Misty
I would advise student or parents who are searching for the right college for them to consider a lot of different option. Don't be afraid to tour the campuses and seee which place feel like home. It is important to feel comfortable with the location and population of the school. Also, when it comes to making the most of your experience, get involved. Meet as many people as you can and don't be afraid to try new things and go new places that you may have never considered before. In the end, have fun and try to learn more about yourself in the process.
Brittany
Find a college that fits your personality, and has the same educational goals that you would like to achieve. Choose the college that suits you don't go where your friends or parents are pressuring you or picking the college only because of its name. Be open minded and act friendly towards your peers. Don't overwhelm yourself with too many activities or taking too many classes at once, try to maintain a balance with school, work, and your social life. Enjoy the college life and take your time because rushing through it causes nothing but feeling overwhelmed and stress. Communicate with your teachers and develop relationships with them because they can help you with finding your career and giving you the advice to help you succeed.
Nick
Be sure to ask lots of questions, and make sure that the college you settle on will give you the right education to help you live your dreams and succeed in the world.
Megan
Students should come to college to learn, have fun, and meet amazing people. Don't close yourself off and restrict yourself from hanging out with one group. I am in a sorority and I hang out with everyone. I am friends with people from other chapters and people who are not greek at all. College gives you a chance to truly find yourself and figure out what you want to do with your life. Keep your head on straight and don't focus on partying 24/7. Going to college is an amazing accomplishment, but graduating from college is an even bigger accomplishment. Never forget that the number one reason why you are there is to learn.
Parents should support their child. There are so many good days and bad days in college and a student needs support to help them through it.
Brittany
when you visit a school and you get the feeling that you belong there, and when you see the people and you think they could be my friend. You found your new home. Parents, take your child on as many visits as they need because you will never find the right home unless you see it and get a feel for it yourself. It may not always be what is expected.
once you get there, dont let anything hold you back, join as many groups and clubs as you can. Make friends with everyone, because youll soon find that those people will be your lifelong friends and that your high school friends will slowly disappear.
Never let anything stop you from doing what you want. Live your life, and dont regret anything. its college, its the best experience you will have in life!
Alyson
Get involved on campus in activities. You get out of the school what you put into it, so don't be afraid to ask questions and get to know your professors.
Lianna
Go into college with a positive attitude. Never say that you can't do something, because nothing is impossible. Try your hardest and never give up. Keep an open mind and be open to meeting new people. Talk, because it will pay off in the end. Don't be shy, give it a try. :]
Brad
To Parents:
You often know how your child responds to different types of education, teaching styles, learning enviroments, and their interest in extracurricular activities. Help them find the college/university that best fits them. Be wary of schools' reputations as 'drinking schools' or 'party schools' and be sure you child knows the risks involved with going to a school with that type of reputation. Though money can certainly be a factor in choosing a school, keep your options open with loans, financial aid, and scholarship opportunities. Be supportive of your child, this is their transition to the 'Real World'.
To Students:
Deciding on a college/university can be tough. Choose a school with a program you're interested in. For me, Music Therapy was a very specific program and I found Baldwin-Wallace College to be the best fit for me. For schools you're interested in, choose one that you can picture yourself in for 4 years.
To make the most of your college experience, be sure to get involved. Join up with groups that interest you; most schools have intermural sports and student clubs for various activities. Have fun and take advantage of the opportunities that await you.
Keane
Don't worry so much about getting into a "top" college. There are many schools out there with great teachers, great professors, and great resources. I've found that most of what you get out of college, academically, socially, career-wise, and in every other facet, comes from what you decide to put into it instead of where you go. Many schools are big enough for any student to find their niche, but nobody is going to push yourself if you don't. Self-motivation is key to getting your money's worth, and every college has more resources than you could ever deplete, so take advantage of everything you can, try new things and don't care so much about what other people think of you. It's a time to learn more about who you are and you can't know that until you know who you aren't as well.
Cindy
The advice I would give parents and students is to get out and explore campuses. You will never know what school fits you the best except if you get out and see multiple so that you can compare one to the other. I looked at 5 different schools. I knew that I did not want to be too far from home and that I liked a smaller school better. I went to many college fairs to see what other colleges and universities are out there that I did not know about. Once I stepped on the campus of Baldwin- Wallace College I knew that that was the place where I was ment to be. When picking out a school you have to make sure you feel when you are there and that is just how I felt about B-W. Once you are on campus make sure to get involved you meet so many people. The people from the organizations I am in are the ones I am the closest to and I turn to them for help or questions. Go and make friends with the upper-classman they are the ones who have already gone through where you are.