Lauryn
I would tell myself to not sweat the small things such as making friends. That will come with time and as I get involved. I would also tell myself that several years down the road, I would feel prepared to enter the workforce in about a year and have great connections with the university in many ways. In addition, I would reassure myself after 5 roommates later, I have one of my good friends as my roommate and it makes everything so much easier. Lastly, I would tell myself that it goes much faster than high school ever did, so enjoy it while I am here.
Aimee
When you go into college, never give up and continue to do all that you can to succeed. Make sure you go to all of your classes, only miss them when it is necessary. Don't drop any of your classes, because you'll slowly get through college, and it could take years before you have the right amount of credits to graduate. So, again, never give up and continue to try your hardest and when you need help; ask.
Kristen
The advice that I would give myself is to be more confident in your choices. I was wearing about going to Edinboro at first as I doubted my choice in the school. The first semester was not even over when I knew I made the right choice in this school. They are accepting of everyone and every culture and do not judge, so I had nothing to fear about choosing them. I could not be happier at another school.
April
I would tell myself to get more involved in college from the very beginning. It is beneficial to get involved in activities that you enjoy and believe in from the start of college so you can make the transition easier and make lifelong friends. I would also tell myself that it is important to know what you believe, have goals, and follow through with them so you know what you believe in and stay strong in those beliefs. They will help you through alot of hard and frustrating times. I would, lastly, tell myself not to stress about the little things and not stress too much about the big things. Everything that is suppose to be will work out in the end so there is no reason to stress and worry about anything that needs to happen or get done. It will get done in time, just push through everything. And remember to have fun and make memories. They will last a lifetime.
MARIE
Don't rush in blindly!!! College is supposed to be the best time of your life and you should be sure that you're up to the challenge. I immediately rushed in and signed up because it was what was expected of me. I chose my 1st school because it was supposed to be the "best in the area", not because it suited me or my needs. Now I'm trying again 10 years later and I like to think I'm finally ready to have the "best time of my life" because by now I know I've EARNED the privledge.
Michele
College searching can be very stressful for the highschool graduate as well as the parents. I would definitely say to start looking during your Junior year of highschool. Take it slow. Visit a few of the colleges you're interested in going to. The only way to truly understand and know if it's the college you want to attend is to physically go there. Most colleges will hype up their campus and such on the internet to get students to attend, but you will only know the truth if you go there and see it yourself. Make sure you start saving up a little money here and there from paychecks (students and parents). A little money at a time can add up and help you with the cost of room/board, extra food, dorm supplies, books, etc. If you become really interested in a college, perhaps visit it a second time and take the time to attend a class to see what the classroom environment is like. Most importantly, don't stress while looking for a college. Apply to many and go from there to figure out which one you will attend. Good luck.
Nicole
I advise students and parents to focus first on a major or area of interest, then to narrow down potential schools based on their location, cost, and the impression received from them when visiting campus, along with other relevant factors. In order to make the most of the college experience, students should live on or near campus to have easier access to activities. Students should make an effort to see what groups are available, especially those relevant to potential majors, as they give students the chance to interact with upperclassmen in their field. Upperclassmen are often very willing to offer advice on classes and projects, can help one decide if one has chosen the right major, and may help with networking later. Be sure to keep up with homework and research and form study groups or ask teachers and upperclassmen for help. If one's curriculum allows, one should take a few classes in other fields not directly related to one's major to expand one's horizons and pursue other interests, which builds life and research skills, as well as offering a chance of pace and the chance to meet more people.
Cherice
My first piece of advice is not to make money or the lack of it the determining element for the school of your choice. A lot of times we write off really good schools and the opportunities they will provide after one look at the tuition cost. There are far too many scholarships unapplied for, grants, and financial assistance available from ever keeping a potentially great school out of your reach. Secondly, stick to the basis to narrow your search down. Ask yourself four simple questions. . .
1. How will this school match up to the academic and social standards I am looking for in a school and its community?
2. Does this school offer the best department programs for my intended major or areas of interest?
3. What est. distance would I prefer living away from home?
4. Will I be satisfied with the area's seasonal weather?
Once you answers those questions compared to the schools you're considering, you be on your way to finalizing the best choice for you. To make the most out of your college experience is all up to the attitude you carry within yourself. My advice, be positive, proactive, and never assume anything.
Kaylyn
As an upcoming college sophmore, my advice to a perspective student on finding the right college is to make sure you stay ahead of the game. Use your local or school library to find books on colleges and universities, visit college websities and take virtual tours of the school, and most importantly, take advantage of the resources at your high school such as your advisors. They will not bite. They will gladly assist you in finding scholarships that "fit" you and also college fairs in your area. This will narrow down your selection and also make you more comfortable and knowledgeable in what you want in a school. As for making the most of your college experience, get involved. Joining a sport, club, sorority, fraternity, or school organization will gurantee you to become less homesick and more prone to friendships and tones of fun.
Caitlin
When I was in high school I was very worried about college. I thought it would be too hard and/or I'd make no friends. But all of my fears left as soon as I started. I realized there were hundreds of others that felt the same way. Choosing a school was the hardest, I took months and months trying to make sure I didn't pick the wrong school. In the end I chose the one that fit best. I understand a lot of people tell you not to look at the price when choosing your school and that is a good way to choose but let's be honest, money is an important factor in choosing schools. I would say, look at just the schools first and then look at the price 2nd. Also, join clubs of interest, get involved you'll meet so many others that have the same interests that you have. In order to have a great experience don't get too stressed, find your happy medium for time with friends or relaxing and studying. Finally, go in with a positve attitude things will work out better then you may think.
