Katelyn
The advice that I would give future college students and their parents about chosing the right school would be to make plenty of campus visits. The more you visit the school, the more comfortable you feel and the more familiar you become with the atmosphere. Talk to current students at the school, ask questions, and meet professors. All of these things will help you to see what each school is like and will make it easier for you to know whether you would feel comfortable there or not.
Advice that I would give about making the most of your college experience would be to get out there and try new things. When you get involved you will feel much more connected to your fellow students and faculty. Don't try to overload yourself and get involved with everything all at once, but try a few things here and there, even if it seems scary or different. You will be glad you tried it, even if it ends up not being for you.
Lindsay
Making the right college choice and most of the college experience begins before applying for college. Finding the right school for you is the most crucial part of having a positive college experience. Starting about two years before graduation it is a good idea to begin attending college visits, this gives insight to what the college or university has to offer and if its enviornment is what you are looking for. It is also a good idea to have at least some idea on what you would like to major in, even if you are not 100{4a082faed443b016e84c6ea63012b481c58f64867aa2dc62fff66e22ad7dff6c}, find a school that has the same subjects that you found interesting in high school. Once you have found a school to attend, I have found some good tips from my own experience to make your college experience the best it can be. Living on campus in the dorms your first year is very important because it is the eaisest way to meet friends and you are likely to have them your entire college career. Also, it is important to do well acedemically your first year of college; it sets a good base and will make your workload eaiser in the long run.
Amara
When looking at a college it is always important to know how the financial aid office can help. It's also very important to know where you're supposed to go when a question or situation arises. Another important thing to keep in mind is that the community is good for the college student. If a parent feels that there is to much leincy or not enough of a sense of community, then chances are it's not a great school. It is really important that the needs of the college student are kept in mind.
Kristine
What you put into the college experience is what you'll get out of it, even if you're simply looking at your options. Make a list of what you want in your ideal school, deciding which attributes you're willing to compromise on and which you're not. Are you willing to skimp on your preferred major if it means you'll be closer to home? Or are you willing to go to the other side of the country to a school that is renowned for its work in your chosen field?
Once you actually start going to school, you have to remember to try! Friends will not magically appear the minute you step on-campus: you have to get involved and find them! Invest yourself in something on-campus, whether it be in sports or a club or a weekly bible study. I was on the verge of transferring to a different school when I discovered my college's theatre program. Once you find something to immerse yourself in, the transition doesn't seem so jarring or unexpected.
Going to college is all about changing, and this particular change is something you have direct control over. Enjoy it!
Brittany
The student should try to pick a school where they feel they will get the best education. They should not pick a school based on what friends are going there. The student should make a list of things they are looking for in a school and then find schools that meet the things on the list.
TiShawn
keep all your options open and decide for yourself not anyone else.
Jamie
Make sure that there is the ability to express and explore ideas.
Rebecca
Find the college that suits you. Trust your instincts, if the college is notorious for being a party school and you want to buckle down and study hard, maybe that isnt the right place for you. No matter which college you choose know that you are going to have the time of your life. You are going to meet hundreds of people. Some of them you will like, others will disagree with you. No mater what happens though, you will meet someone who will impact your life forever! College is the time for you to discover who you are and who you want to become in the future.