ASHLEY
DON'T LET ANYONE KEEP YOU FROM WHERE YOU WANT TO GO. AN EDUCATION IS WITH YOU FOR EVER, SOME PEOPLE ARE NOT.
Emily
When you go to colleges to visit and take a tour, make sure you like the area that college is in, the college atmosphere and feel you get when you walk across campus because if you pick the college, you will be spending the next 4 or so years there. I would adivse that the best way to make friends and figure out who you are as a person is to get involved. Most campuses are filled with clubs and organizations that do so many things. It is also really helpful because upperclassman will be able to give you advise about all aspects of the college so you can learn everything from them before you make the mistakes by yourself. Don't forget to have fun.
Paul
I think that what type of place you like to live in is extremely important. Like if you like cities then definitely live in one. I make the mistake of choosing my school based only on the education because I thought that was the only really important thing. I ended up being really miserable as far as my social life goes. I have a lot of friends...but their is just nothing to do around here and I can't stand it.
Silvi
Visit 3 times and just hang out without a tourguide to form your own oppinion.
Jessica
Finding the right college for you is the most important part of looking into your future. Make sure to take into consideration the size of the college you don't want to feel overwhelmed when you walk onto a campus. Second take into consideration the location of the campus. Is it somplace that you feel safe?,is it close enough or far away enough from your house that you can get the experience you desire? Third make sure the campus appeals to you. You will be living there four years of your life. you will want to feel comfortable there. The dorms are something to take into consideration. They are where you will spend much of your studying and relaxation time. Make sure it is big enough for you to feel comfortable to live in with another person. Lastly make sure the campus has some type of club or sport that interest you and get involved because college is where you will meet some of your best friends for life and getting involved in things is the best way to make new friends. Have Fun with deciding and look into it more than just the money. Its an important choice
Cheyane
Pick a college based on your own needs and wants, not what college your friends are attending. It is fun to meet new people and go out but know your limits and stay close to your friends. Its important to keep up with your schoolwork, but if you're falling behind , be honest and upfront with your professors and talk to them. More often than not they will be able to help you catch up or give you advice. If you are respectful of yourself and your peers then they will be respectful in return. College isn't as difficult as many high school teachers and guidance councilors said it would be but it is definitely worth the time and effort because you learn a lot and it opens many doors and windows for you.
David
You should balance your choice between practicality and whicever school truly appeals the most to you.
Julia
The most important things for parents and students alike to consider when both chosing a college and making the most of their experiences is to look at the academic and extra curricular programs the school offers. College is not only about making good academic decisions, but also about learning how to interact with others and adapt to the demands of the working world. Communication is imperative to being successful today and classes such as speech and psychology are of great worth even if they do not seem to directly pertain to a student's major. It is also critical that students are on good terms with their professors. Establishing a good relationship with professors will open doors to extra help, opportunities, and assisting in the process of applying for jobs, or further graduate classes.
Brianna
school is first. do not get los
amanda
I would tell them that you should choose wisely. Thinking about college and actually attending college are two totally different things. College gives you alot of freedom and you should choose a school where their is not alot to interfer with your school work.
Katie
Visit the college before deciding that you will attend
William
BE considerate of the future. Many times students will choose a college and transfer within a year. The best feeling is when you finally get on campus and you are confident you have made the right decision.
Kelleigh
The single most important peice of advice I can offer to someone starting college is to get involved on your campus! You may find yourself on a small rural campus of just a few thousand students, or a large campus in a big city, but no matter what, adjusting to a new place is a challenge. The absolute best thing you can do for yourself is to find campus-based groups that reflect your interests. Here, you will find like-minded people, and a place to belong. Most campuses offer a great assortment of these things. There are sororities and fraternities, sports teams and cliubs, religious organizations, and special interest groups... finding a place where you feel comfortable, and people with similar interests as you, will help you feel as thought you belong. You will find friends and peers to relate to, and gain the most out of your college career.
Corey
Start planning early for how you will pay for college. It's more expensive than you think. If you're bringing a vehicle to school, and will need that vehicle to get to work, make sure it's reliable. Buy your books on the internet, as the campus bookstore will have inflated prices with the exception of buying used books.
Danielle
I would tell them to visit as many colleges as you like. Look them up on the Internet, thumb through college catalogs, and talk to students who already go there, but the most important thing to do, is find somewhere where you feel comfortable. When you are visiting a potential college, take one step onto the campus, and at that moment, you will know if it is right for you. It's like finding the perfect wedding dress or dream home. It's just something that you will know immediatley, before even going into any of the housing or buildings.
Making the most of the college experience is again, whatever makes YOU comfortable. If you like sports, play them. If you want to study real hard and succeed with a 4.0, do it. Like to party? More conservative? Do whatever makes you happy. Don't feel like you need to conform to anything in order to have a great experience in college. College will help you find yourself, find friends you will have for life, and hopefully a career that you will be proud of! Wear your college sweatshirts with pride and just go for it!
Peter
Finding the right college or university can be challenging, especially if the student doesn?t know what he or she wants to major in. Some poignant advice I would pass onto prospective college students is to look everywhere and not just apply to one school. Find the school with the best surroundings, facilities, faculty and programs that best suit you. Every college and university will look at you as an individual and see the talents, personal attributes and achievements that will distinguish you from others. It is important to take advantage of every extracurricular and volunteer opportunity that comes your way. In college participate in as many extracurricular activities you can handle while always bringing a positive attitude. Having many jobs while in school can really bolster your resume and give you real-world work experience. College really is about making life-long connections; the friends you make in college could get you into a long lasting career after you graduate. That high school diamond in the rough will be cleaned up and polished into a bright shining adult that will enter the work world ready for anything.
Jen
First, I would say don't just go for the school with the big name. Then I would add that you should not let money keep you from the school you love. When looking, make sure to visit when courses are in session, a school might seem nice but the student body might not be the right choie for you.
Marco
factor in cleanliness and safety of environment first.
Jill
Finding the right college is really up to your own preferences. If you feel you would be better suited to a small school then thats where you should look. Most importantly, look into the programs that you are interested in. Find out which schools have the best programs, and which require internships. Find out which schools are respected by possible employers. For example, I knew quite a few people who were hired as teachers because the institution of Fitchburg State is highly respected.