Ashley
For me I was really focused on finding something that I applied to my major, and even though I ended up with my last choice, I was really glad I picked DePaul. I didn't visit any of the campuses beforehand, but after I visited DePaul I was glad I chose it. I would suggest that when looking at campuses, visiting your intended classrooms within your chosen school is a good idea, just so you can get a better idea of what classes are like. To me, the academic mood is the most important aspect of choosing a college, because all the other aspects are just smaller parts of the package.
laura
Students should do a lot of research to find out which college works best for them but beyong research visiting the school is ultimately the key and deciding. Students should remember that they do not have to stick to their previous high school stereotypes and should feel free to try new things, meet new people, and pick a college that is somewhat different from what they are used to in order to gain confidence and independence.
Monica
Choose the school that fits you, not because of the name or reputation it holds.
Samantha
It's important that students make final college decisions on their own. Parents often believe they know "what's right" for their children, but it's the student that has to attend the university not their parents. My best advice to students would be to select an institution that has a low crime rate, and a well-staffed public safety force. As a victim of an assault on a city campus, I can't express enough how important safety is. I would also advise that a student pick a university with a very diverse student population, ensuring that there are a variety of people and activities. I believe strongly that if you have a vision or a dream that you believe a specific school will help you achieve, don't let finances hold you back. Student loans can be repaid. Regret can not. Once enrolled, the most vital word of wisdom to any student is balance. Finding a happy medium between academic, social, work, and family commitments can be difficult, but it's the key to happiness and success. I would caution students against opening credit cards. Credit card debt accumulated in college can considerably damage a student's future.
Jakeshia
make sure you go visit the college before applying it could be something totally different then what someone says or whats in the book.....
Tim
You can look into as many books and sites that compare colleges/universities as want, but unless you see the campus, talk to the students and professors, and try to really experience the institution, you'll never be able to make a truly educated decision.
Lauren
go and visit the school, talk with students and professors. the more time yuo can sopend the better. make the descions for yourself pick a school that allows you to be yourself
Teaira
The best advice that I could give prospective student and their parents is to start planning early. This is especially important when making financial decisions. You must go in with a plan as to how your going to realistically pay for this. Dont go to a school that you can not afford make sure this school is a place that is in your comfort zone. For parents I would make sure that your comfortable with allowing your child to go to this school. Know their capabilities academically and dont put unrealistic goals on them. Enjoy this time and have a whole lot of fun!!!!
Zach
The key to finding the right college is knowing where you want to be for the next four years. While academics are important, being a country-kid living in a large city will heighten the anxiousness for being home and won't allow you to fully delve into the college and all it has to offer. Secondly, know what you want out of college. Do research, visit the campus and talk to the current students. Finally, once you are in college, get involved. Find out what they offer and get into what most interests you, whether that be Mock Trial, a religious organization, Biology Club or Greek life. Your college experience will be enhanced and bolstered by the friends you will make from being involved in campus life. In addition, being involved will help you focus on your academics and set up useful contacts for life after graduation.
Daphnee
I would advise parents and students to start preparing for college beginning freshmen year of high School. It is truly critical that students take all four years of high school seriously and take classes that truly challenge them. I definitely recommend taking as many college credit classes as possible. This not only saves money but can also help to graduate college early or make it is easier to double major. When choosing a college, take the time to research the campus, programs, class size, graduation rate, and career option. I do not think that student should be stressed over selecting a major entering; however it is good to have an idea and work on it. College should be fun but not to fun. Beware of partying school and make sure that there is a balance between academics and social life.
Erin
The mistake that I made in college-searching was not looking long or hard enough! I just wanted to be done with my senior year and enjoy the rest high school academia. Had I done it all over again, I would have visited more of the schools like I applied too, and more schools around the country. It is also important to give your new college a chance. I was unhappy at first, and I called home any chance that I could get, but by the end of the year I could not imagine myself anywhere else. That is why its important to really get to know your college, and if you feel like you are the type of person to be able to handle going farther away, give it a chance! In my high school, it is very common to go to the state school thirty mintues away, and most of my friends chose to scatter themselves all over the country, and I think the change of scenery and people has made a positive impact on the way they view the world.
