who likes to be surronded with intelligent people, find a campus with strong academics but located in an area with options for things to do outside of class. look for strong student unions and diverse organizations. college is at least 4 years of your life. make sure its fulfilling in all ways possible, because you can't go back and do it all over again.