Candace
I would encourage students and parents thinking about going to college, to absolutely do it! Don't be shy about your college choice, the crazier it sounds, the better it might be. I did not want to go to college in po-dunk little town in the middle of nowhere, but I'm glad that I did. Even if it may not seem right for you, you have to experience the environment first hand to really know. Another bit of advice that I would give is to spend at least year living in the dorms. Dorm life gives you a chance to really learn how to relate to others in a close living situation. It also helps you get involved in activities and helps you meet a bunch of different groups of people.
Taylor
When I first went to visit the college , my heart sank, I felt worried , and scared. So I love this place now so all those feelings are normal. Give a place a chance. You will know if it is right for you.
Donald
Academics are an important consideration in the college selection process, but too many people forget that college is more than just academics. In four years, when the experience is over, the memories are not going to be focused on the Biology class that was attended on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 9:30-11:00 or even the grade that resulted from that class. The real memories, the memories that will stay with you forever, are the ones that are made with friends. It's that simple, it doesn't matter what you are doing, a friend will always make it better. The key is too find a good group of friends and to stick together through all that comes your way, while the paradox is trying to remain an individual. A good group of friends is desirable, but being part of a clique will cause you to miss many major aspects of the college experience. Always keep in mind that grades will get you out of college but friends will get you through college.
Forgive the times that will make you cry, and cherish the times that will make you laugh. This is the key to a successful college career.
Taryn
Travel around and see what feels right. Campbell is a old school but once you attend it feels like home. It is quaint and the professors are awesome.
Brooke
The best way to find the right fit for a college is to visit the campuses while students are still in school. If you really want to know how a school is going to feel and what it is like you need to be there interacting with the students that attend the school. Students also need to know the kind of atmosphere that they like so that they are not itimidated at a place that will be there second home. Look for a college you are going to be comfortable with in size, weather, and things to do. They need ask lots of questions and never hold anything back. If the thought crosses your mind ask it. Once you have visited a school, you will know if it is the place for you. Walking onto a college campus shows one a lot about how one would feel there. So get started and begin visits!
Whitney
First, research is vital. Make sure to tour all the campuses you apply to before you make any decisions. Tours allow the student to learn about the school, sample yummy cuisine, and get a chance to interact with currrent students. Once, you've applied and been accepted to a school, make sure to go to orientation, which is often recquired. Orientation is a fun way to get to really know your school and what your life will be like while there. When time comes to move into the dorms, don't overpack. Most freshmen do it- I was guilty. Dorm rooms aren't the largest rooms in the world, and the more stuff you have in there the smaller the room gets (as well as the harder it is to kep clean). Living in a dorm is a great way to socialize and meet people- got to your dorm's functions. Get involved around campus through clubs, work, or volunteering- it's the best way to maximize the college experiance.
Chance
I would tell them to look for something that is more suitable with the lifestyle of the student. The schools ability to give a good overall education is irrelavent if the student is not enjoying theirselves and does not wish to venture out of the room. If the student is having a good social experience (without sacrificing their work) then the college choice, whatever it is, will be a pleasurable one
Andrew
Whether the prospective student enjoys teacher-student interaction or wants to participate in a lot of off campus activities, can help the with the decision of whether to attend a big school or a smaller school. Having a least a general idea of what career to pursue is helpful so a student one can find a college that can help him with his career decision. Keeping up is very important so scheduling time is critical in college because so many things are going on at once and no one wants to do poorly when they know they could have done better.
Jonathan
One piece of advice I have for prospective college students is never give up on your dreams. I thought I would never be able to attend the private university I dreamed of going to because of the high cost. My parents encouraged me to apply to the schools that I was most interested in attending and that had the course of study or major that I wanted to pursue. I applied to both public and private universities. After receiving letters of acceptance and scholarship offers, it was clear that attending the private school of my choice was possible. When we compared the scholarship packages between the schools, the difference in cost was not nearly as much as I expected. The admissions office of the schools that you select can help in many ways and can assist in helping you find a way financially to attend their university.