Jarrett
First of all, wherever you decide to go, make sure that you visit the campus ahead of time. The right college for you should be impressive both on paper and visually when you take a campus tour. Certain places just feel like "home," and if you find a campus like this, strongly consider it among your options. Go to a school that will challenge you intellectually and force you to work hard. Find a school that has many opportunities for involvement on campus and take advantage of them to the best of your ability. And finally, don't commute to school; going to college and living away from your parents may be more expensive than commuting, but the amount of maturation that comes along with it is priceless and is an experience that I would not trade for the world.
Jessica
You will get out of college what you put into it. If you try hard and have a little fun, then you will succeed and it will be enjoyable. Find a college that suits you; the environment is very important as well as the educational aspect. If you (the student) are funding your own education, like I am, then you really want to get the most out of it. Be social, meet people, but also be careful. Campuses have lots of activities for students and there is a club or organization for everyone!
Jennifer
look at as many colleges and options as you can, and make sure you feel good when making the decision of where you are going.
Ashley
If i was to talk to parents and students about finding the right college for them i would first ask if they would be more comfortable in a larger school, a middle size school, or a small campus. i feel that this would be a good question to start out with since this would be able to narrow it down. after this i would say that the best thing to do is look for what you want to major in. whatever school has your best program and the size you want that probably where you would want to begin. the next thing i would suggest is to visit those places. that is very important, pictures can be made and things so you definetly want to go on the campus get a feel for it, ask questions, try and soak everything in to see if you really want to be there and if that is the place for you. if you found that then that is where you are destined to go. you also just need to go with your gut because that is another big sign. you know what is right for you. you just need to find it.
Ashley
For finding the right college, it is extremely important that you apply to as many schools as possible so that you are sure to find one that is best for you! Check out each school's website for information and try to visit campus if possible - take a parent to help you remember details and ask important questions. Take some time to think about your decision - don't decide based on something minor, such as friends who attend. Make sure to conside factors such as cost and whether or not the school has your major.
In order to make the most of your college experience, it is important that you make friends! I would say that is the most important thing that you can do. Be friendly and open to new people, and attend social events oncampus! Get involved with extra-curricular groups that you are interested in - having something fun to blow off steam is important and this will also help you meet other students with similar interests. Acadmeically speaking, it is very important to keep on top of your schoolwork and I would definitely recommend meeting with an advisor to make sure you keep on track!
Meghan
I would tell them to visit as many schools as neccessary until you feel like you're at home. You don't want to go to a school where you feel that you will be very uncomfortable with your surroundings. Also stay active in as many things as possible, especially those that relate to your field of study. Make sure you get to know your fellow classmates, chances are if they are the same major, you're stuck with them all four years. Don't let upperclassmen intimidate you either, most of the time they are very kind and really just want to help you out. Don't be afraid to attend a sorority or fraternity simply because you're afraid of the stereotypes; you might surprise yourself. Another important note: College is meant to be some of the best years of your life. Don't let your school work and social life get you down. Most importantly, remember that this is no longer your high school. You have a chance to be everything you always wanted to be, but were afraid to because of how your high school was. Become who you want to be, not what others want.
Katherine
Take everything as it comes. Do not have any expectations. Find a place that feels right when you visit it, and make sure it has extracurricular activities that fit you well. Jump in and get involved, because the people are the best part about college!
Megan
Finding a college is not about finding the perfect school, but finding the perfect school for you. No matter where you go it is up to you to make the most of it. Decide what is the most important aspects of a school before you attend. No school will be perfect, but one will feel comfortable, like home.
Maggie
First find the college that you think fits you best. Always make sure that you explore all your options and weigh them. However, you also want to explore the campuses of the schools you're looking into. Most schools do offer campus tours or visits and even information sessions, so that's something to look into. A school should have someone that can answer any of your questions or at the very least someone who can direct you to the right information. Definitely ask questions because tour guides eventually get tired of hearing themselves talk so that will be a welcome reliefe to them; keeps them on their toes. Make friends and look into groups that share same interests because it makes your time on campus fun. Keep in mind that you're going to college for a reason though and that degree is the ultimate goal, so make sure that academics are also a key in your life.
