MIchael
try and plan a trip to the school, and one not through the school just alk around and ask questions, meet people. get to know the culture not created by the tours the school gives you, but from you experiencing the culture the school offers yourself.
Brian
Do your research, talk to students besides the tour guide. Dont choose a school because your friends will be there. You will make new friends I promise. Once in college get involved, your activities are not drinking beer and watching football join a club, fraternity or intramural team. If you are passionate about a club or activity and your school does not have it start it. It is worth the effort. Have fun, but get your work done, you or someone is dishing out a large heap of money to help you suceed, dont let it go to waste. STUDY ABROAD!!!! It was the best time of my life and opened my eyes to so many things, and now i can speak and understand spanish. Lastly enjoy every minute of college because one day it will all be over.
Maria
So you need to find the right college!? Well, here are a some things to think about. First, you want to research, and most definitely talk to alumni. Students just get too excited The fact of the matter is that only an alum will tell you the truth about the school. They've already paid for their education, and are living proof of how useful the knowledge they have attained is in their field of work. Truthfully, I talked to an alumni of my major once, and she said she felt slightly unprepared on her first day of teaching. Loyola is constantly bringing back alumni for that reason. They are always striving to improve their programs.
Also, if you have hobbies outside of school, look into those sorts of things . For example, if you love to exercise, "Are there aerobics classes at the university?" "Is there even a gym?" Say I loved music, ( ;] ) I would do some research on guest performances, conductors, and even the venues in town. Is it far from home? Some students can't take the distance., and it's a very sensitive subject.
Finally, you should ask yourself one question. Do you have what it takes? ;)
Mark
No matter what your parents tell you, not matter how much it?s been drilled into you head that good grade and lots of extracurriculars will make you successful; it's not true. I?ve learned more about life and less about everything else in the time I?ve been here then all of my previous years. And what I take away from the experience is a network of friends closer to me than family, guys that I can rely on like brothers, and girls that have taught me that there?s more to relationships than.... well hopefully you get the picture. I'm a better person for being here; I'm currently in the Middle East on an internship making more money that most guys 10 years out of law school. Life is a series of decisions that happen to lead to a favorable conclusion, at least for me, don't let anyone else beside yourself make that decision for you.
Kiva
Visit the college you plan to attend before paying anything. You have to physically see the campus and its students before oyu can make a good decision.
Robert
Don't be afraid to try new things, always be willing to throw yourself into new situations!
Anne
I would tell them to go to the college that they can afford. College experiences are what you make them, and I believe that you can learn just as much at a state school than at a private school depending on how much effort you put into your education. I would particularly advise them not to take out student loans for living expenses. I myself work two jobs, and I know a lot of other people who work two or more jobs, and it is definitely possible to make ends meet without going into debt. Also, beware of credit card offers. Although it may be fun to go out and party without having to pay the bill, it is very easy to ruin your credit and very hard to build it back up. The financial decisions that people make while in college can have lasting effects, and unfortunately there is very little information to help college freshman understand financial risks unless they seek it out themselves.
Ainsley
Don't be so worried about picking the perfect school. College will be a fun and rewarding experience no matter where you end up, as long as you are open to new people and new experiences. Plenty of people that are accepted into the college of their dreams find out that it's not as great as they thought it would be. This is the time of your life to have fun and begin learning what it means to be an adult, so don't take it too seriously. If you worry too much about the particular school, you'll probably end up being unhappy no matter where you are. Life is full of surprises and change, so don't be afraid to just go with the flow.
Andrew
Go somewhere where you like the area. There are things to do that you're interested in. Don't choose a school you can party at because you can party at all schools. Don't go somewhere too big because you can get lost in all the students. Unless learning on your own or going to talk to the teacher in their office hours is your style.
Tracy
When choosing a college, I feel it is important to feel a connection with the college. Is it a place you can imagine yourself growing and developing into the person you are meant to be? Are you comfortable with the campus, professors, and other students? I also highly recommend seeing how alumni view their experiences at the school. When they swell with pride and loyalty, you know that it is a place they once cherished. Another good aspect to look into is the course requirements and if they meet your future career needs.
Jerrica
Parents and students should always visit the campus for a weekend and get a feel for the campus life. Going to a school you don't love can really put a damper on your college career. Find a school that works for you! Find out about financial aid, campus housing, the staff, the community, and everything possible!
When you start college, don't hide in your dorm studying all the time. Get out there and do stuff. Join a few clubs, go out for a night on the town, and get to know people and make friends. Make sure you find a school that suits your personality, whether you're a beach bum or a city kid, you won't be happy out of your element!
