Katherine
Choose a school that is far, but not too far, that is fun but not too fun and one that you feel you will achieve the maximum career opportunities from.
Nicole
As a parent, if you know your child does better in an environment that is more one on one or smaller classes, then look for smaller private schools or even public. As far as making the most out of your college experience, I personally wish I would have been more active in clubs and more sports, but the sorority/fraternity scene is a big negative as far as the cliques and party/drinking goes. In that regard, I kind of wish I would have picked a school not so caught up in that scene, so if , as a parent, you don't think your kid would fit into or want to be around that type of element, then definitely make sure a school doesn't have such a large sorority or fraternity base.
ryan
College is a big step in life. For the student, the parents and someones wallet. Being prepared is what can determine how successful one's four years may be. I think that setting aside a big chunk of money will be the first and most important step in preparing for a trip down college lane. Once the financial worries are taken care of, it is the students duty to research different schools that grab their attention. Keping in mind that out of state tuition will be more costly. A school that relates to what the student enjoys doing while their not in class should be their first choice. Both the parents and the student need to understand that yes, the reason the student is leaving home is to get an education, but school only takes up so much time. The town they move to should have more going for it than just a university. A town that has nothing goin on but school becomes depressing and makes the student feel extremely distant from the rest of society. Rember the student will be spending more than likely four years in this town, the last thing one wants is to despise it.
Amy
When deciding where to go to college pick the place that feels right to you. If you can picture yourself walking on the campus everyday, then you know you want to be there. Do not pick a place simply based on the facts of the school, use the facts as well as your gut to make your decision. A pros and cons list is a great way to decide how much you like a school or not, and it is a great way to compare your top two school choices. When it comes down to it, close your eyes and think about home and then open your eyes and say what school you want to go to. Heart is the best way to go when making this decision.
Belinda
My advice would be to try and figure out what academic area you are most interested in and figure out the ranking of the school compared to other universitities or colleges in the country according to their academic programs. Another very important notice is to compare dorms because the freshman year is an extremely important year when trying to figure out how life is going to proceed in college. If the dorm environment is not a happy and comforting environment for the first semesters, opinions of the school might change from when the student first enrolled. Lastly, a student should try to get involved in either sport or club activities because this is an easy place to meet new friends with the same mind set.
Taylor
Do not just go by what the stereotype of the school is. You have to visit it and see how you fit in and eventually you will find a niche of your own.
Don
Finding thinking about finding the right college the most important thing to think about is hands down is this the right place for me. Don't worry about the cost or the distance or whatever else might be on your mind. Youu sit down and decide what you are looking for out of your education. Think about what are your goals in life. Then ask yourself, is this college going to help me reach my goals and give me the tools neccesary for me to succeed. If the answeris no or maybe then think about finding another college. One that will help you make that dream for your future a reality. Because once you've find the right one for you then work from there so solve any other problem that might be are your mind. Chances are that the university might be able to help you.
Kimberly
Get involved ASAP dont put it off bc if you do it will never happen................trust me I know.
Ashton
Visit the campus before you apply, even if it's just for a football game and all you see is the stadium. More than likely, you're going to have to park somewhere on campus and walk to the field, and that will give you a chance to see where you might be living in the future. Also, read up as much as you can about the school of your choice and talk to someone you know who went there or is currently attending. Brochures and administrators will do all they can to make the campus look like paradise, but if you want to get the real scoop, talk to a student. They're the ones who spend all of their time on campus and know just about everything there is to know. If you're lucky, you'll find out that the campus really is as beautiful as the ads make it out to be.
Megan
The right college will find you. As long as you are comftorable with the way you feel when you step foot onto a campus then you are at home. As for the experience, try new things, do not be afraid of things that you havent heard of and go to different events. Its what you do that makes the experience.