Dexter
In the process of choosing the best college for you or your child, it is best to visit the school itself! Also, ask around and go to internet sites that rate Universties.
Andrea
You should definately visit more than one campus before making your final decision. Even if it isn't a college you are considering if it is close to home just go there to see how things are and compare is to the the colleges you are interested in. Another big thing is check out the student govenment. At IPFW we have a very active student government that always has differnt activity weeks. Like for example two weeks before spring finals we have a spring fling week that has differnet activities and free food every day that week. They hand out T-shirts and other things. It is very relaxing and helps you destress before finals. It makes a big difference and don't think I would enjoy a school that didn't have a very active Student Goverment.
Jordan
I would not to make your decision based on what your parents say or where your friends are going. It's you who are attending the university, not them. You are the one who should be comfortable on campus and in the place where you are living. Don't go to a school because you love their football team, go to one that has the academic qualities you strive for. Overall, you should enjoy your college experience and want to stay there all four years.
Emily
Choosing a college and major is definitely not a haphazard process and is one that should be greatly researched by parents, alongside and together with their children. Students should be sure not to make decisions solely on the pressure they may receive from their parents, but should take in their recommendations and at least consider them. Most of all students should remember that their decisions should reflect their own interests and not those of their friends. The best way for students to decide where to go and what to focus on is by listening to and contemplating their own wants, desires, and future goals. The school they pick should reflect these and should offer the student room to grow and thrive in other areas, rather than just their major.
Overall students should go to a school where they feel comfortable and where their current desired major is available. When these two qualities are met a great college experience can be had. I truly believe that success can and will happen when students are active in their decisions, guided by their parents, and ultimately follow their heart.
Matthew
Best advice to give, would to talk to students that attend or have attended the school(s) you're interested in. They'ld be able to tell you about life around campus as they are the ones with first hand experience of that college. Also, take a tour of the campus preferably in a small group. This gives the opportunity to meet someone else that's thinking of attenting that school and maybe gain insight of what others are thinking about the school. The tour guide can/might tell you about the perks or accomplishments the school has, but while on the tour be very observant of whats going on around you. See how students are interacting, what they're doing, and what the mood seems to be.
Trevor
Don't go where your high school friends are going. Go somewhere you will meet new people and get the degree you are looking for. Take classes seriously when you're a freshman so you are not playing catch up on your GPA for the rest of the time you are in school. Look at price of the schools your are going to because you have to pay those loans off when you get out of school.
Randall
Make lots of friends in your classes that way you'll do better in your courses by teaching each other the material.
Kenny
visit as many schools as possible and go where you are most comfortable. If you are not comfortable where you are, the harder it is to focus why you are attending school in the first place.