Jamie
Finding the right college is a difficult decision but also is very important. I suggest visiting the schools of choice and taking advantage of the open houses available. Getting advice from students that already attend the college/university can also be a huge help. Don't be afraid to ask questions about absolutely anything. It's better to know every little detail than miss out on something that can be an important factor to you and/or your son/daughter. I also sugguest not jumping into any decisions right away. Start the process early and in enough time, you'll definately find the right school. Students, you're going to feel uneasy about being away the first month or so. But just stick it out, and I promise; you'll find truth in the school you chose. Parents, be supportive in any choice that your child makes. College is a great experience!
Adrien
My advice to parents and students is to listen to you kids parents they know what they want just be sure to make sure the school is in their best intreste. It also helps if you go with them to the tour and give them your honest opinion about the school because it helps them to know what choice they have made as long as you can approve of it. Students when you choose your school do it because its the best for your degree and not only that but because this is your future you are working towards not anyone else. As long as it makes you happy and is where you wanna be thats all that matter the most.
Dominique
Visit as many colleges as possible as well to as applying to more than one. Don't just go by the pamphlets and booklets that get handed out at highschool college fairs because when you get to that school it might not be the one that you want to finish your four years at. Make sure that you account for everything when visiting a college, dorm size, campus size, classroom size, etc.
RIcky
First, be sure to visit many colleges. Look them up online to save yourself some time. Take your time and make a list of pros and cons about each college you visit. Look up blogs on the colleges and don't let tution scare you. In my case, I fell in love with everything about the first college I visited. The campus is in the country, not the city (which is something I don't enjoy being that I have a visual disability, the less hectic the better for me), and during my scheduled visit the staff could not have been nicer. If it's possible, try to visit the college when there are students there taking classes. This will give you a feel for the type of people who attend the college. Ask about and do research on whether it's considered a party college. Always try to look up information using the internet. Try to join some of the extra curricular activities the colleges offer. You will make friends faster and feel more comfortable that way. I commute, but the college I attend has a special commuter group to help us feel better about fitting in.
Steph
Do what feels right. Don't let anyone else tell you how to run your life. Its YOUR LIFE. You have a right to be happy.
Sarah
Students you have to feel comfortable in the college you choose and it cant be the college your parents want for you, parents you have to let your children pick something they want to do and it may not be what you want but you stil have to let them choose. Also students unless you are posititve about what you want to do when you get older picking a school with a wide variety of majors and minors is not a bad thing because if you change your mind you have plenty of new options to choose from right in front of you. But the most important thing is to remember to be yourself and have fun because thats what college is all about.
Janela
I would advise both students and parents to shop wisely and carefully. I would caution them to make sure they visit a school to get a feel for what the campus and social atmosphere is like. Don't pick a school just because you like their mascot or your best friend goes there. Pick the school that has a good educational focus in your field and one that will challenge you to do your very best.
Brian
Find one with a good ethical history, and one that promises or has statistical evidence supporting a high percentage of career opportunities post -graduation.
Kellyann
Deciding what college to attend is a difficult desicion that can be overwhelming. Yet, a part of becoming a college student is learning how to make informed desicions. As with all difficult choices, if you give yourself plenty of time, do research, and maintain a positive attitude, you will find the school meant for you!
First, decide if you want to live at home or go away to school. If you choose to go away, are you a city or small town person? Next, ask yourself what you hope to get out of your college experience. What sports and actitives interest you? What size school to you want to attend? What major are you thinking about? Use this information to research schools that fit your interest and make appointments to visit those colleges.
As a parent, if you want your child to be happy you must show interest and be involved in their future by taking time to visit colleges with them. Do not persuade your child to go to a certain school. After all, they will be attending, not you. They have to be happy and like the environment inorder to perform well.
angelica
I feel that one should truly go with that gut feeling when choosing the right school. I really can't explain it, but you just know that this place is where you want to be for the next four years. I would advise students to choose the school for themselves, even though parental input is very important, if the student doesn't like the school, they will be miserable for the next four years and will never truly get that awesome college experience that one should receive from college life. Once you get to college everything changes, your on your own and there is no one to tell you what to do. Be sure to be able to motivate yourself and take advantage of an opportunity to learn more in four years than you have so far in life. Socially, be open and be yourself. I didn't know anybody at my school and being a shy person I just had to put myself out there. Before I knew it I had a great group of friends for life. Overall, just stay open minded, dedicated, and focused and your college years priceless! :)