Jay
Make the right choice, it could change your life.
Brittany
Make the right decision for yourself. Some people might go to a school for the money or education or even social life but you have to make the decision for yourself for your own personal success.
Samantha
Do your research. Narrow your choices down to three or four schools, and make the time to visit each campus. Take campus tours, ask the students there about the classes and general life there. Make your decision based on what fits YOUR needs, YOUR wants, YOUR future.
Ryan
Take your time, and start planning early.
Carestin
Everyone has their own idea of the perfect college experience. For me it was to be involved and to love my school and the location of it. Bowling Green is a mere 20 minutes away from my house so I can make it as close or as far away as I want it to be. Last year, when I was a freshman, it was nice to be this close and to have my family to turn to to help with the transition. For many people this may be a great thing to consider. Another thing that I loved was how many sororites there were on campus. Out of the 14 we have here I was bound to find one that I fit in with and could get involved with. School involovement is another great thing to consider. In the end, make the desicion for you, not anyone else.
Jerrell
The advice I have for stuudents about finding the right college and making the most of the college experience is to get involved on campus. Use all of the resources on campus to meet new people. Its a great opportunity to network with people who share the same interest /major with you. Another thing is that students should experience on-campus living. Commuting should be an option at least a year after you have been in a dorm.
maegan
Find a school that is not too far away from home so you don't get home sick. And look for a school that has many majors available so if you change your mind you have other choices to choose from. Good Luck!!!
Drew
It is crucial that students find a place that is not only academically challenging, but that is a right fit, socially, as well. In my opinion the classroom makes up 55{4a082faed443b016e84c6ea63012b481c58f64867aa2dc62fff66e22ad7dff6c} of the college expereince but the development of students streches far beyond the classroom into the residence halls, greek houses, student organization offices and surrounding community.
As an undergraduate, I felt connected to my campus community, safe and secure and academically challenged by the supportive faculty in both of my departments.
Also, don't be affriad of trying something entirely new. If you come into college knowing exactly what you want to be, wonderful, if not, use it as an opportunity to learn about yourself and plan a meaningful career path for yourself.
jennifer
Don't just go tour the campus, your tour guide is paid to tell you how awesome it is. You probably know someone who goes there or the parent of someone that goes there. Ask them what its like , and they will probably be lot more realistic.
Benjamin
Picking a college can be difficult, but the main thing about any college is the quality of education compared to the price. Yes MIT or Yale will give you an incredible learning experiance and give you something to make your resume' stand out, but a home town university will give you just as good of an education for half the price. Once you find a price range that you're willing to pay for, you need to then look through the subtle nuances that each college present. Also, living on campus, albeit kind of expensive, is quite unique. It allows for much more social atmosphere (if that's what you're looking for) while being convenient. Not only is it convenient, but it makes people more efficient. Instead of driving home just to relax, you go back to your dorm and are much more likely to work on your homework. Once you find the perfect college, you'll love every minute of it.
Brittany
The advice that I would give to students is to find a college that meets your academic needs. Make sure that they have the classes and programs you need for your particular field. Once you get to school, get involved into certain organiztions and teams. Step out of your comfort zone and get to know people outside of your racial background. The only way your college experience will be fun is if you make it. Don't forget the reason why you are there! Remember that you are there to get an education. Which means to put your academics first and set goals for yourself. Don't let anyone tell you that you can not do anything, remember to believe in yoursel. Have fun!
daniel
stay a night on campus when school is in session that is the easiest way to know how it feels
Jennifer
When searching for the perfect college where you or your student will fit in is a very important process. In my own experience I found that the most important thing is the students on campus. I chose the college I am now attending because I felt that the students and faculty were very welcoming. While I was on my visits to different colleges, Bowling Green stuck out because I could tell that there were students that I could see myself being friends with.
As important as what majors the school is known for, I believe it is more important to make sure the student will feel most comfortable. Like most students, I changed my major three times within my first two years at college. If I would have chosen the college I was to attend by which school was most prestigious for the major I initially went to school for, it would not have made a difference once I changed my major.
It is also important for the parents to allow their student to make the decision as to what school they will attend. The decision should not be based off where the parents feels best suited but the student.
Gwendolyn
I would advise students to do their research. Find a school that has a program they would be interested in. Also find out what the school requires in terms of General Education courses before they can get into their major's program. Knowing these things beforehand can save on hassle when trying to schedule classes later on. I would advise parents to help their child in determining what school is best suited for them. In terms of location, how far away are they going to be, and how long is the drive between home and school. Safety, what type of security is in place? Do they have actual police patrolling the campus or only campus security? In terms of education, what kind of school will my child be attending: Liberal Arts, Conservative, Religious Based, State School, Private? All of these things are great in determening what is best for your child. Class sizes, Male to Female Ratio, Extra Curricular Activities on campus. Looking into all of these things can better prepare not only students but parents as well as they look to take the next step in their lives. These steps can help ensure procuring a quality education is possible.
Isaac
Do your work students. You go to college for a reason. I understand going out and partying is a lot of fun. I've been there, done that. But grades aren't important. The better you do in school, the more successful your career will be. Not only will you be more knowledgeable in your area of study by receiving good grades. You'll learn valuable lessons about time budgeting and management skills. By all means, have fun and go out on weekends. But stay on top of your studies as well.
Maggie
The most important thing I think people should consider while searching for a school, beyond price and whether the intended major is present at that location, is whether that institution fits the student's needs. Needs can be anything from administrative to social but the atomosphere must be conducive to the student's learning. Although there will not always be a "perfect fit" students need to feel like they fit in on the campus and to find a niche that suits their learning style. Schools that help individuals find their personal atmosphere and adjust to college life are great.
Stephanie
I think parents and students should go to look at colleges together. And I think it is very important to look at a varitety of colleges before choosing the one you are going to attend. There are so many schools out there and it can be overwhelming but do not limit yourself to just a few choices, experience and look at everything that is out there. And I also suggest starting early, begin your junior year and start narrowing down from there, don't wait until the last minute!
Teresa
Have all your college prerequisites done if you can.; like taking language, advanced english & algebra in high school. It helps to not have to pay for these classes if you can test out of them. Also, make sure to check out each and every school that you can before you graduate from high school. Make a list of your top choices, your second, and those that seem appealing but would not fall into the other two areas. Check them out thoroughly and look into every possible scholarship available in your area. The hardest thing these days seems to be financial diificulties, so after visiting the colleges on your list, also look into available work in the area. Also, try to get involved in all the on campus activities that may interest you, and maybe even some that you would not usually consider. The first year at college can become lonely, getting involved in activities helps you to make friends and stay involved. Keep in close touch with your family and loved ones, as well.
Pietrina
In my personal experience, one of the most important aspects of choosing the "right " college was how well it would suit my individual needs. I am a very family-oriented individual, and choosing a college that wasn't too far away from my home, was very important to me. I think it definitely helped me adjust faster, because I may have been homesick at first, but after some time, I knew that if I needed something, I was close to my family. I think it's imporant to find an insitution that is highly regarded in the field of study in which you are entering, and definitely choosing a college that is going to help you with succeed, and give you the right education that you need in order to become a productive individual in society. College should be an amazing experience, and students should value their education, NOT just their free time. I think students should never take for granted the privilege of attending college, and make the most of it their time there.
brandi
Research all possibilities. Find a school that fits all your/your childs needs!