Hanna
Finding the right college is extremely important. It will either make or break your mood or outlook on life. If you are at a college you dislike, you probably will not work very hard and probably will not enjoy much of anything. Find a place that you think will hold a lot of adventure and gets you excited about your future, and maybe even one that reminds you a little bit of home. A faraway place may not be a good college you attend if it is too far removed from the reality that you grew up in.
Get involved wherever and whenever you can. Do things that get you out of your comfort zone help you to grow as a person to find out what your strengths and inerests are. Communicate with professors and work as hard as you can to get good grades, because you will not be able to go back and redo it again.
Danielle
I can honestly say that I have had an incredible and unforgettable college experince so far. I have become involved in many organizations including, Project Uplift which is a mentoring program for under priveleged children. I have been so changed by this program because it truly forces me to get out of my own comfort zone of socializing with my friends and focusing on my wants, but causes me to help others and get involved with my community. While not everyone is looking for that kind of college experience, I can not think of any better advice other than to get actively involed in your school and community because it not only changes whomever you help, but it also changes you. I belive that is the best college experience anyone could ask for.
Caitlan
If you're considering a school, definitely look into it farther than just what the campus tours show you. There are parts of every school, parts that are just amazing, that you may not see if you don't explore a little on your own. Arboretums, museums, and outer edges of campus generally don't make the high spots on the tours, and they can have some of the coolest places on campus. Also, it helps to expose what the rest of the school is like. Finding the right college is a process, but it also goes along with "following your heart" - if you feel like you belong somewhere, that's where you need to go. Don't let anything stop you from at least trying. Financial aid can overcome any money issues, good study habits can help you succeed, and good friends can help you fit in. Don't be afraid to try new things and make new friends! That's what college is all about! Have fun, study hard, make friends, get excited! High school is to be endured. COLLEGE IS THE TIME OF YOUR LIFE. These are the days you'll remember forever. Make them count!
Margaret
There is no perfect answer to this question. There is no easy way to find the perfect school. The moment I stepped onto Auburn's campus, I knew that this was where I was supposed to be. So I can't really give any logical advice for choosing schools. The only thing I can suggest, is that if the student has chosen the field they would like to obtain a degree in, try to find schools that specialize in that certain field. And find a school where you fit. When you step onto the campus, you'll know whether you are supposed to be there.
Chad
To begin with, you might be a fan of one college team, and that could lead you to choosing that college; however, don't let that be your main priority in a college. I am an Alabama fan, but chose AU for academic reasons and eventually a better job starting out of college with a pretty good salary. Parents should urge or make their children take the ACT/SAT, whichever is accepted by the schools you intend to apply to, starting early in their child's high school career. Then by the time the child reaches the latter grades, they will or should have a better chance at being accepted by the intended college. Once in college, students should definitely become involved in the school's extracurricular activities. Meeting people can be one of the funnest times in their lives. It can also help you become a more open person that which will allow them to have better "people" skills, which many companies look for involvement around the environment/community along with their academics.
Rachael
Dear Parents and/or Students,
How do I find the right college for me or for my child? How can I/they make the most of my/their college experience? These specific questions are asked by almost all high school graduates who plan to attend college and is a concern for most of their parents. My advice is to research, research, and research! Think about the things you value and enjoy the most. Do you like smaller settings, or do you enjoy the vibe from a big city? Does the college offer the area of study your interested in? Is the college well-known for its academics? Questions such as these are vital when choosing the college best fit for you! Evaluate yourself then evaluate the college. It is also equally important to ask yourself questions about your future! Will attending this college benefit me and my planned career? Will this college shape me into a well-rounded, proud woman or man? Remember, your not only learning at college, your growing as a person! Ask yourself, "Who and what do I want to be?" Suddenly, you'll know which college to choose!
Sincerly,
Rachael Dishman
Collin
Look into the school and its atmosphere. And really look into careers. That is most important. At least have some ideas and choices.
Ami
When choosing the right college I would advise everyone to go out and visit the schools. Ask students who are currently attending the university about their personal experience at the school as well. You can never just assume that the college is right for you until you get other points of view. After all, it is one of the most important decissions that you will ever make in life. As for a career, many students are uncertain about their career. I would advise those who are still undecided to go out in the community and visit career sites of their interest. The mistake that many students make is choosing a major and then deciding later that it is not the career they wanted. This wise choice of visiting career sites can help you better decide as well as save money in the long run. When making the most of your college experience, don't take your education for granted. Instead of going out, stay home and spend more time on that paper or test. Your education is something you should be proud of. Good decisions go a long way and are admired by many people. Most importantly, make yourself proud.
Waine
When deciding on a school, the most important consideration is how you personally feel about the schools you look at. For me, Auburn is a place that I feel safe, comfortable and appreciated. As Building Science major, Auburn's program was a big consideration, but my decision was really more about the feel of the school.
When deciding on a college, for me, it came down to Auburn and Furman Universities. Both had the feel I was really looking for, the people were friendly and there was a definite sense of belonging. However, money issues took the decision out of my hands. While the feel of the school is without a doubt the most important factor in deciding on a school, don't let money become an issue. Find and apply for scholarships early and often so that you have to option of really considering which school is the best fit for you.
In all, find a school that you are comfortable with. Choose a place you can see yourself enjoying the college experience while still remaining focused on classes. College is about more than just academics, and don't forget that when choosing the school that fits you best.
Jenna
I would encourage both parents and students to really communicate any desires, passions, and concerns they might have surrounding the choice and pursuit of college. I would advise any students who have a dream of attending a certain college to fully pursue it, despite any odds. Have no regrets.
As for making the most of the college experience, I would strongly encourage students to find a group of friends that they can count on. College, while one of the most fun and exciting times of life, can also be one of the most stressful due to all the novel experiences, as well as the maturity and independence that one must develop. The importance of good, reliable friends cannot be overemphasized. The support and accountability they offer have great implications on the decisions a student makes throughout his or her college career.
Another tip of advice that I would give is for the students to not over commit themselves. I would encourage the students to be involved, but I would also encourage them to clearly prioritize what is important to them and then work to not compromise those priorities.
More advice: set a positive example for others and be a light.