Laren
Go visit the schoool you are considering and do not be afraid to ask questions.
Madison
Follow your heart.
Katie
Have someone who actually attends/has attended the school you are looking at, tell you what the school is really like rather than just getting your opinion from the school's recruiters--it's their job to make the school sound great, so they're obviously not going to tell you everything. I would ask for a student/alumni to give me their experiences, to tell me the real deal--because I could or could not make one of the worst decisions of my life if I found out the hard way that I ended up not liking that school.
elizabeth
PLAN AHEAD and go where you can afford.
Kelsey
Find a school that is affordable, has a great education, and is community oriented. When choosing a school make sure your needs are fulfilled by the facilities at the school, and remember to stay positive. Sometimes a school can turn out to be a lot different than what you thought, but that's why there are lots of different colleges and universities to choose from. Good Luck!
Megan
My advice to students and parents about finding the right school would be to apply to many colleges. Visit them, ask questions, research the surrounding community, and make sure that you could call that school home, because it will be your home for months at a time. I found the school for me by doing exactly what i stated, and it worked. So good luck!
Samantha
I would tell parents and students to really explore different types of colleges. I had no idea what type of college I wanted to attend until I actually did some research. It really helped me decide on where I wanted to spend my college life.
I would also advise parents to not pressure their kids into finishing in 4 years. Most students don't know what they want to do with their lives their freshman year of high school. They are only 18 years old! Let them explore and figure out what they want to be when they get out of school. That way they won't feel pressured into staying with the first major they chose, because that major may not be right for them. Their children will then find what is the path they are suppose to be on, and enjoy their jobs once they graduate. I am lucky that my parents have not pressured me.
Sean
Look for good financial aid opportunites and try to find a school with lots of different majors to choose from.
Andy
visit the school several times before you choose.
Quyen
I think that each student should pick the college that's best for them in the field that they are studying about. They should also pick a college that would focus on each individual instead of just being a number in a large college. Don't pick a college just because your best friend is going there, or just because it's popular. Go where you know for sure that you can get help whenever you need it about whatever it is. Parents should also persuade their kids to stay focus and concentrate on their school work at all times when their kids are far away from home. The parents should also advise their children to attend a college where there are many school related activities and to be involved as much as possible.
Cristian
Find a college where you feel comfortable in and make sure that you have some strong relationships.
Joe
Look for a place that fits your needs financially. Professionals tell me all the time that it does not matter where you go to school, it just matters that you get a degree and learn as much as you can along the way. To Students: Get as many internships as you can in college. Though they are often unpaid, the experience you get is priceless, plus it's a wonderful way to make your resume look amazing. I have had 3 internships, but wish I would have started earlier and done 2 or 3 more. Also, study hard, but make sure you save time for you. College is one of the greatest times to meet people and discover who you are. You will learn more about yourself in four, quick years than you have in the last 15 years of your life. College has had its ups and downs, but it's been an amazing ride and I'm sad it is ending so soon. Cherish the time because it goes fast.
Braxton
I think all students should take as long as possible to weigh their options. College is a decision that has an irrevocable impact on an individual's life and should contemplated as seriously as picking one's spouse or career. In order to get the most out one's college experience, they should identify their goals through college. If the goal is simply to have fun, then meet as many people as possible. If it's to beat their fellow classmates academically, then they should bucke down.
Benjamin
Visit the campus! Talk to current students and faculty!
If you're in college already, get to know as many people as possible. Participate in as much as you can.
Billy
Since the purpose of college is to continue education in preparation to "get out in the real world" and get a job, it is very important to look at the schools that make you a likely candidate for a good job after graduation. This means of course accredidation, reputation in the community, career placement services, and of course, a strong program for your field.
Cole
The college selection process must go beyond the school's academic offerings and promised financial aid. There are things to consider that will directly impact the student's ability to perform well in their collegiate life. The type of students, faculty, and beliefs of the university are some of the most important criteria to be evaluated before making any final decision on where to attend. The enjoyment that an individual can obtain during college can be immense and this joy will motivate the student resulting in a more successful academic life. Although the economy has proven to be quite detrimental to the average student, there are still many resources available beyond what the school's financial department has awarded the student. Taking time to look at the type of environment that the student enjoys will be most beneficial in finding a place of higher education that will be conducive to the student's needs. At first glance the most important things end up not being the most important; take some advice from someone who wishes he had looked beyond the school's academic offerings and financial aid awards.
Crystal
Make sure you visit the schools you are thinking about attending. I ended up at a school I really just applied to for the sake of applying. However, after I visited, I changed my mind completely about where I was going and attended this university instead. Also, don't think about the money so much. Go where you will be happy. I could have had a full ride to several colleges right out of high school, but I can guarentee that I would not have been happy at any of those colleges. Live in the dorms, you will make more friends. And just be yourself. Campuses are diverse enough you will find friends who love you for who you are.
Hannah
Connection and balance will ultimately determine your/your student's success. Connecting with fellow students and professors provides the emotional and academic support that you will need to thrive during you years at college. Balance is a life skill that must be cultivated in order to be able to look back on the college years as the best part of your life. When choosing a school, find some aspect of it with which you can connect long before the first day of class. This could be a professor in your field, the coach of a sports team, or other students (look for on-line forums for future students). When it comes to balance, make sure to try lots of different things, and learn how to drop a few of them when you realize what is most interesting to you. I was afraid of being overcommitted, so I hesitated to get involved with anything my freshman year. Don't do that. I look back at that, and think of how much more fun I could have had! Finding the balance is key to making the most of the college experience.
jonna
to look at what you really want out of your college experiance. and then to base that upon where youwant to go, at lipscomb it si a dry campus and so that was abig part in my descion to go here
Ben
Go to a college that draws you to it. Don't follow your friends if the university doesn't "feel" right to you! I am at Lipscomb University for a reason. It promotes my faith to Nashville and surrounding communities and that is why it feels so good to be here! I have a chance to be part of something great and the school is just so student oriented. Make your decision based on how the campus feels and how the department of your major feels. Just remember: you'll be living there for probably 4 years...