Tiffany
The most important thing to do when deciding on the right school is to remember that you'll be spending four years there; so everything matters. It is absolutely necessary to visit the campus, but that should not be the end. Instead, take time to explore it all. I wish someone had told me to spend a weekend in the cities of all my serious college options because what I forgot was that you're not just choosing a school but also a home. You should find out what there is to do both on campus and off; talk to students on campus and see how they feel about their own choice. No matter where you go just make sure above all you're in a place you know you can be happy because even the best education in the world can't make up for happiness. If that means somewhere warm, in a small city, near the beach, whatever it may be, just be sure to choose a school for you, and of course do the research so you know when you've found the one.
Eric
Find a college that will challenge you and show you how the world works. Don't be afraid to find a tough college and spend every moment worrying about your GPA. Surviving tough schools counts more than you think, and there are tons of opportunities to have fun and socialize. But when it comes down to it, pick the school you are most likely to succeed in -- but don't count success as simply a high GPA!
Howard
Its not where you go its what you do there. If you really have to read about other people's experiences you are not out there making your own.
COREY
SELECT YOUR COLLEGE VERY CAREFULLY AND BE SURE TO VISIT THE CAMPUS.
Michelle
I found myself amid an educational institute held in high esteem for its rigorous programs of study, quality of professionalism, and high standard for ethics and academics. I looked to my school as a place where my passion of the arts could become an everyday part of my life, by taking one of its programs that offers me a chance to mix what I love and turn it into a lifelong career.
Make sure to always take advantage of every opportunity and resource available that will help you learn, grow, and sharpen your skills, not only at your school of choice but throughout the rest of your life. I advise taking campus visits and tours, because that in itself will motivate and excite you once you see all that is offered to you. Take a moment, look around, and ask yourself "Do you FEEL comfortable here?", "Can you SEE yourself walking these halls, eating here, studying there?" I don't believe there exists a "right " school, but there does exist a school where you will feel a genuine heartfelt sentiment for its resources, academics, social elements, and environment. You will be proud to be undergrad there, future alumni.
Gowthami
When you are in search of finding the right college to go, remember one thing, do not go to a college because of its high standing. Think about what you want. I have met some students who came to a college just because of its standing and are suffering either academically or socially. Visit the campus and the students; determine if you will fit in. Check out the housing and think of whether you will be able to live in such conditions.
After considering these issues and you have picked the right place to go, try to make the most out of your college experience. Try new things; meet new people and make friends. The first semester will be the most challenging since you have to adapt to the new college life. You have to change your study skills from high school to college. Also, you are now independent; with this in mind, make good decisions. Don?t party too much and stay focused on your academic progress. If I could redo a year at college, I would most likely want to change my freshmen year because I wasn?t as focused on my grades as I should have been.
Matthew
The key to finding the right college and making the most of the college experience is to be open. Be open to new ideas, new places, new faces, and new ways of thinking. Be open to new friends, new lifestyles, and even new foods. This attitude of acceptance will be invaluable when selecting between the colleges that have accepted you, and also when living through your college years. When searching for the college that will be the best match for you, it is important to shed any preconceived notions you may hold concerning the institution in question. Approach every campus visit as if you have never heard of the school before and really try to create a perception from scratch. Once this is accomplished, you should listen to other's opinions on the college, but creating that base idea will keep the decision your own. Once you have selected the perfect school be sure to remain open-minded as you progress through your education. There are many opportunities available on a college campus that you may not be aware of so keep your eyes and ears open and utilize the new found freedom you have acquired.
In
Just look into a school that you have intrests in. Do not choose a school because its close to home. Try and find a place where you feel like you will fit in.
Chris
My advice for finding the right college is to start by looking on the internet for universities with strong academic programs in the career fields that interest you most. Also, be thinking about what kind of campus life you want out of your school, and evaluate how well these universities fit with your conceptualization of an ideal social life in college. After making a list of potential candidates, visiting the schools is a great way to get a feel for the campus and determine if you will enjoy studying for four years at this place. In the end, enroll where you want to go, not where parents, advisors, or friends think you should go.
