Lauren
Choose the college that feel right for you. It shouldn't matter about what the hard facts are, as long as you feel comfortable there then you will have the time of your life!
Conor
Make sure you look very closely at where you want to go because you most likely will be spending four years there. The reason being because it is costly to transfer not only because many credits wont transfer but also tuition generally go up each year and some schools lock you in for four years so when you leave you will pay the new high price.
Victoria
College is about to be the most important four years of your life.
You need to be placed in an enviornment where you are not only comfortable on campus but where the coursework is just enough for you to take on. Explore your options to grow both socially and academically.
Whether you want to major in Business or pursue a degree in the Liberal Arts, you want a college that will fufill your goals for a future career but will also cater to your hobbies and interests. Be sure to visit your college so you can see the sports fields and recreation center if you're interested in athletics. If you enjoy music, make sure that they offer electives that you would consider taking. Last but not least, take a look around and see if the atmosphere it something you prefer. You want to factor in your academics, finances and university life to best fit YOU.
Rachel
Find out all of the information that is important and applicable to you. Talk to students who attended colleges you are interested in, pick up their school newspaper, and definitely make some campus visits. Once you choose the right school, get involved. That way, you meet new people and gain lifelong friendships. If I had a nickel for every time I have heard a man or woman say, "College is where I met my husband/wife..." You can learn so much from those around you. College campuses are full of diversity and are the prime spots to learn about others. Absorb all of the information around you and live your new experiences to the fullest.
Amirah
The advice that I would give students is to choice a school that fits their personality and needs. They should find a school that offers everything from quality academics , lively social life, clubs and associations. They may even what to find a school that offers post graduation support to help them find jobs or to continue their education. I can also advise that the student take every opportunity that is presented to them to further their education and make new friends and network for future contacts. College can be one of your greatest experiences in your life so sieze the day.
Sarah
Alway visit the campus and make sure to apply and look at more than one school, even if you're dead set on going to a certain school, check out your options.
Lisa
I would say that you need to do your research! Its important to go and visit the campus and see if the larger or smaller school is the right fit for you. You also need to research what programs they offer and extra curricular activities are avaliable as well. It helps if you know someone that went to that school. But if thats not available to you, you need to go and do a lot of reseach so when you get there it is everything you expected it to be. Most importantly once you are at college it can be hard at first, but college is the expirence you make it!
Michelle
I would tell parents and students to do their research and visit the college or university more than once. They should also talk with current students before making their final decision. To make the most of their college experience, I would tell them to get involved. There is so many things to do on campus. From joining a groups, clubs, sports, volunteering, social events, etc.
Brandon
go with a college that offers majors that your interested in and dont go to a college becasue thats where your friends are going jsut go with what feels right
Hanna
If I had the chance to give adivce to students and families looking for a college to attend I would tell them to go during a day where students are on campus and really look around. I think that it is important to see a college in-session, rather than just trusting what you have heard. I think that checking the enviorment before entering it will allow you to be sure that you will be comofortable and that it is a place you would want to stay at for several years.
Brittany
The best advice I could give to prospective students is just find a place that feels comfortable to you. It may mean visiting many campuses, but once you find the right college, you will know it's where you belong. A way to make the most out of any college experience would be to get involved on campus. Whether it be an intramural sports team or a student group relating to your academic concentration, getting involved on campus is a good way to make friends and gain experience that will stay with you the rest of your life.
Ken
I would first tell them to find a college and campus that they would feel comfortbale at. If your not comfortable there it doesn't matter what they offer academically. Second I would research the schools areas of study. See how many they have to offer and check out if what your planning to go into is well respected at that school. For instance I graduated with a business degree and CMU's business school was ran very well and was known around the state. Third I would find a school that is just the right distance away from home. For me, that was being two and a half hours away from my hometown. It was close enough to home that I could visit every once in a while but it was also far enough that I could become more independent. Lastly, I would visit as many schools as I could. This is big decision in your life so you want to get it right and be happy with your choice. And remember to have fun, join clubs, play intramural sports, whatever it is you like to do. You will be biulding life long relationships.
Aaron
The only advice that I would give is to follow your dream! I am majoring in Music Theatre along with Stage management, and thus far, I've followed my dream and cant believe how close I am to making it come true!
Ashley
Visit the campus while classes are in session, to get a real feel of what it is like, rather than when it is not full of students. You'll get a better feel for the atmosphere.
Lauren
Choosing the right school and making the most out of your college experience can be difficult and very dependent on the student themself. For me, I talked to teachers that I had as to what was a good choice based on what I wanted to go into. My first school was great for this and I got involved with different groups that made my experience there wonderful! I transfered to this school for its programs and discovered how much I like it here and being away. What is right for you is different for every person. Sometimes it takes some figuring out and lots of thinking to figure it out. It took me going to another school to discover it. I know I made the right decision for myself at the right time in my life. My advice is to truly think about what you want to do and base your decision on that. As for making the most out of your expeience, getting involved always helps but do what makes you happy. Success will come your way if you find yourself happy.
Kyle
Go to school for what you want and be prepared to work for it. College is nothing like the movies, and unless taken seriously many students get overwhelmed and in some cases end up dropping out.
Jaclyn
I suggest to anyone trying to find the right college, that you should visit all of your options and get a chance to talk to professors and administration. Once you have chosen a college, it is really important to get involved in anyway you can, such as a club or become a member of Greek life. Getting involved and meeting as many new people as you can is what I belive to be the single most important thing you could ever do in college. I really wish I would've been told that before I started school here, because the more connections you have the farther you will go in life.
Amy
First off, I believe that speaking with the appropriate academic advisor is necessary and then completing a campus tour. This tour should contain but is not limited to, housing options (on and off campus), financial aid options if applicable, the parking situation, security availabilty, the estimated cost of attendance with books, and extra-curricular activity availablity. Secondly, once the appropriate college has been chosen based on the comfort of the above items then the student should be encouraged to join any and/or all clubs or organizations that may pertain to the student's major. This will allow for an extra way to meet others, interact with others, and make lifelong friends. Living on campus does have it's benefits but living off campus adds more responsiblity to the works. I would advise that after the first year the student should live off campus where they have to take on all the everyday household responsiblities (cleaning, laundry, bill payments, etc.) as well as carry a full load in school. I believe that it prepares students better for the "real world" than if they were to live on campus in a dormatory where everything is taken care for you. Good luck!
Amanda
Visit the campus beforehand and take a tour with a guide who knows his/her way around and information about the school. Take into consideration the cost and map out a financial plan with your son or daughter so they understand that they will not only be responsible for their schoolwork but also their own finances. School is expensive and it is important to figure out the right school for you before you jump in. Don't pay attention to the reputation of the student body because CMU has a bad reputation for those who aren't aware of the campus; students are very academically oriented and care about their futures.
Andrew
Follow your heart. Although this may sound cliche, following you heart is the best advice I can give both parents and students. College is a big decision and deciding what career to go into is an even bigger decision. These big decisions can only be decided by allowing you heart to choose. CLOSE your eyes. Imagine yourself waking up everyday being in a place you love and doing something you love to do. Money is not an issue. Where is it, that truly makes you happy? What are you doing? What job do you have that makes you so happy you go to work early and leave late? Open your eyes. These questions only you can anwer by trusting yourself and following your heart!!!