Katelan
I would advice paretns and students to tour all colleges the student is considering, and come prepared with questions the student may have. Be sure to talk to finacial counselors and admissions counselors. If the college is away from home, be sure to visit campus housing. I think it is also very important to consider the affordability of college, and be sure that the college of choice is affordable. Nothing is worse than being a new college graduate with an enourmous amount of debt. Students need to remeber that college is very important to their future and they need to talk it seriously. Above all, make the best of the situation, and take it seriously!
britney
make sure you pick your school, not your parents but you. When you did find the school of your dreams, make sure to get out, make friends and party. But your first year away from home can be distracting so remember the sole purpose you're in school is to get an education, so study. Last but not least, make the most of your college experience get out join a sorority/fraternity or a social club.... and remember to always Have Fun!!!!
Kimberly
For those parents and students who are trying to find the right college for them, I would look for the aspects that favor my interest. Personally, for me I chose to favor acedemic aspects over campus activites but however found out that it is my personal happiness or sense of belonging that fuels my academic desires. So therefore, I stress that you explore schools and understand the feel for which you get from certain schools and remember that you should not only focus on one central aspect of the school.
Natasha
When it comes to finding the right college for you or your child, the only thing I can truly stress about it is make sure that you go to a school and major in what YOU want to do, opposed to what others may say or think. I say this because in the end, YOU are the one having to live with that decision for the rest of your life.
Aaron
If you are looking for a small school with big school activites FMU is the best place. The student teacher ratio in most classes is 30:1 and in the smallest classes 3:1 and the biggest classes are 75:1. I am personally a orientation leader so I can promise you the orientation will be the best. Also the falculty and staff are awesome. They are always available to help they use the open door policy if it's open come on in. This sounds like a sales pitch LOL, but if your interested visit www.fmarion.edu and "Join the Revolution."
Grace
Listen to your what you think is right!
Barry
I would tell parents to try and asisst there children in picking the right college. Make college visits and talk to former students and see their ideas about the school. Remember you don't want to waste money at a college where u won't enjoy yourself.
To the students, make sure that you become active on campus because if you don't, then you won't enjoy your college life. Now is not the the time to be shy anymore, you're grown. Make friends cause college friends are with you for ever.
Amanda
Be sure that you visit as many colleges as possible. Going to college is a big step and finding the right college for you is vital in your future success. Look for a university that not only well suits you academically, but also seems to fit your personality socially. Look for a school that you will be able to involve yourself, on campus and atleast options to in the community. The college experience is greatly amplified when you take part in as many student activities as possible.
Tracy
When trying to find the right college, parents and students should take into consideration the location of the school. How far is it from home and how easy would it be to get home should the need arise. Also, when choosing a college, make sure to visit the college first. Ask a lot of questions of both students and faculty, tour the whole campus, and find out about social activities and school sports. Find out everything you can about the school. To make the most of your college experience, become involved in social activities and, if possible, sports programs. Join a club or sorority/fraternity. This is an excellent want to meet new people and make lasting friendships. Most importantly, be sure to study hard. Set up a study schedule and stick to it. This will alleviate stress concerning grades. Working hard for your future is the reason you are at college.
Ashley
Choose a college that will provide you with hands-on experience in your field and travel opportunities. These two things will train you for life and a career, as well as broading your horizons. Work hard and play hard and enjoy your time as a student and a part of a college community.
Kadeidra
Find a school that fits your/ your child's lifestyle. Somewhere that encourages the students to be social and get involved on campus as well as make good grades. Somewhere that focuses on academics and not just athletics. I would imagine that everyone would want to attend a school that they can be happy with as well as being convient because I don't think it's really neccessary to go to college very far from home, but some people would rather have things that way. So i would tell the parent/student to choose wisely and follow their instinct.
Whitney
I would start looking for the right college before your senior year in high school. Both the parents and student should visit as many campuses as possible to find the right one for the student, a college they feel comfortable at. When starting college participate in as much activities as possible, but don't let it interfer with your school work. Make sure school comes first. Be in greek life or a club, because it helps you get the most out of school and it helps you grow as a person. Make new friends and don't be afraid to meet new diverse people, they can teach you alot. Don't think twice about studying abroad if your school offers it because it is a once in a lifetime experience. Don't let the party scene get out of control, it can ruin your college life by flunking out of school and DON'T ever let your friends or anyone drink and drive.
Spencer
Do your research! Explore your options, and know what it most important to you before you go into. Don't go in blind; always talk to students who have been there, and who have experience at the school with the major you plan on pursuing. A lot of schools "trick" you when you visit them. Students should decide what they want--not what their parents want or what their friends are doing. They're the ones who have to deal with their decision, after all.
Andrea
My advice to students would be to find a college where you feel most comfortable. Where the environment is safe. Look at the academic background of the college, making sure they are an acredited school especially in your major. Visit all the colleges that you have in mind of attending, your opinion about the school could change after one visit. Lastly discuss with your parents how much money you're recieveing in financial aid, you might need a loan. Remember when going off to college to think about whats best for you not your parents because you will be the one staying there not them.
Tiffanie
make sure your ready and stay comitted
Janelle
The advice i would give is, basically choose your college for the right reasons, to get an education, meet new people, and just to enjoy the college experience for what it is. You will have your ups and downs but just know that if you focus and enjoy yourself every now and then, you'll be glad you went to school, got a degree and had fun doing it. To the parents my advice would be just support your child through college, they'll change their minds possibly about their major. Dont get mad, its bound to happen, but just know that in the end when you see them walk across the stage again it will be well worth it.