Zach
Find a college that is student orented. do not send your child to a university that is all about the money. Get involved in your school. You will have a much better experience if you meet new people.
Allison
Go take a campus tour and actually see where you or your student will be living. It's also a good idea to talk to other student there on campus and get their personal opinon of the campus and school. It's always best to go from personal experiance so go and make yourself at home at the campus and really dig into the atmosphere and see how you feel about the place.
Emily
College is not for everyone. College is difficult and does require a lot of self-disciple. College is also fun and rewarding, and in my opinion totally worth the student loans and the time. When choosing a college, pick the college that is best for your own personal preferences. Pick a college that has a good program for your major, is affordable, has the correct environment, and has the right amount of activities you are interested in. Visit the campus before deciding on the college that is right for you. Talk to current students and get opinions from people on the campus or in the area. Research the perspective college until you are completely comfortable with your decision. College is different for everyone, and everyone has a college that is best for their own personal futures. Make sure that you are building towards your own future, and not someone else?s.
Ashli
The one thing that I would tell future college students is to listen to their heart, and follow it. Choose the place they want to further their education for themselves. Do not make their decision for someone else, whether that be parents, a boyfriend/girlfriend, or best friend. Choose the college that makes them feel most comfortable. There truly is the perfect fit for each an every student out there. They may not even find it on the first try, and that's okay! It's their future and they will find their path when it's right for them. Once they find it, the doors of opportunity will blow open. Make the most of your college experience and make as many friends as possible. Networking is the key to success in the real world. Most importantly, relax and have fun. College is truly the best years of your life! Soak in all the learning you can! It WILL benefit you in the long run!
Rachel
I advise parents and studends to visit college campuses to get a feel of the college and see if they can visualize themselves at the school. It is also benificial to visit more than one school to see which one best fits you. It is important to research the school and community that the school is in to see the type of housing, entertainment, transportation, and shopping that is available. The crime rate is also another thing that needs to be considered when chosing a college.
Casey
Let kids not only look at the academics, but also at the atmosphere . If a student is at a university but doesn't feel comfortable, then they will not have a good experience.
Paige
Finding the right college, isn't necessarily about where it is. Its about the opportunities you gain by going there. The more opportunities for traveling, clubs, groups, classes and internships, the better. It is life experience that can be valuable no matter what your major is. Its incredibly important that you feel like you can get involved on campus. The more people you meet, the more fun you'll have, and the greater your network will become. Clubs can make the transition to college easier by helping you make more friends, and study partners, especially when you chose a club close to your major. Really, these life experiences prepare you for the real world, which isn't all studying in the library or going out on friday to party, do something meaningful.
Ashley
Students need to get involved on campus, the sooner the better. Friends and people who care will make your college experience that much better. The more friends and aquaintances you meet the more study groups you can form. One of the top things that help you through college is having a happy, medium social life. Don't be afraid to ask questions in class or go see your professor. The only thing worse than not asking a question is regretting not asking it later. Respect your professors and they will respect you and show up to class on time, preferably five minutes before it starts. It's your responsibility to get out of bed, your mom isn't there to wake you up in the mornings. If you have a problem, don't wait to address it, that goes for enrolling and also homework.
Alex
The student should choose the college, not the parent
Adam
In order to make the right decision about where to attend college you need to look at the field of study you are interested in. Do not base your decision on the athletic programs at the schools, unless that is what you are wanting to get out of your college experience. Many people say that college is the best time of your life. This can be true, but you also must realize that you are at college to get an education and hopefully a good job after graduation. Have fun, but do not forget that you need to attend classes and study, not just party every night.