Jing
First, you have to decide what kind of school you want. Should it be liberal, or conservative? Private or public? Small or larger classes? Does the college offer what you're interested in? Depending on the answers, you have to decide how much you want to pay for college.
Find out whether or not you can get scholarships, grants and/or loans to help pay for college.
Also consider where you want to go to college. Should you attend college at another state? Another city/town? Or do you want to be close to home? Based on those answers, you can decide whether or not to commute, live at home, at the dorms or rent a place near campus. You also have to consider the costs of each decision.
Once you decided on an affordable good college, you can make the most of the experience. Some colleges offer commuter clubs and socials for commuters. There are sororities and fraternaties. Most colleges offer a range of interest groups that can be joined also.
Take advantage of any events hosted by the school. Attend the socials and networking events. Try to get into an internship program offered at college.
Have fun.
Lizzie
Really look at what you need to succeed, and look outside where everyone from your high school is applying so you can make experiences and friends on your own
Aprelle
live with no regrets
Danielle
Make sure you visit the school you wish to attend. Spend the night there with another student.. eat the food in the dining hall.. and ask many questions. Explore the town around the campus for places you can go and relax or have fun. This is important because you need to feel comfortable in the town you are going to school in. Make sure they have your intended major or minor program and ask questions if you feel the program needs to be modified to fit your career goals. Over all be very honest with yourself and do not let anyone tell you what is right for you or else you will spend four years living through someone elses "ideal college exeperience." and not your own.
Catherine
I would tell parents to explore all financial aid options and really evaluate what they can afford. Also, I'd advice them to support their student's decisions 100{4a082faed443b016e84c6ea63012b481c58f64867aa2dc62fff66e22ad7dff6c}.
I would advice students to visit campuses and really get a feel for what they want and not to be discouraged by the acceptance rates or prestige of schools they want to go to.
Sara
I think that is is most important to analyze every aspect of the school. Parents will want to focus on the scholarly elements while students will want to know more about social and extracurricular activities. However, it is essential that both aspects are fully investigated because both are important to the student's success at that school.
JooHee
I would advise parents and/or students to visit the campus, the dorms, and talk to students that attend that particular university. I would also advise them to go on websites that talk about students experiences on campus and in the university. I would definitely advise them to go on campus tours, and to learn what is offered in and around campus. See what courses, activities, sports, and clubs are offered and see if they match your preferences. If you are more interested in a particular subject, try and go somewhere that specializes in that particular major. If you're not ready to pick a school, take time and research as much as you can. If you still think you can't pick the right college for you, attend a community college to get your gen eds out of the way and perhaps you will find out where you would like to attend as you attend community college.
Michelle
The most important thing initially is to explore your options. Do not rule out every school that you think you cannot afford. Many are willing to work with you to see how you can best afford an education there and there are many scholarships out there. Parents should encourage their children to go to a college where they are most comfortable and where they will get the most out of their four years. Do not be concerned with your schoolwork every second of your four years. College is a place to meet people, form new opinions, and experience all you can. School is important but so is growing as a person and becoming an independent adult. Parents and children alike should keep that in mind and pick the school that will best help them do that.
Brittany
Make absolutely, 100{4a082faed443b016e84c6ea63012b481c58f64867aa2dc62fff66e22ad7dff6c} sure that it is in a location you are comfortable with. Be sure you can find a job, that the housing off-campus is affordable, and that it offers a degree that you can make work for you. Do NOT choose a school just because your best friend is going there or because your boyfriend/girlfriend is going there. People change, and you do not want to be stuck in a school you hate after you two break up. Being able to go home whenever you want is nice, but living far away helps build character; do not let a school's distance from home rule it out entirely. It's okay to be away for a few months at a time. It helps you discover who you are outside of your parent's influence. Besides, they're only a phone call away. Finally, do NOT get a credit card until you have a job and will be able to pay it off. Credit cards are fun, but paying them off is not. Only use one in case of emergency; trust me.