Kacy
Dear prospective students and their parents,
There is no real trick to finding the right college; I just did it by having an open mind and knowing what was most important to me. Thats really all you have to do, pick one or two things that are most important to your personal development and have an open mind. The age old advice rings true here: You will get out of it, only as much as you put in. Don't be afraid to choose the place that is really for you!
Good Luck.
Amy
The best advice I can give someone is visit the school and be honest with yourself on what you want in a school and education. Do not let outside influences factor in rather choose a school for you.
Jonathan
Most people will find a niche and grow at most schools.
Benn
When visiting campus, ask the students you meed what they do on a typical Tuesday night, not Saturday. Sit in on a class you're not in any way interested in. Find out what the school atmosphere is like really, not superficially. When you find yourself drawn to a lecture about something you find horribly boring, or could see yourself enjoying an evening of sushi watching Project Runway in your common room, then you have found a school you'll be happy at. Any school can have big parties, or great museums, or a professor you've heard awesome things about - the right school is the one you enjoy without any of the perks.
Alexis
Do not think it is all fun and games. You must work hard to achieve success in the future, and college is just preparation.
Esther
Choose your college based on what they can offer you. You don't have to pick based on name or status, but how compatible they are to what you want to accomplish. Sure I went to an Ivy League school, but I didn't go because of the name. I chose Columbia because I would be able to get a great education and be a starter on a NCAA Division 1 varsity athletics team. Also, It might sound "cool" to go to school in a big city if you're from a small town, but sometimes you can get lost in the foreign enviornment. Having grown up in big cities, I knew I would be able to handle the big city enviornment and take advantage of all that it had to offer. It's also important to know how to manage your time. Being able to have a carefree social life is one of the joys of going to college, but don't abuse the freedom and learn quickly how to juggle academics, your social life, extra-curricular activities and jobs and you'll learn skills that will help you not only in college but post-graduation as well.
Danielle
To parents I would say, 'Voice your opinions, but remember that the decision is ulitmately not yours.' Students know themselves-- their likes, and their dislikes--far better than anyone else. And while it may be difficult for parents to let go and stand back, this is one decision students have to make primarily on their own.
To students trying to make the most of college life I would say, 'Step outside your comfort zone!' All college Freshman are in the same boat, and the best way to capitalize on that situation is to try something new. There are a million new opportunities, new faces, and new experiences to be had! Take a chance, step outside the box, and you'll find college is truly a place where you find yourself.
Vanessa
To the students: Go where you feel the most at home. The college experience will be yours-- not your parents' nor your friends' nor your guidance counselor's. Look for everything that matters to you in your school, because you will be there for four years of your life, and it won't be cheap. Apply for financial aid, even if you don't think you need it. Both your parents and your wallet will appreciate it. Once you are there, take the courses that interest you and participate in all the activities that make you curious-- there will not be another time in your life when you will have the time (or the means/accessibility) to do it. And study abroad!! Broaden your horizons and learn about other cultures. It's the most fun you will ever have.
To the parents: Let your kids choose their school. If it seems too costly, let them do what my parents did for me: take out loans not covered by financial aid. In the end, understand that your child makes the decision because it is their life, not yours (even if you think you know what is best). Let them enjoy!