Philip
The best advice I can give is to start out small and by small I mean at a community college. These local colleges usually accomodate classes for the first two years of undergraduate schooling, namely your general education courses. But finding the right college is difficult. I am personally attending my third college and finally found the one that fits. Make sure the college you choose not only has a desired major for you, but also has a good reputation. Another thing to keep in mind is the social aspect, you may not always have time for it, but finding time to converse with people you go to school with is just as important as sitting in the classrooms. Lastly, I would advise you not to go someplace all your friends are going. I did this and it ended up not turning out the way it should've. Go to the college you feel is right for you and what you want to do, but is also comfortable for you. And parents, let your kids choose the school, give them advice when they ask for it, but let them choose, it is their future.
Brett
In order to truly get the feel for a college that sounds good in their brochure, you must visit the school! Only than will you be able to make the choice of whether or not you like the atmosphere they provide. College is all about what you put into it. If you really want to excell in your studies and become a smart and highly respected person in society, the tools are there for you to utilize. If you would just like to have fun in college and make memories that will last a lifetime, there are groups and events for everyone to feel accepted and fit into. If you are willing to work extremely hard and balance studying and social time, you can have the time of your life and become highly educated son or daughter your parents have always wanted you to be. Life is about choices, you choose the way you want your future to be right now.
Lauren
The first thing that I would tell parents and students to consider when searching for the right college is to be sure that they do enough research on any college that they may have in mind. Students should be looking at what types of programs each college may have, the career rate of each program, and the quality of the desired program compared to other colleges. Once students have a college in mind, they should visit that college to get aquainted with it's campus. This is important because a student should know that their college of choice can fulfill all of their most important needs. Also, college is an expensive education. Both, parents and students, should explore the thousands of scholarships that are available to them. Once a student is attending their school of choice, it is important that they make the most out of their time. Students be attending sports events, joining clubs, and socializing as much as they can. Being interactive with their school can only be beneficial for students. Most importantly, I would tell students to make goals towards completing their education. After all, furthering their education and obtaining their career is what college is for.
Ashley
Go and visit more than one college, and get a feel of what the campus actually looks like. Get involved in different registored organizations on campus. It will make it easier for the transition, to get to know more people.
Mikael
I would advise parents to let there kids decide as long as they have done the research and realize why they want to attend that university. Students should know what they want in a college and visit different colleges to get the feel of an average classroom, the campus life, as well as the social activity options.
Natalie
Find something that interests you and go after it full speed ahead. The world is full of people who pick something just because; it can use more people who are passionate and excited about what they do. As far as picking the college, that's really an objective issue. Pick the school that you think will best equip you for the career you have chosen. Don't worry about the money; if it's what you're meant to do, it'll happen. Get involved at college! Don't sit in your dorm and do nothing- get out there and meet people! There's a ton of stuff to do, and usually a ton of people to do it with. No matter what youre interests are, you'll surely be able to find someone who shares them with you. Lastly, college provides some of the most amazing resources and opportunities you will ever have, so take advantage of them. You don't know when you'll ever have those opportunities again; do you really want to spend the rest of your life wondering what if? Live life, have fun, and enjoy what you do- the key to success.
Quintin
I would suggest visiting all of the campuses that you may have an intrest in to see what life is like at those colleges and how comfortable they feel to you. If it is a place that you can't see yourself living for even a short time, then it probably isn't the right place for you ,and you won't have a very good experience regardless of your acedemic success.
Be interactive. Meet as many people as possible. In order to be successful, you have be socially active as well as acedemically. Join groups and do the activities that your department of study puts on. It all looks great on your resume. To make the most of your college experience, your work clearly comes first above all, but being interactive and feeling at home away from home is crucial.
Jestin
Don't make it a small matter, do as much research as possible online for various colleges and universities and complete several tours of the ones you like to obtain the most well liked university possible.
Molly
I would tell parents and students that research and sense of self is key. Researching different colleges is important, but having a good sense of self is the most important part about finding the right college and making the most of the college experience. To give some reasoning, I will give some insight into my college experience.
I started out at a small, private college because my parents wanted me to go there. I would advise parents not to do that to your future college students. I failed out after the first semester because I was not ready for college, let alone the type of college I was attending. Students and parents need to find out what the student needs in terms of a social setting, living quarters, and areas of study.
Ashley
Apply to several schools and visit them all. Go twice if you have to. Do not settle for whatever is closest. It is important to experience dorm life (its not that bad) as well as life in an apartment. Make sure you like your intended major is something that you can get a job with in after graduation. It is also wise to see if your program is accredited or at least well known.