Rianne
Don't be afraid to experiment over who you really are, as an individual. Your parents and friends aren't always right, and there will be times when you'll have to make and learn from tough choices. If your school has an opportunity to travel abroad, I recommend you take it. Its a real eye-opener to how the world truly is.
Ashley
If I were to give any advice to parents or students who are trying to find the perfect college for them I would encourage them to look at more than one school. I would stress that the student get a tour of the campus during the school year to get a feel of what the classes are like and how students interact with each other. Some campuses may also offer the student to spend the night in the dorm for a night, if that is an option take full advantage of it. Apply to more than one college, it's always best to keep your options open. As for the student making the college experience the best years they will experience there are so many things they can do. First and foremost, get involved in school activities as much as you can. Putting yourself out there and stepping out of your shell will help you make lots of friends and also build networks you can use in the future. Finally, have fun! College is the best years of your life, enjoy it to the fullest while you can because those four years will come to an end very quickly.
Mitchell
If your child has any idea of what field they would like to study, my recommendation would be to research which schools have the top program in the state or out of state in which they would be interested in. Apply to as many schools as would be necessary and visit the campus as well to get a better feeling if the student would be comfortable to live, study, and enjoy their time there. I have lived in the dormitory for the past three years and would not trade it for anything. The lifestyle with other students gives the opportunity to have friends and make friends for the future years. All in all, researching, figuring out what would be financially best, visiting campus', and living in the dormitories would be most beneficial.
Rhiannon
It is very important to find the right college not only for the student but also for the student's parents. The best advice I could give someone would be to make a list of the things you are looking for in a college. This list should include the price range, distance from home, and the desired. Students should also consider what kind of classroom environment they want. Would the student prefer large lecture halls, classes taught by teaching assistants, or smaller more intimate classes with professors. Also it is important to make sure the colleges being considered offer the intended major and if they offer any kind of internships or job placement programs. Another important thing to consider is housing and parking. Know what is available from each college. Parking can be a very high, unexpected expense. The most important advice I can offer when selecting a college is to visit the prospective schools. Ask to see some of the classrooms and dorm rooms. If possible, meet with some of the professors or sit in on a class. It is important that students find the right fit for these defining years of their lives.
Rachel
In order to choose the right school for you, one truly important aspect to consider is the size. I never thought that the size of my school would matter but it has made the greatest impact on my education. I chose a small school because of the importance that is placed on education. When you choose a small school you reap the benefits of having close relationships with professors. These relationships often make it easier for a student to ask for help and it is always a benefit having a professor know you well enough to give you a reference later on in life. The small school atmosphere is great for truly learning and fostering a social life as well. Forming relationships with others is also a large part of college and a small school forces students to break through their boundaries and embrace the differences in people. This life lesson makes the college experience a completely new and rewarding adventure that no one could forget.