Erin
Base your decision on your choice, not what school is the most popular or the biggest, but by what feels right to you. Don't let anyone make the decision for you because no one will be living there or going to school there but you. And most importantly get involved, it makes college a lot more fun and gives you opportunities to meet more people and will make getting a job after college a lot easier.
Jessica
Make sure that your choice is not based on one factor that attracts you about the college, but that many aspects of that college attract you. Remember, there is always a possibility that your child may change major and must be accomodated.
Katrina
The first thing to understand about college is that MISTAKES WILL HAPPEN. College is all about learning to be self-reliant and independent. It's a hard adjustment, but worth it in the end. Students, most days will be easy enough to handle, but sometimes there will be a problem that you will have to figure out for yourself. Mom and Dad can't help you all the time, but you can do it! Parents, as hard as it is to send your "babies" off to college, the best thing you can do for them is to not coddle them and micromanage so that not only are you protecting them from EVERYTHING, but you're not letting them experience anything either! Trust your children to make good choices, and go a little easy on them when they come home tattooed, pierced, and with a newfound knowledge of drinking games. They are experimenting. They are studying and going to school at least 3 or 4 days out of the week, not bad for a freshman. Be their cheerleader, no matter what!
Brian
Students need to decide where they want to attend college. Parents should just give advice. When deciding, one should look for a environment where he/she feels comfortable and a place where they can excel in school.
Elissa
I would tell parents to really look into the way the campus looks because it is definitely something that will bring a student closer to their school overall. When a student likes to be on campus, it will show in the way they interact on campus and the kind of activities they will enjoy. To students, it is really important to come to the campus and see how comfortable they feel on it as well and I would suggest visiting a number of campuses to find the one that is right for them. I would go on to tell future students to really look at a lot of schools instead of thinking of only one that they feel they will be set on because they might change their mind after a year or two at that school. It is always smart to choose a number of schools and then narrow them down to the best ones in their eyes.
Erica
visit the schools early (like at the end of junior year of high school), apply for scholarships early, do research, ask current students the questions you want answers to because they know what it's really like, and remember that college is a new experience and you should take full advantage of all the opportunities available
Dane
When figuring out what institution is best for you start looking early so you give yourself plenty of time to visit and really get a feel for different universities. Don't get caught up with where friends are going to school make the choice that suits you best. While in college, don't do the same things you did in high school or hang out with only the people you once did. Get out there and experience new things so that you really do get the most of the college experience.
Brianna
Make sure they feel comfortable on the campus, that they actually like the way its laid out and the teachers here. Check out the different majors and talk to upper classman to find out what they like or don't like about the campus and teachers.
Ben
Find a college that fits you best that meets your needs and will cater to you. If you are nothing more than a number and not an individual then you may lose yourself in the system and never be able to keep up. Find a town that you will enjoy living in but not be soo much fun that it will distract you from staying focused on your studies when necessary. Enjoy college while you are there it only happens once and you will never get the chance for that kind of experience again. Test your boundries but don't loose them, try new things but be safe, meet new people but be yourself, and find who you are but don't loose who you were.