Cierra
Choose the school where you feel most at home and welcomed but that also has a wide variety of areas of study in which you are interested. The social environment in college is important to give you a means of relaxation and a break from studying, but the academic variety is also important since most college students change their minds during college about what they want to study and do with their lives after college. While in college, get involved in as many things that you find interesting as possible, but learn and maintain a balance between academic and non-academic endeavors. Academics are not all that matter, but they are significant in post-college pursuits. College is a time when you really discover and establish who you are as an individual, so don't hold back but push yourself to get involved in things that you are passionate about, try new things, and have the time of your life!
Jennifer
The best advice that I can give anyone that is planning to attend / sending their child to college is to make sure that you are picking the college that you feel most comfortable. Go and visit many different colleges so that you will experience a little bit of life on a college campus. I was a little concerned with the overall college process, but once I visited Clemson University, I could tell that it was going to be my next home. If you feel comfortable in an environment, you will be more comfortable with the people, places and activites that that environment has to offer. You will be confident on the first day and more willing to branch out of certain comfort zomes and meet interesting people. I am glad that I visited Clemson and confirmed that I was making the first and best decision of my college career.
Jonathan
Focus on your career path and what you want to do. Choose a school that has a good reputation for your area of study. It is always important to take financial aspects of choosing your school as well. Try and find as many scholarships/financial aid/grants/loans if needed.
Lena
i feel like it's cliche to say that college is the best years of your life. But, as cliche as it may seem, it has definitely proven to be true for me so far. My time at Clemson University was incredible and unforgettable and there is not a day that goes by when I do not miss it. When choosing a college, it's important to consider multiple factors. Academics are obviously important, but so are the extra curriculars and community offered by the school, because those are elements that ultimately shape your personal growth process while in college. It's important for a school to have a sense of pride and a lively spirit. It's important that the school provide challenges to its students, academically and in other arenas as well. I believe that making the most of the college experience comes when you place focus on your academics and work with diligence and integrity, while at the same time maintaining a diverse and enriching social life filled with interesting people and challenging activities.
Gemma
First pick a school that fits you. Then see go vist the college and see how you like it. Meet the teachers and students and the dean and ask some questions. If you like it then you can choose what you would like to take at the college. If you don't know what you would like to take, go ahead and take all your basic classes like math, english, computer, ect. During that time you can think about what you would like to take.
Justin
Visit the school and interact with students and faculty. You'll be surprised at the little things you notice such as academic advisors always remembering your name. A school really needs to fit your personality. People adjust to things in different ways. Some like small colleges while others may prefer big. There is no way to truly determine the value of an education based solely on its academic prestige unless you take into consideration your college experience as a whole. Your college years will be some of the best times of your life and you will make friendships that will last forever. Take advantage of all the opportunities that you can because soon you will be in the workforce and won't have them chances. Travel and see as much of the world as possible. I will never forget my college experience and I owe it all to Clemson University. Everything from academics, athletics, to social life was a perfect fit for me so make sure you choose the right school for you. These years were honestly the best days of my life!
Katrina
The best advice I can give parents and students about finding the right college for them, is to really sit down and put together a list of what makes the student happy. This list should include everything from the importance of sports to art, as well as what they simply enjoy doing in their free time. After creating a list that includes what the students likes/dislikes are, another list of the students interests in careers and/or majors should be considered. I personally don't suggest choosing a school that does not have numerous options available as far as majors go. This is because many people I know, myself included, changed their major at least once between the time they entered school and graduated. I truly believe that until a student is on their own they don't really discover everything about themselves as a person. An enormous amount of growing and learning takes place throughout college, and it's important to remember this while picking a school. A student needs a school that not only caters to their career goals, but their personality and interests as well. After all, a happy student will be the most successful student.
Kimberly
Visit colleges, talk to current students, and make sure to stay overnight at the University with students before commiting to a University.
Esther
To students, I would say to find a major that will allow you to study things you actually enjoy. Contrary to popular belief, there are jobs available for everyone, regardless of what their majors were. Don't let job availability keep you from majoring in a field you love. Also, get involved with some kind of extracurricular activity, whether it's a religious organization, a Greek organization, or something to do with your academic field. But it's important to learn self-discipline early, and make sure your priorities are in order. It's important to have a good balance of work and play, but don't forget that your reason for attending college is to get a good education. Don't let your parents feel like you're wasting their money!
Brittany
Clemson is a great school.