Chylea
Just stay focused and follow your dreams always.
Kristin
Find a college that suits the student and the major that the student knows they will enjoy. The student should like the school they go to, otherwise they won't enjoy it as much. If the students mind isn't made up on what they want to do, let them be undecided and they can choose a major they feel is best for them later. Living on campus helps incorporate the feeling of independence because most of the time it will be the students first time living away from their parents. Getting involved in an organization or group, such as going Greek or joining the student government can make the most of the college experience. The key thing is to enjoy yourself no matter what, as well as good time management. Know how to prioritize your schedule with school and extracurriculars, as well as your social life.
hazel
Overall I think that College is a great experience for new high school graduates. I would encourage students to live on campus to experience what its like to have all that freedom away from home. This gives them the sense of being on their own but they learn to handle a lot of responsibility along the way. I chose CSUSB because it's a far distance from home but not too far in case there was ever an emergency. I love living on campus because it has taught me a lot about learning how to develop into a more independent individual and it also helps me stay focused on my academics.
Larry
If I had to do it over again, I would randomly stop and ask students their opinion about a number of topics. Namely if there were any systemic issues involved in the admissions process and critical deadlines, the school's ability to resolve financial aid and admissions problems that spring up, solid academic advising to prevent taking classes that do not fulfill requirements, parking issues, safety and security, student support and the ease of accessing learning and writing centers, and the variety and quality of food! After all, I eat therefore I am.
Cattryna
Students who want to make the most out of their college experience just need to be themselves and have fun. You meet a lot of new people your first year and sometimes those people are your friends for life.
Rachel
They should find a college that best fits their career goals. Some schools are more for buisness, or teaching or medical field. They should pick schools like that. Sometimes you have to visit the campus, ask around get information about the colleges that they are thinking of going to. If the college is far, call the campus get as much information you can, so you won't have any surprises when you attend that particular college. Lastly, college is hard work it requires discipline and a focused mind. Stay focused on your career goals, college is not for playing around, its serious. But college should be fun also, after you do your work required for the classes. Volunteer, see what's going on in the campus. Go to campus concerts. Join clubs. Be active! That is the only way, you can't just sit around, you have to go and explore the campus. Remember to study (most important) then have fun.
Elvira
When looking for the right college, I would say that the campus needs to feels like home to both students and parents. The campus should feel inviting and safe, just like one's home. For the parents, the campus needs to feels like a nurturing environment where their student will achieve all that he or she can achieve with caring staff and faculty that want to see the students succeed. For the student, the campus should be a place where they are going to love being at, to learn, and to experience the best years of their life, while still keeping their studies in top priority. I would also tell students that the college experience is best when one is involved in school activities, social events, research projects with one's department, and more. Students attend college to achieve goals and dreams and all that is possible when one strives for the best when attending college. That is the best experience one can have.
Marilyn
In order to fing the right college, take the time to really research where you/your child will be attending school. Learn about how much it will cost, and look into overnight stay programs, which are greatly beneficial. Also, really think about what you want to acheive, and what your ultimate goal in life is, not just what career path you want to take.
In order to make the most out of your college experience, you really need to get involved. There's absolutely nothing exciting about sitting alone, bored, while your in college. This is the time to really push yourself outside your comfort zone, it's a clean slate. If you're typically shy, be bold. If you're typically bold, talk to those around you. College is when you form many lasting friendships, don't waste the time your there. Also, to make the most of college, attending class and really listening and comprehending the material is critical. Most of the material is applicable in the "real world." If your paying to be in college, you should get the most out of it.
Carlos
When looking for the right college it is always a good idea to go for the one you have always dreamed about and don't let it go without a fight, because it's your dream school for a reason and you shouldn't let it slip away. Making the most of your college experience can be whatever you have imagined, like a trip to Europe, a tour of Asia, or even trip down to the beach. The opportunities are vast and diverse when your in college and not to take advantage of them would only be a dissappointment.
