Nancy
Do any overnight at all the schools you are thinking about attending.
Nicole
Visit the school, stay overnight, sit in on a class. Really get to understand the people. The people build or break the atmosphere that you have formed of the school yourself.
Ethan
Visit the college first and even spend a night on campus if you can. This is a great way to find out if you fit in on campus. Also, you should try talking to as many current students as you can abotu their experience at the college you're considering. They are a great way to get the 411 on your potential future home!
Addison
Visit the school and attend an overnight visit. Go on tours and ask any and all questions, regardless of how "embarassing" they might be...
David
College is the most defining aspect of your life before your career. It is a place where you will discover yourself and what you are made of in terms of work ethic and drive. A college can mean many different things to many different people. The thing to remember is that when you are looking for the school that you want to attend, you have to consider many aspects. First, you have to consider what kind of education you will get. Always strive to put yourself in a position to recieve the best possible education you can. Second, what opportunities will fall before you at this school. You want to have many options after you graduate. Finally, you have to ask yourself how willing are you going to be to complete the neccessary work in order to get a degree. You can't hold anything back when going through college. You have to put in 100 percent. If you do that, your hard work will eventually turn into success. Just keep in mind everything that you school taught you, both socially and academically, and you will succeed.
Mary
You must go to the school and actually visit. Schools can be much different than they seem on paper.
Elizabeth
I would advise parents and students to look at and visit as many colleges at possible to help decide which one is right for you. Think about your intended major and make sure the college offers it. Overnight visits and sitting in on classes can be a great way to help you get a feel for what the college is really like. Additionally, make sure to research the college online and meet with students who attended or currently attend the institution. This is so important because you cannot rely solely on the literature the college gives you. Investigate all aspects of college life - housing requirements, meal plans, social life, extracurricular activities, and internship/work opportunities. It is important to get a feel for what college life will actually be like so that you can be sure that you are making the best college decision for you, with your personality and personal preferences in mind.
Cody
I would encourage students to seek what interests them. Don't just do what you think will get you a high paying position somewhere. The purpose of higher education, to me, is to advance your skills and abilities in what you truly enjoy. For parents and students alike, I would also encourage them to save money as early as possible. Money shouldn't be the reason one can't go the the school one wishes to attend. Many schools out there try their best to help prospective students in any way possible, but there are those that aren't as willing to help financially. Save up money and do your absolute best in high school so you can choose whatever school you want to go to and not just the school you can afford.
Kate
Learning about colleges and universities seems to be the first step in the grueling task of choosing where to matriculate; however, my advice is to first know what you want. What do you want your day-to-day life to look like? What do you value? And be honest! Academics, football, location, Greek life, class sizes are all things to consider. When you learned what you?re looking for, find the schools that match.
Once the whirlwind of the summer blows by before your first year, get in the mindset! College is what you make of it. I am sure you?ve heard the words ?get involved? far too much to your liking. But it?s true! Join crew, FCA, theater, an intramural flag football team, go to soccer games and hiking trips with your hall. Meet people. Socialize. Learn about yourself. As the years pass, which they will, far too quickly, figure out what you love to do most and live in the moments.
Make your college choice based on who you are now, and then make the best of it by deciding who you want to be!
Aubrey
Finding the perfect school is like finding the perfect pair of shoes after a hard day of shopping.
You're exhausted, you've given your all into saving up, looking for, and finally choosing the perfect pair.
They have everything you need, they are the right size, have the perfect balance of support and good looks.
They have the right price tag.
You put them on and you feel empowered...ready to take on the world. Prepared for anything life throws at you.
They are the hot new trend, or the comfortable standard.
They are a party pump, or a fuzzy bunny slipper. They are traditional mary jane's or the latest 'boots with the fur'.
Most of all they are you.
The right school feels like this. I know I found the right pair for me.
You need to try on a few pairs before you know what fits, but when you find it...you know.