Emina
I would have to say keep your options open, research the colleges that you have an interest in to see what they offer, not only what classes and degrees but extra-curricular activities as well. If you are given the opportunity to take a few college courses while you are still in high school, take advantage of that because that will benefit you once you choose your college. Make sure to manage your time wisely, make sure you study and learn the material, but also engage yourself in social activites on campus because that will connect you to others and will help you establish friendships. The most important thing is to balance everything to make the best out of your time.
Nathan
Often times, perspective students hear the phrase, "Find the college that fits." The real question is, what exactly does "fit" mean? Fit could mean many things, ranging from enjoying classes and making friends, to climbing the social ladder to the top of the proverbial food chain. Fitting in at college is actually a cumulation of all these factors and how they are balanced to create an educational, yet enjoyable time at college. The best advice I could give to a college bound student and/or his or her parents would be to find both a college and a major in which you or your child TRULY enjoys and excels. Attend an institution where will surely make friends, excel in class and ultimately ENJOY being there, because after all, it may end up being a few years.
James
A college decision is best made by gut feeling and a willingness to to try new things. If you step onto a campus and immediately feel welcome and at home, that is oftentimes a great indicator of a good choice. No college experience will ever be good if you are not willing to step out of your comfort zone and find out who you really are and what you are capable of doing. There is no other time in your life in which so many leadership and personal development opportunities present themselves. It is up to you to decide on how you respond to challenges you will be undoubtedly be presented with, whether academic, organizational, or otherwise -- and even in the most brutal times of misstep and failure, this will be your education. Such is the essence of the college experience. When you respond positively to something difficult with dedication and hard work, even when it does not turn out how you expected, you will find that success comes to you. When it comes, be humble, keep your eyes open, and be proud of everything you have done, because it will shape who you are.
Courtney
Find a place that you're comfortable with and that you can feel at home.
Stephen
When chosing a college, the best thing to keep in mind is how comfortable your child feels on campus. It's important to remember it is your kids choicelife choice of what they would like to do. A lot of my friends parents were not accepting to their choices of college, whether the reason was the cost or location. Both of these issues can be compromised with a little communication between parenta and students.
Another issue that is often discussed around campus is the amount of time students spend with their parents when they leave for school. I reccomend that parent remember to give some space to the child. Maybe comunicate by sending care packages, as it is well known all college children need help buying food, and love getting mail!
Jenny
I think what is important is to just go with your gut feeling. Also to make the most out of your college experience, just try to get involved and be social.
Amanda
Go with your gut and where you felt most comfortable visiting. Try to get involved early with campus activities to meet people and interact. Hold a couple of internships to help you decide what field you really want to get into. Be open minded and don't be afraid to try new things. Don't ever feel pressured to do something, stand up for what you believe in.
Dana
Find a place where you can be yourself and express yourself. Attending a place that has a strong field of study that you are interested in is important, but attending a college that offers a variety of activities is just as important. However, be careful not to involve yourself with TOO much. If you spread yourself too thin because you're involved with too much, your academic and social life will probably be impacted in a negative way. I think another extremely important aspect of the college experience to prepare oneself for the future, is to get internships and to put one's knowledge to practice. Those experiences open so many opportunities for future jobs and provide experience that future employers value and search for on a resume. ALong those lines, never be afraid to ask for help whether from an advisor or an upperclassman. Most people will want to help you succeed and will use their resources to help you out. Take advantage of those opporunities.
Brian
Look for a clollege that makes you happy and somewhere that you feel comfortable. transfering sucks so try to make the right decision the first time
Brooke
Finding the right college is about finding the place where you fit. All colleges will have many attributes that will make them seem appealing, but those attributes might not be right for you. You have to find the place where you can see yourself being happy for the next four years. Choose a college based on your criteria of what you want, whether it's a large or small school, public or private, in state or out of state. Do not rush into your decision, but take your time. This is the biggest decision you have made so far and making the right choice for yourself will benefit you for the rest of your life.
Jessica
To all of the incoming college students of 2009: you should makesure you go to a college that meets all your needs in every area. It is important to have strong academia, as well as academia that matches your needs for where you would like to be in the future. The campus itself is also very important, choose a college that strikes you as beautiful, where you would feel greatly at home. Make sure the environment seems friendly and welcoming, and that you can easily contact your professors. It is also helpful to have a college with good counselling services. You never know what may come, so it is best to go somewhere that will meet your needs full circle. Most important, go to a college that you completley fall in love with. Remember for the next four years it will be your home away from home.
keturah
My advice is to go out and meet new people. Networking is very important, you never know who you will be working for. Also, take advantage of every oppurtunity available that the college has to offer. They may seem long and over drawn but they are given to you for a reason!
Hilary
College should be about the future it can bring you if you do the work, but it also has to be a place that helps you grow and become a person you are fully satisfied with. It is a tough process, but you will know if a college is right. You can feel it in your gut.
Allison
do lots of research and visit the campus more than once.
Erika
I believe that one of the most important aspects of finding the right college is to actually visit it. There's no way you can know if you'll love it or not if you never see it! Another important thing is to make sure you are majoring in something that you are really passionate about. Find a college that supports that, and make sure they have other activities/majors that interest you.
Michael
Make sure you know what you want when it comes to deciding what you would like to get out of the college such as a degree or meeting new people. Then I would say no matter where you decide to go the best college experiences are the ones in which you make. If you want college to be fun then do things that make you happy and be active in activities on campus. These should be the best four years of your life and they go by fast, trust me it seems like I was a freshmen as if it was a day ago. Always keep in touch with your family they will miss you.
Anthony
Keep focused on your goals and have fun!
Stephen
Figure out what kind of setting you are comfortable in and what kind of people you want to surround yourself with. It is 100{4a082faed443b016e84c6ea63012b481c58f64867aa2dc62fff66e22ad7dff6c} about the student. Parents should not let their own insecurities or agendas get in the way of making this choice. If you have something you want to do specifically, start researching and find the schools with the best programs in that field. Remember that college should be a gateway to better oppurtunities. Nothing is set in stone. This is your life. If you feel you should change majors or change schools, then absolutely pursue that. You have a responsibillity to yourself to take control of your life and seek out ways to get what you want.
lauren
what feels right to you
Elizabeth
Talking with students who attend the school is a great way to find out what being on the campus for 8 months of the year is like, instead of just a 1-day visit. Music students should definitely schedule a sample lesson with their potential private teacher, because you don't want to be stuck with a teacher you don't like for 4 years.