Veronica
Start looking at colleges early. Leave yourself enough time to visit and think about each one. What feeling does each campus give you? Do students and professors seem friendly? Do you think you could feel at home here? Sometimes the right choice jumps out at you.
Once you begin college, just be yourself. Participate in orientation activities; they're a great way to meet people. Join clubs that appeal to you. Take interesting classes. Volunteer in the community. Living on-campus can be a lot of fun, plus it's convenient!
Kathryn
I would advise that students keep their minds open. I had my mind set on one school and never considered the opportunities college offers. I transferred schools several times, exploring many coasts, and have learned so much by being willing to adapt to new surroundings, take chances, and be ready to put in hard work. Make sure you consider all your options and keep logic in check, but never forget that this time is probably the best time in your life to take advantage of all the adventures and challenges college can offer you. It doesn't happen much more after school!
As for parents, the best thing you can do is encourage your children in the school search and be supportive. If you disapprove of a major or school choice, let your thoughts be known but do so tactfully - after all, they chose this path for themselves but they need to know that if your instincts are right, they will not be taunted for not going your way. Also, be understanding to let go to some extent!
Cecilia
Making THE college decision is an extremely stressful and overwhelming ordeal! A few things that helped me make the final and difficult decision included financial aid, the college visit, and...financial aid :). I ended up choosing a school 1500 miles away from my home, which is much farther than I had originally planned. However, I had felt such a strong connection to the campus when I auditioned for the College of Music and Fine Arts that I didn't mind making the move across the country. Additionally, I was offered a great deal of money which has helped my family immensely. Even though I feel that I made the "right" decision and would not change it, I think that I would have had a positive and successful college experience at several of my top choices. I have been able to make the most of my college experience by having a positive attitude towards my course work and, most importantly, a supportive family who is only a phone call away when I feel as though the world is crashing down upon me.
Helen
I think the best way to go about finding the perfect college is to apply to several. I went on Princeton Review and researched the type of schools I thought would be best for me. I then applied to about eight schools using the common application. Upon acceptance, I went and visited the colleges. When I went to visit Loyola University, the city of New Orleans and the friendly student body caught my eye. The best advice I can give is that there is more than one perfect fit out there for every student. I know I could be happy at other universities. There were several other schools that also appealed to me, but Loyola University was a great match for my financial situation. Also, it was important to me that I attended a school where my learning differences would be recognized and respected. When a university understands that you learn differently, life's much less stressful. I would also recomend living on campus freshman year. Many events happens on campus that give students the opportunity to get involved more their freshman year. Overall, I am satisfied with the choice I made, and would choose Loyola University all over again.
Lauren
Find a place you love first. Go look at cities around your university and decide whether or not you like the city. Better yet, think of a city you love and look there for schools. This may even be your hometown! If you find yourself in a place that you love, it will be much easier to deal with the transition from home to a new place. Look at the places you'll be living, as often a bad living environment result in unnessecary stress and sometimes depression. Little things that are often overlooked can make your college experience worse than it should be, so make sure to pay attention to the often overlooked things.
Sarah
When searchin for a college don't be afraid to just apply to different places. You'll never know what financial aid they'll give. Tour all colleges and try to understand which environment feels right to you. Take into consideration all of the services a college offers because it tells you a lot about the college. Talk to students to attend the college to get a true insider's view.
When in college, keep your priorities straight. Know how to balance yours classes. Don't be afraid to drop a class if you feel your load is too heavy. Have fun while you can because college only comes once in your life.
Laura
I would tell them to choose the college that offers them what they need. Not only in a educational sense, but also in character. Some schools offer the best academics and resources available, however they lack in character building. The right college is one in which you can feel as though your home and pursuing a dream rather than fulfilling a requirement. I chose my college, because it did offer what i wanted to study, but it also offered opportunities to help me achieve my dreams and become a more well rounded adult. This college has already helped me discover more about myself and the world around me in a single year. College isn't just another stepping stone to get to your future. I strongly believe that these are the times that shape us the most. Therefore, the best advice i could ever give is to choose the college that offers your dreams. Do not hesitate on your decision based on finance, distance or any other obstacles. Choose the best experience. The college that helps you earn the degrees you need to land the career you dreamed of and one that also helps you become confident in you.
Maria
FInding the right college is one of the most difficult choices for a student, however it is the student's decision in the end, and the parents shoudl support their child's decision no matter what. Having a parent chose a college for a student will cause problems and only bring a family a part in the event that something wrong happens. Parent's must trust their children as part of being in college is growing up. I suggest living on campus for at least a year to allow a student to grow and learn responsibility. Also, if a student does not like big colleges, then a major university would not be the best option because it is easier to get lost in the crowd. Personally I find classes with 20 students is the perfect size because teachers can focus on all of the students on an indiviidual basis.