Audrey
The first advice I would want to give myself is to not take 18 credits the first semester of college or any semester for that matter. College is not all about studying and working. There are many lessons to be learned and memories to be made outside of the classroom and books. It is not worth all the money you pay to go to school if you do not spend time with friends or have fun. Yes, school work is important and honoring to God, but it is not everything. Remember, failing a test is so minimal in God?s eyes. He wants to use you for His glory, so do not hide behind books all the time. Sleep is extremely important. Be sure to get decent sleep, or you will regret it. You will be more cheerful and attentive if you get good sleep. Also, make sacrifices for others and give of your time to help others as much as you can. It feels good. Be creative and use your time wisely. Choose specific fun things to do with your friends and plan accordingly. College life is wonderful. Make the most of every opportunity and trust God in everything.
Daniel
I would tell myself to enjoy the easy life while it's still available. College isn't fun and games like everyone makes it out to be.
Hannah
I would advise parents to listen to what their children truly want out of life. If it does not match what the parent's dreams for the child are. Than, they need to work together to find a way to compromise and find both a school and degree that will satisfy both parties. I would also advise parents that often times a student will go into something only to realize that what they really want to do is what you have been encouraging them towards their whole life. But, you need to let them figure this out on their own!
To students, I say, to make the most out of your college experience, meet lots of people! This will not only be key to you having a great time at school! But, it also builds great connections and relationships that can last for the rest of your life! Take your college experience as a blessing! Study hard, spend time getting to know your professors( they write great recommendation letters!) and also take time to build lasting friendships with your fellow students!
Hannah
Finding the right college, looking back at it, is really about a) do they have what you're looking for academically (majors, programs, quality of education)? and b) do you have the money to pay for it in a reasonable way? But finding the "right" college isn't as important as what you do when you get there. That's what will make or break your college experience. And really, the college experience (like all of life) is about relationships. Your friends are what will make the college experience wonderful for you, so choose them carefully. Find people who encourage you, who like and accept you for who you are, and in return encourage and accept them. Get involved in campus groups that suit your interests, or find something new to try. This is not to say that you should ignore your academics! College work is an important stepping stone to a good career, and your friends - the good ones - will understand that. But either way, the friendships that you make will truly be what you carry with you from college, and that is how to make the most of your college experience.
Ashley
Find a college that is the right fit for you. Make sure that your major is offered. Make sure the size of the college and the classroom sizes are right for you. Find out what social activities are available. You want to feel good about your choices for free time activities as well as class room activities. And remember not everyone knows exactly what they want to do at 18 years old, it is okay to make changes as you develop into who you are becoming.
Rachel
I would say that visiting the college is the most important part. I know as soon as I visited the school I currently attend, I knew that was where I was supposed to be. It clicked, and I knew it was the right place to be. Everything else clicked into place. Regarding making the most of the experience, all I can say is get involved. Whether it be varsity sports, clubs, intramural sports, musical groups, or any other organization go for it. You will meet amazing people, and have the most memorable experiences of your lifetime, guaranteed. You will love whichever college you pick, because you create the experience, your school does not dictate this.
Elizabeth
When looking for a college, it might help to find a site that you can list criteria at in order for the site to narrow down options. As for making the most of college, get involved. It is a surefire way to make the most of your time. If you can get involved in multiple things. If the college you chooses has brother/sister halls, and freshman activities, go to them, those are the places you will most likely get to know people that you will be friends with for life.
marshall
the one thing that i would reccomend to parents and students dueing the application process would be to take their time. i took a year off after high school and it was the best possible thing that i could have done. during the year off i worked full time, which worked greatly in my maturation process and gave me a better idea of what direction i wanted to take my life in. without having taking a year off i wouldn't have wound up at the school that i did. the year off also allowed me some pretty cool opportunities in addition to working. one thing that i was able to do was spend 2 weeks in the UK visiting friends. it was great to experience a different culture and see how history is different there than it is in America.
throughout my whole year off i learned many pratical things such as discipline and hard work, but i was also able to have fun and experience some pretty cool things and i would reccomend it to anyone who is unsure in their search for a college
Brittany
Hello prospective college students and parents!
My advice for finding the "right" college is to go out there and visit schools! Ask questions! Do you fit in with the students? Are the professors approachable and knowledgeable? What activities and events are available to students, especially on weekends? How important is sports? Theater? Greek life? Volunteer opportunities? Check out the classrooms, library, student center, cafeteria, and dorm rooms. Are they inviting? Modern? Clean? "Shop around" for a school where you are comfortable, a school where you could say, "I'm ready to go home" in reference to your dorm room.
Students, my advice for making the most of your college experience is to seize every moment. Regarding your social life, form strong relationships with new people. Experience life, both on campus and off. But DON'T act irresponsibly. And regarding your academic life, work hard by diligently. Challenge yourself to move out of your comfort zone. Experiment with new ways of thinking. Inquire about diferent internship and job opportunites, especially over-seas. And most importantly, distinguish your name from the thousands of students who will soon compete with you for a job. Be risky, but be smart.
Good luck!
Rebekah
It's worth the money to attend. It's a gorgeous campus, and I really enjoy it. The professors are amazingly helpful and I have learned a lot in my classes and from my friend.