Meghan
I would tell them to go visit the college talk to students do a stay over to get the real feel of college life.
Gabriela
At times we choose a school which looks great from the outside. Whether you're looking for a laid back, up tight or in between aura, think of the person you want to be. College is something in which you grow with. If you want a party school, you will have to think, "is that who I am going to be or who I want to be in four years?" Set yourself up for success and change.
Tiffany
When looking for a college it is best to do research online. Check the school's website and also check student blogs, or sites like facebook for feedback. Open houses are also great ways to see the school in action. Definitely do not choose a school without visiting it at least once. Parents can also do their own research through word of mouth; see what other parents think about the school their child is looking at. Some schools also offer class sit in, where you can sit in on a class you might be interested in. This is a great idea if you are unsure of what size school you feel comfortable in. I reason why I chose my school was its size, small class rooms mean more one on more communication with students. Smaller classes also allow for better teacher student relationships. However, some students do not like that; they might need larger environments to feel comfortable.
To get the best out of your experience you need to somehow get involved whether it is in the class room, with sports, or just going to activity nights on campus. Getting involved really allows you to meet new people.
Mary
My best advice is to follow your heart. If you feel suffocated or lost on a campus it's probably not the place for you. Finding the right college is like dating, there are so many possibilities but it can take awhile to find the right fit. Visit alot of colleges and once you choose one- GET INVOLVED. It makes all the difference. Follow your heart, choose what feels right and get involved on campus- no regrets.
Danielle
Sit down and talk to your child about why they want to go to a school because it is a very hard to choice to decide where you want to spend the next 4 years of your life at 17 or 18 years old.
Rebecca
Find a school that feels like the right fit for you. Whether that be based on the size, the programs they offer, or what the school is affiliated with. If you don't get a good feeling from the school when you're simply thinking about going there, chances are you aren't going to enjoy spending the next four years there.
Georgianna
Find a college that makes you feel like you are home. If you feel relaxed here then that is where you should be.
Erin
The advice I would give is it is a experience of a lifetime and do not pass it up.
Charlene
Encourage your students to not bring a vehicle during their freshman year. There are activities to do on campus on the weekends, but no one is here for them. All of the students seem to go home on the weekends and do not get a full college experience.
Heather
When choosing a college, emphasis should be placed on intution. A college may look like a dream on paper, and it could be the best institution in the world; however, is it the right place for you? When I was choosing schools, I thought I wanted to be in a huge school, with thousands of people, in a bustling city. I applied to colleges and universities that I thought I would be happy with , but it was my "safety school" that I absolutely fell in love with. When I went to vist my so called dream universities, I always left with a feeling that something was missing. The huge colleges and universities did not have the warmth and environment that my current school provides. I feel like I made the best decision of my life by coming to a school that might not be the best in the country, but is a perfect fit for me.
ashley
Check out as many schools as you can and put a lot of effort into finding the perfect school for you.
Ashley
The best advice i would give parents/ and or future students would be to keep your options open, visit the campuses, and know that its a big decision. Dont just base where you go on the name of a big school, have an open mind and look into things that may help and beifit you out.