To get the most out of your college experience, it is very important to be open to new people and ideas. Living on campus is an excellent way to meet people and make lasting friendships. Try to join a club or organization, because doing so will increase your sense of belonging at your school. In all, try to get involved in the activities that interest you, and college will be the most enjoyable four years of your life.
Sarah
A large school or large classes are not necessecarly bad to the college experience. If a student takes an active role in her learning by seeking out professors outside of class and asking questions in class, she will get much more out of her education regardless of the class size. Likewise, if a student sits in the back and doesn't always pay attention or attend class, she will do poorly even at a small school with small classes. Students can also spend a year or two at a smaller local college and then transfer to a big name school or private college, saving money while still graduating from a well regarded institution. She would also likely avoid large freshman and sophomore lecture classes that are more conducive to weeding students out than teaching them.
Yarden
Pick a college in which you will be happy
Michael
Make your decision about the college you will attend based on what is best for you. No matter where you go you will make friends, go to parties, enjoy football games, etc. What is really important is your education, and the career you are preparing yourself to pursue after school. Do not make your decision based on where your friends are going or where your boyfirend/girlfriend is going.
Herron
Make sure that the prospective college student is placed in an environment that will enrich their thirst for knowledge. To do that make sure to communicate well with them and know their likes and dislikes. So, as you evaluate the school you'll be able to see the school from their perspective and with a parents added wisdom ensure the proper place for their development into adulthood.
Kella
To this day I wonder if I chose the right college, and I imagine many people feel the same way. The important thing to remember is to chose a college that fits what you like, what you want to do with yourself, and who you want to become. It also helps to remember that even if you can't attend your first choice (for whateevr reason) there was also a compelling reason why you applied to the other schools on your list--remember that reason, and find as many more as you can in the coming months. To make the most of your experience, go out and Do Things. Pick an organization or two or three, see what is going on; go to a meeting with some people you live near. Whatever you do, don't sit in your dorm room by yourself. (and of course, do try and keep up with your schoolwork--it sucks to have to find a loan/scholarships half way through the year)
Sarah
Research as much as possible and ask for any advice from students that actually attend the school. Make sure you know what you can handle and what you can't and whether or not you can push yourself further and how long you can last with that extra push. Don't go to a school where no matter how hard you try, it never really pays off.
Courtnay
I think the first and most important decision in choosing the right college is whether or not it is a small or large college. I know that I was debating going to a college without a football team and I think I would have really regretted it. I really enjoy the part of my college experience that consists of going to football games. Also, I think the next decision should be rather the college should be in state or out of state. There are many advantages to in-state which I took advantage of such as the HOPE scholarship. I also wanted to be close to my family and to not have to deal with the hassle of moving my items far away. Finally is choosing the school that challenges you and also offers opportunities that you enjoy to get involved with. As far as making the most out of your college experience, I believe the best thing you can do is get involved whether it be in a fraternity or sorority or a club or organization that interests you. Getting involved allows you to meet people so you can enjoy yourself and also possibly to network with.
Christopher
I think that the best way to find a college that is right for you is to go there and experience what life is like for students. Talking to students and even participating in programs where you get to spend a night or so with a current student is the best way to learn what going to that school will be like. Finding the right school also depends on your interests and career path. A person who knows exactly what they want to do should go to a school that is known to have a good program in that area. Assessing how comfortable you are being away from home and your high school friends is also very important.
Michelle
The best way to decide on a college is to visit it personally. I never thought I would live in a big city but the campus feels small and safe. Once I visited I knew it was for me.
Christina
Visit the college first! There's no amount of information that can serve as a substitute for actually being on campus for a few days. Getting a feel for the campus is invaluble in making a descision about which college to attend because it's one of the best predictors of your happieness at that institute.
Colt
Take your coursework seriously. Take absolutely nothing for granted. Studying is important; remember that no matter how perfect you think you are today, go home and PRACTICE.