Lacy
I would say that you need to give your college education all of your effort. You need to strive to succeed and leave all the family issues behind. You are smart and worth it. Work for your future and don't worry about what others think. Use fianancial aid grants and work study; wait on loans as a last resort. Budget and pace yourself well
Cassandra
Have your student apply to as many places as early as possible to keep their options open and to keep scholarships available to them. When it comes down to choosing, remember that it should be entirely their decision. They will not succeed where they are unhappy.
Jessica
Always visit the campus. A college may have what you want to study but if the campus does not feel right the student will not do well.
Brittany
Finding the right college involves a lot of research on both the parents and students parts. Students should visit the campus at least twice and walk around to get the feel of it. Something that I did was contact students who were going to Indiana State and asked about how they liked their dorm, dealing with roomates and what to do for fun in the area. It is a great way to make friends before you go and it can help put your mind at ease if you are nervous about the big move. Parents should also visit the campus with their student and ask any questions they have, if they are on a tour, of the guide. They should also chat with someone in the financial aide department if there are any financial concerns to see what they can afford with their budget and how to get extra funds just to be on the safe side. The right college will have your degree, driven students, caring professors and a staff of deans and other school professionals that will take the time to make sure you get everything done on time and correctly.
Ellen
To both parents and students, look to see if the schools offer the major your interested in, but also consider the cost and how much the university is willing to help you. If your major is offered at both a private and a public university, the public university will probably offer more help. As for making the most of the college experience, remember that this is your chance to start over. No one knows you yet, so you can be anyone you want to be. A clean slate.
Angela
The most important part of finding the right college is personal fit. A student is more successful if they are in an environment they like, and in which he or she is most comfortable. Unfortunately, that is not always the cheapest school, or even the most prestigious school. But if prestige is not important to the student's future career, keep in mind that it may be best not to go with the "wow" school. I chose a small university, with little prestige, but the exact program I was looking for, and so I feel I am getting the best education, if not the most "wow" factor on my resume. To me, that is what really matters.
Dimitria
Make sure you weigh out all the pros and cons of attending a certain university. Class size and professor/student interaction is something that should be fully considered.
Katie
I would tell them to make sure it is what the student wants. Check into the programs before deciding on your school.
Cheryl
My advice to parents and students selecting a college for higher education and learning is to be persistent and consistent in your application submission. And always apply for financial aid as early as possible. Last, do not take your studies lightly, even in high school and grade school. And committ to giving back to society in some way. The challenge of doing for others is rewarding in itself.
Megan
I highly recommend new college students to direct your life and career into something that you enjoy doing. Do not make your major a subject that will supposedly pay you more then anything else. You will and your co-workers will not be happy if you are just there to make money. Find something that you truely enjoy doing and makes you who you are. A student who accepts a low paying job but enjoys every minute of it will be much happier in the long run with their life then a student who does the complete opposite.
When it comes to parents, I never had any there for me, and it hurt horribly. Not having that support system and encouragement made me feel alone and scared me. I did become more independant but it's very important for a college student to have good support or someone to turn to when they are having a hard time. Having someone there to listen, understand or even just reflect their thoughts will help them succeed mentally, causing them to be more successful at school and in life as well. Parents should be supportive by writing, calling, texting or even just Aiming. :-)
Alexis
I would say do your research, study the demographic, the class size, and the location. Find out how you are going to pay for college. I would say visit the university and see the culture of the campus first hand before you make a decision on either attending this school or sending your child there
Heather
When looking for a college you need to visit a lot of them and get a feel for them. Talk to the students who attend and ask lots of questions. Look for a school with smaller class sizes where you can get to know everyone and especially the professors. It's such a good feeling when the professors know your name. The cost doesn't matter as much as the fact that you are comfortable. There are many scholarships to apply for, so worry about how you feel, not how much it costs. No matter where you go to college just make sure that it is right for you. Take the time to do your "homework" when deciding which college to choose.
Chelsea
Always make sure that you visit the college that you are planning on attending before hand. I would recommend making two trips, one with your parents, and one without. It is important for you to know about your school not only from a scholars point of view, but also from a social point of view so that you know if the school is really a fit for you.
Emily
For parents, if your child wants to pursue something that they are passionate about, support them. That will give them the confidence to succeed. Let your child look at a college that has programs that they want to pursue. There are scholarships and other aid to help with tuition. For Students, Go To Class!!!!!!!!!!! Attendance is very important, it will help you with your grade!!!!!!!!!! It can raise your grade. Think positive and go for your dreams! Make friends while you are in college they can last a lifetime, and that is a beautiful thing. Work Hard and don't give up on your dreams! Keep your head up and when you earn that degree it will be an awarding experience.
melissa
dont be scared to move away to school because that was the best thing i ever did.
Arielle
Finding the right college isn't about test scores and grades. It's about finding a place you can call home, a place where you feel that you fit in right away. You don't want to pick a college that you will be miserable at until you graduate. There is nothing like the college experience and you can't replace the wonderful experience you'll have while at college. Make the most of it do something that's out of you're comfort zone you never know you may end up liking it. Become involved in various activities around campus. Take a class that you're curious about the subject of. These are the best years of your life you'll meet new friends, go through some pretty hard times, but in the end you won't want to trade any of it for the world. Enjoy yourself!
Craig
make sure you look at all over your option before chosing a college
Stephanie
Apply to more than one place some in-state and some out. Go see the campus. Walk around, have lunch, get the experience. I went to a women's basketball game at my college before I made my choice. Find out about the history of the campus and about the department that you are thinking about going into. See if there is an upperclassmen in the department that can show you around the buildings that you might be in. Just go explore and choose the school that feels right. As a student you have to choose a school that you love and as a parent you have to let your child choose, even if that means letting them go to a school out of the state. If the student is not happy at the school, they will not do well. Trust your gut. Choose what you love.
Anna
Visit more than once. It's hard to peg with just one short visit. Get to know people. And if it feels right, it probably is. But remember what's most important to you.
Dylan
Go with whatever college suits your needs. If you need something close, don't be discouraged by a college that isn't your first choice. Your parents should be supportive of whatever you do, because sometimes it takes a few wrongs to make a right, and they should know that before anyone. Above all else, have fun, and try to learn something!