Andrew
Focus on the future. It is easy to spend money on unnessecary expenses instead of puting it towards school. The more fun you have in school on your student loans dime, the more money you will be responsible for repaying post graduation. College, as an undergrad, is a wonderful experience. Don't let anyday pass you by! Pursue your goals and career aspirations 100{4a082faed443b016e84c6ea63012b481c58f64867aa2dc62fff66e22ad7dff6c}! You can do it!
Dwight
I would tell myself to strive to do the best I can at everything I can. I would remind myself that even though I might think certain courses don't apply to the field I'm most passionate about, make sure to take everything a little more serious and apply yourself in everything that you do. I would remind myself that even though you may not think grades aren't as important as the skills you aquire and your abililty to perform in the real world, they make a difference still in getting your "foot in the door" in certain situations and circumstances. I would tell myself to be a professional, to take better advantage of all my resources and try to be more sociable and network with more people. I would tell myself to swallow your pride and ask for help when you need it, that just because you think that if don't understand something on your own, it doesent' mean you weren't meant to understand it at all, it just means that you may not have understood it they a particular person explained it to you. And mostly importantly, not to loss touch with the Lord.
Lura
Dont be afraid of the future and what it holds; just grab life by the horns and ride! Try to apply yourself a bit better now to help the transition to this college, lots of work ahead. And always remember to enjoy yourself, you'll only be here once.
Jack
Keep doing what you are doing and you'll do great. Excersize more and play some football like you now wish you had. But you have nothing to worry about so just have a good time.
Kaleen
Parents: Encourage your student to visit campuses and, if possible, spend the night in the dorms. Being on campus away from parents is the absolute best way for the student to decide whether or not they will fit in at that school.
Students: Don't be afraid to ask questions. Most schools have some sort of student ambassadors that are the cream of the crop students willing to talk to prospective students (some, like me, actually like it!) These people usually know what's going on, and if not, can direct you to someone who does.
DON'T choose a small school that is specialized if you aren't sure about your major.
DO attend a school that offers co-op or internship experiences because not only do the have the potential to pay, but the offer an UNBEATABLE opportunity to experience work that you could be doing when you graduate.
DON'T be afraid to try new things and have a great social life. Your college buddies will be friends for life no matter where you end up geographically.
DON'T burn bridges because you never know who may be a high-powered exec someday that can help you.
Reisha
Finding the right college is an essential part of determining how the rest of youths lives will go. Parents should be supportive and give their opinions but students should take a large part of the responsibility in finding funding, visiting the perspective universities, and most importantly getting involved once they are accepted to the school that best fits them.
Gavin
Start early. Spend as much time as possible getting to know all of the colleges that you are looking at. This means students, faculty, alumni, and staff. Sit in on classes, and try to see past the pretty picture that gets painted on the admissions flyers. This will be your life for the next four years, and you will spend the next 10 to 20 years paying for it so make sure that it is everything that you want it to be. Once you are there, get involved in everything, find the things you like the most and focus. Remember your end game and don't get off track, because it can be costly and extremely discouraging. Never give up! If you find that your choice didn't turn out quite as you had planed, then make it your goal to change it. Success is what you make it. Leave a legacy.
Thomas
My advice would be to visit colleges on normal class days. Colleges tend to mislead and present a much better face during planned open houses. Kettering University, for example, brings in girls from other local colleges to make it appear that the school is more evenly balanced by gender, instead of the reality of an 80{4a082faed443b016e84c6ea63012b481c58f64867aa2dc62fff66e22ad7dff6c} male population. Also, be sure to look at your current high school, and determine what it is you like or dislike about your environment there. That will be a great guide to determining what sort of social atmosphere you would prefer. Finally, pick a school with a variety of degree programs, not just a narrow grouping. It is probable that you will change your mind on your degree choice once you enter college, no matter how carefully you plan.
Robert
When applying to colleges, never assume you're going to get denied, let the college decide! When you are talking to colleges, no question is a dumb question, because they should be able to answer it quickly and effectively. You're giving these institutions your time, money, and commitment. Learn as much as possible!
Roger
Get in and get out. College is expensive so make sure you are getting the best VALUE for your money.
Zlatan
Its not all about the money, choose a college where you can see yourself being happy, don't worry if the school is far away, explore and make new friends, college is a place where you make some of the best friends of your life.
Bryan
Send kids to community colleges for the first two years if they do not know what they want to do for their major to cut down cost. When visiting colleges visit the financial aid office, it is probably the most important office on campus. But as much computer as you can afford before coming to campus. Spend around 1500 to 2000 dollars on a computer that will last their college career.
Angela
Know yourself. Figure out what you need as a student to be most successful. Do you need the teacher to student interaction or can you survive in a large lecture hall where questions are probably not welcomed? Visit different college campuses, small and large. Know what makes you happy. Figure out what you need socially to overcome stressful times at school. Do you need sports teams, rec center, clubs, or a campus night life? Knowing what you want and who you are will help you the most if finding the right college. I knew I learned best if I could interact in class with my teacher and so small classrooms were a major decision factor. I also knew I did not need a party school to be happy but I did need clubs and other activites to stay active and reduce class room stress. If you know your needs and your wants picking the right college comes quickly.
Fabian
I would advise parents and students to visit campus and get a feel and an understanding of the school's atmosphere and academic enviroments. Enroll the student in the school's summer programs (if any), this is the best hands on campus experience, and gives them a good idea of how their future on campus is going to be like. Meet the teachers, speak with the students and ask questions about the school and the activities on and around campus. I think the most important question to ask is, how valuable is a degree from the desired school in the students' selected industry. Extracurricular activities on or off campus that interest the student is most important for their personal growth and equally important in the career of thier choice, schools and corporations are looking for active students, on or off campus. A resume is the students entire academic life on paper, you would want your student to stand out. I encourage interaction with the school, and finding a school that best fits the student's personality with their future in mind.
Juan
Sacrifices are part of life and every choice you will ever make. In these trying times of the economy and employment the question is hwat are you willing to sacrifice now to be better off tomorrow. Work hard now, enjoy the benefits after you graduate.
Kevin
find a school that has what you are looking for
Kelly
Be who you want to be! It's something you've already heard, but it's true. College gives you the opportunity to be someone different than you've always been (if you want of course!) - if you were shy, you can become outgoing; if you weren't studious, you can learn good habits and get great grades! You should always check out every aspect of a college. Do you think you'll be comfortable in a huge classroom, or do you want more one-on-one attention? Are you more artistic or are you athletic? Does the school have the major that you think you'd be interested in? Sometimes if you have no idea, it's great to go to a school that has lots of degree choices - that way when you're just starting you can try out some different classes and see what you like. Take advantage of study abroad opportunities - it's more important than ever to be able to function in a global economy. Use clubs and societies to try new things. College teaches you more skills that you think that you'll need later in life - so take chances and have fun!
Clint
Before you decide on college or what you want to "do" in life, first define what you want your lifestyle to look like. When you have a very clear and detailed vision of what you want your life to look like, and the things you'd like to be able to do, then find out what career will provide you that lifestyle. When you find out what that is and it has to be learned at college, find the college that is the best in that field and go there. The plan should look like this: Define, Learn, Do. Don't fall into the trap tha 95{4a082faed443b016e84c6ea63012b481c58f64867aa2dc62fff66e22ad7dff6c} of the people fall into: Do, Learn, Define.
Kyle
Go to the schools and check them out.