Ashley
Students do not need to start college with a set degree, so parents should encourage their child to explore a variety of classes their first couple of years. Also, many individual programs at colleges offer scholarships, so there are many available resources that can help pay for college. I would go out and have fun, because it is a quick experience, but to remember that the better your grades, the more possibilites of scholarships awards and job opportunities. Also, don't be afraid to use the career center to find a job.
Latoya
While choosing a college make sure that it is your perfect fit. An individual definetly does not want to rush while picking what school they would like to attend. Make sure to visit the campus so that you know it is safe and comfortable. One should try to talk to alumni or students that already attend the university so they can get a better feel of the schools atmosphere. Parents and furutre students should also go to the schools website so they know what programs and other things the school has to offer. Also, I would advise for the students to join an organization, it keeps you occupied and it allows you to give back to the community. Make sure to study hard, and not to get caught up with binge drinking and other unhealthy lifestyles that will put you in harms way. All students should be prepared for the heavy work load, and students should try to make smart descions, since college is extremely different from High School.
Morgan
Find the location where you can see yourself having fun and learning. Visit campus when students are there, not just during the summer or on preview days. Pay attention to the amentities of the dormitories, you'll be spending a lot of time there. Pay attention to your RA's, but know when to bend the rules a little, they were college freshmen too and they'll understand. Don't give up a chance for scholarship or activity if you enjoy it, you'll regret it later when you're paying the loan bills. Don't forget your parents, they still want to see you and believe it or not you aren't completely on your own since you don't live with them anymore. Take advantage of your summers, don't just laze by the pool, work hard (maybe even harder than you did during the school year). Take classes or work full time so you'll get a step ahead in school or even be able to skip taking out that extra loan in the Fall! Trust me, that's a good thing.
Kendra
My advice would be to start searching for colleges early, and not wait until the last minute. Take your SAT or ACT early in high school and start looking for the right schools. Take advantage of campus visits, and go to as many as you can so that you know what college you will feel safe at and comfortable.
Katie
I think that finding the right college for you can be a bit tricky, but there are many ways to help make it easier. Visting schools is a big thing that I wish I would have done. I had only visited one school and not that I don't like where I attened, it just would have been nicer to see what other options I would have. Think about all of the elements that you think of when you think college and have lots of options. Students at schools would be glad to answer questions that you have about that school and ease any of the worries that you may be having. When you do pick a school, get involved in activities. It helps you make friends and can make the transition from home to college a bit easier for you. Anything on campus that looks interesting to you, check it out. You never know what you might find.
Aaron
Find a college that best suits for child's likes, and one they will greatly enjoy. I would also recommend one that is very strong in their field of interest. Also remember they are adults now, you have to let them make mistakes and pick themselves right back up.
Brandon
Finding the right college is very important because it will be the student's future for the next 4 or so years. Student's, choose the college in which you want to go, not your parents, nor your friends, nor your boyfriends or girlfriends, because the decision is up to you and only you. In addition, before you pick a school make sure you visit it the place, and make sure you do some research as well. You do not want to attend a college and waste your money on a school in which you do not now know anything about . Lastly, college is a place where you will meet people from all over the world, different races, and just different backgrounds, it is just a place where you will broaden your views about the world, and it is the place where you are beginning your future career. I am only a sophomore, and I can say that I have matured in just over a year at being at school, and your friends and family will notice as well. Choosing the right college is an eternal decision, that will have many great rewards. Good Luck!!
Jordan
You can make most any college right for you. Find a place you like and get to know people and you'll love it.
Katelynn
Talk to the students when you go to visit, they can give you the best idea of what the college is like.
Daniel
The right college is the one that you visit and realize this is exactly what you are looking for, it tends to be similar to to the social connections that you have near home.
Elizabeth
look at all ur options