Kaitlyn
The best piece of advice I can think of for a student is to pick the one that you are interested in. Don't choose a college just because your parents want you to go there or because your friends are going there. You have to choose what is right for YOU, not what everyone else is doing. You are an individual who may be interested in something that is completly different from anyone else's interests, so choose that thing that will make you excited to go to work everyday. Picking something that you enjoy will make you happy and enjoy going to work everyday. Another piece of advice is to not let money hold you back. There are plenty of scholarships and loans that can help you along the way. You have to choose what will be good for you in the end. The best advice I can think of for a parent is to support your child with every decision they make and be there for them when they need your advice and support. Let your child choose what they want to be based on what they enjoy, not how much money they can make.
Hannah
It's okey to feel confused and be without definite answers to your future as long as you have the passion, you're on the right path. It's common to change career more than once these days and as long as you have given your 100{4a082faed443b016e84c6ea63012b481c58f64867aa2dc62fff66e22ad7dff6c} and later found out that it wasn't the right path for you, you're still on the right path of discovering your personal talent and purpose of your life to the world. It just means that you are one step closer to reaching your goal and taking few detours in your life are sometimes the greatest way of learning experience that can be most valued. As long as you have a strong identity of who you are and that you want to contribute to the better of the society with your purpose of your life, you're on the right path. The important part of surviving the college experience is to never let your passion die out. Live a little and enjoy your life. Enjoy the diversity in college and learn how different people interact with each other and how they view things.
Brittni
When searching for the right college you must first look at what you as a student are looking to do with your future. If you are unsure still of what you want to do in the future, I recommend attending a community college the first two years. This gives you more time to decide what you would like to do in the future and saves you money in the process. Once you've figured out what you would like to do in the future, look for a school that specifies directly in what you want to major in. (ex: a highly ranked business school if you want a business degree). However, sometimes it is too expensive to go where you want, so look for a school that fits your financial needs as well. Apply for scholarships, grants, and don't forget about FAFSA. After you find the college for you, look into housing. I would high recommend living on or near campus to fulfill your college experience. This is where you make the friends and connections that last a lifetime. The last piece of advice I will leave you with is to get involved. Join clubs, again friendships are key.
Ellen
Make sure you take the time to tour each college you are considering. Ask to speak with students who go to the college. I would recommend speaking with a current Freshman and an upper level student. Also be open to all possibilities. I made the first school I toured my top priority because I was so impressed upon my first visit. I knew it was hard to get into this school and when I was accepted I felt I had to go. I ended up only staying there for one year and transferring to the school I am at now, which I had only given a little consideration originally. Keep you options open and make sure you go with what you (the student) wants. This is an important decision and no one else should influence you except yourself. Your happiness will effect your experience and success at school. It is important to make sure you are absolutely happy with the school you choose to attend. Lastly, do not be afraid to transfer to another school. It may be a bit of a hasslem but if you think the new school will be better, then the change is probably worth it.
michelle
There seems to be so much pressure today for graduating High school students to go to college right away, and community colleges seem to have such a negative stigma attached to them, that they are not even an option for some students. College is a life changing event, and extremely expensive, so if you don?t know what you want to do with your life right away, it?s ok, Just don?t feel like you should go to an expensive university right away, and figure out what you want to major in later. It doesn?t always work out. I took my first two years of school at a community college. I had amazing teachers and I learned a great deal. Those first two years helped me have a clear idea of what I wanted to do with the rest of my life, and what I wanted to major in, it also saved me money. I decided to go to College for Creative Studies and Major in Advertising design, and while I was there I decided to also pick up a minor in Photography.
Samantha
Go to information sessions and visit as many colleges as possible. Talk to people who do what you are considering going into to get a good feel for how a certain school might fit you.
Ashley
visit the school, and interview students who attend, and have experience there.