James
I would advise anyone to choose a school of smaller size because i feel that the opportunity to learn more is greater at a University that doesn't have 300 people in each classroom. I would also advise them to pick a University that has many degree fields because i have found that changing your mind with regards to your own future career path is very real. Also, picking a school that is relatively inexpensive will help you not to get bogged down mentally as you get closer to graduation. Choosing a school that is close to where you grew up i believe is also important because it helps the transition process from high school to college.
Daniel
To find the right college some real research is needed. Knowing what you what to study and what you want out of your education are also key. To make the most of a college experience it in very important to be comfortable. Comfortable going to a school far from home and with no one you know can be tough on some students, as well as staying close to home so really sit down and discuss what you want. Be prepared when you go to college, have plans set up to ensure you have enough study time and can avoid getting caught up partying and too many extracirricular activities. Most important, make sure you're ready to go to college, if you need some time to travel or persue some need, it's not a bad idea to do that as long as you stay focused and remain prepared to go back.
jessica
make sure you chose a school which has more than one major which the student is intersted, also be sure to look at activities available which the student may be interested as well as student teacher ratio.
William
When looking at potential colleges it's helpful to consider what you're looking to do. Sometimes thats getting a specialized degree in a field you already know you love, and other times its a stepping stone to deciding where you fit. Schools range in size and location, but that's not everything. Originally attending a large school in my home town, I struggled to find my place. It wasn't until I took a step back and considered what I really wanted to do did I find where I belonged. This happened to be a small, liberal arts college in a tiny, spot-on-the-map school, which originally I would have turned my nose up at, but turned out to be one of the premier schools in the nation in my particular field of study, Computer Animation. College is all about finding who you are as a person, and who you want to be in the future! So, although the partying and nightlife might seem enticing at a particular school while another has a great academic department, consider where you might find the happy medium and ultimately where you want to spend the best years of your life!
Kayleigh
I think that you need to apply to at least three different schools, narrow down from the schools you want to go to and then apply to them. Once you are accepted really read into your major area of study and extra curriculars you want to participate in. Then go on a tour. I can not stress enough how important it is to tour the campus, you will feel it when you get there whether you will hate it or like it. I went to a tour at a different college and from the second i stepped out of the car i was realized it was going to be a waste of time and as the tours started i could just feel that i didnt want to go to school there. Apply for scholarships even if you dont think you'll get them because you might and it's worth it. College is never a bad idea. even if you don't complete your schooling you still learn from teh experience and if you do you will end up with a great career.
Leah
Start early and go with your gut instinct. Helps to know what you want to do so you don't have to change your major. KNow that you want to go to college, don't just go because its the next step. Its a lot of money no matter where you go so go where you want to go. Parents, stay out of it. This is a huge decision for your child and they dont need eight million peopoe given them their own opinion when theirs is the only one that matters. Let your students do what they want and guide them toward what they like not you. Be open to your childs interests. It costs money no matter what just be happy. Spend 50000 dollars and be sad and miserable or spend 80000 and have the time of your life. Either way you have loans to pay for in the long run. :)
Brittani
Try and match the cost with the love of the college and things will turn out for the best!
Christa
I would say that all state schools offer the same quality of education. The only difference is the campus. Find the campus and the weather conditions that fit your personality.
And about making the most out of college experience? Obviously school work is #1 priority, but your social life is more important than some people think. Find your scene of people by going to frat parties, or through campus activities, but you need to be happy and fit in your group of friends. Don't get frustrated if it takes you even up to a year to find friends that are simular to you.
Bottom line, an individual needs to be able to balance work with play, and for once, your on your own to make that decision. Over all college is an experience in itself, just make sure your grades are up to par.
Sarah
Deffently go up and look at the surrounding enviorment of the college before making the final desision. While your up there, dont be shy to join a club or get involved in something you care about, it helps tou find friends faster and friends that understand you and your intrests. If living in a dorm, dont be shy to meet the people around you. I know from experience its better to make friends around you than to make enemys. To make the best out of college, i say study just what your teachers tell you to, they aren't there to trick you or make you fail like highschool teachers, they really do want to see you pass. Dont take certin classes as a joke, even if the professor is easy. When it comes to test, he/she might be the hardest and you end up failing the class. Just dont be shy, try to make friends because having friends will make you feel confrontable in the enviorment and make sure you work hard on your classes and try your hardest to get good grades. GOOD LUCK !!
Adrienne
I would first look at what kind of educational programs the college offers that will support your major. If you cannot get the appropriate education for what you want to major in, then you need to find another college. It needs to have an extensive program that best fits your needs. I would also look at tuition and housing prices. The university I attended made it very easy for students to apply for financial aid, and that is how I was able to attend. If you cannot afford the tuition, look into financial aid and apply for scholarships. These really help. To make the most of your college experience, make sure that you GO TO CLASS! You need to attend classes to get the information you will need to pass. Also, do not overwhelm yourself in any given semester. If you can only handle 12 credits instead of 18, then just take 12. It does not do you any good to be so burned out that you can't retain anything. Remember...you are in college to learn and prepare for your future so make the most of your time there!