April
Be dedicated and involved in the college. Attend seminars and orientations. Be involved in clubs and community activities offered by the school, such as grad school fairs.
HEATHER
I would suggest that perspective students find information on what they are interested in to assist with determining their major. Look around for schools that offer that major to aviod transferring... it can be a hassle.
Anjelice
Finding the right college takes time and you have to know exactly what you want in a school in order to pick one. Once you know what you want in a school go on the internet and look at all of the colleges and see if they meet your needs. If they don't then you know that they are not the right school for you. Once you have limited the number of schools you like to a reasonably low number you should go and take tours of each of the schools. You should also look into how much financial aid you can get at each of the schools because loans have to be paid back and grants or financial aid does not. After you have taken the tours of the schools and looked into financial aid, you should apply to the top schools on your list and depending on who you get accepted by you can make your final decision. If there are any problems after you begin going to your new school, just see if you can go to one of the other schools that accepted you.
Danielle
Knowing what career field before you enter college saves time and money. Research your potential career before you decide that is what you want to be. Once that is determined, figure if you want in-state or out-state school. Then research if you want a private school or public. One should then, with those narrowing fields, find the school that offers your major. If all do, find the one that has the highest graduation rate and which one has the best program. If activities is something that you'd like to be apart of, that should be researched as well. With all of that, one should have a successful college experience. ALWAYS VISIT POTENTIAL CAMPUSES BEFORE MAKING A FINAL DECISION.
Jamie
To get a good perspective of the right college, parents and/or students must make several visits to the campus. This includes staying in the dorms over night, eating the cafeteria food, walking around the campus with a guided tour, and sitting in a regular class session to get a feel for the teachers and classroom atmosphere. Just because the university or college is expensive doesn't ensure a good choice or experience. The most important thing to remember when choosing the "right college", is making sure that the college offers one's major and offers it with excellence. If one wants to be a business major, look for a college that offers a great business education. If one wants to be a nursing major, look for a college that offers an excellent nursing program. Furthermore, one must keep in mind that the whole family's decision on a college must be in unison. College is not something that should be treated with irresponsibility or selfishness; college is an important time in a student's life. If the parents and/or students take the above suggestions to heart, then one will have a successful college experience.
Andrea
Do your research in your junior year of high school. It will help you out when having to make a decision senior year!
Natalie
Good Luck in you college finding experience, and remember that it isn't always about the name of the school or its location, but sometimes the quality and lower price is more important.
Nathan
Students, I suggest taking a look at the big picture: what you want to do in life. If your goals include a Masters or PhD at a more distinguished school, consider a more rigorous undergraduate education. Though it may seem hard, try to get a general idea of what your potential major may be. If your plans are to get in, get out, and start a job, consider speaking with a representative in your future career, and asking them if the university where you would earn your Bachelor's degree matters.
The greatest amount of preparation for your career and future begins in college. Take time to do well, and you will be rewarded. To make the most of the college experience, consider that you only get out of it, what you put into it--in other words, give it everything you have. At the same time, learn to balance your workload by taking time out for extracurricular activities. They will rejuvenate and replenish your mind. Learn to find your subject of interest first. Once you find what you love to do, you have already succeeded.
Michael
Make sure that you plan your courses with the proper teachers.
Romina
The advice that i would give to parents and /or students in choosing the right college and making the most out of their college experience would be to first find a college that meets the needs of your major. Second i would say to find a college that makes you the most comfortable and able to be yourself. And lastly let go of all your fears because your not the only one who may be new to this whole "college experience". Make yourself involved in all the clubs you may be interested in so it gives you experience and the chance to meet and make new friends. If you come upon a college that does not fullfill all or most of these things that i mentioned, then i dont think that that college is for you.
Christian
Branch out and see new places, visit as many schools as you possibly can. Visit schools both close to home and afar if at all possible and do not be fearfull of change and moving out, it is a part of life and an extremly fun and exciting part. Be picky about where you go to school, this is your future and you will be here for the next four years of your life, so your are going to want to be some place you enjoy and can grow to love and be a part of.