emily
i would suggest that you need to chose what is right for you. You can not know from just visiting a school whether it will be the school of your dreams, but you can make it that. It is up to you to decide whether you are going to like the school or not and whether you will make the most of it or not. It is important to do school work and learn as much as you can in the classroom, but what happens outside of the classroom is what you will really remember. Friends make your college experience and you will find those anywhere. The good education is just an added bonus. Remember that you live in an open book world and that you will not need to memorize or remember what muscle originates where or that calculus equation that has thirty variables because you can use your resources in order to find the answer. That is the best advice i would offer to incoming freshmen and their parents.
Nathaniel
Be aware of what each college has to offer both academically and socially, take all advantages and opportunties presented. Never be afraid to shoot high and dream big.
Sarah
Dont hold back, but also realize what is most important to you. If family is most important, make sure you are close to home. If you believe your career is the most important, go to the school with the best of what you plan to do. If you are unsure, go to a smaller liberal arts college. Just make sure to know what is most important for your own self and do not let anybody effect your decision.
cait
give it a chance, if you enroll and dont like, dont just leave, attemp to make the best at it, becuase it morelikely the person than the school
Susan
If you don't know what you want to be, that's great. Embrace it, and make sure you pick a school that will allow you to figure out what you want to do. Find a school that treats you as an individual, and helps to guide you in your journey to your future. Remember that individuals are what make up the world. Don't lose yourself trying to be like other people. Learn from other people, and teach others a thing or two as well. Being involved is the greatest way to meet people. So get involved! Do things you love, and always make time to enjoy the college you are attending. Grades are important, but the experience will be with you forever. Take tons of pictures, and call your family.
Matthew
Look at every college possible and talk to current students that are attending the school in both the desired major and other majors.
Laurie
Look up what the students say about the school. The students know more about going to school there than magazines like US World Report.
Claire
I would highly suggest getting involved. That is the best way you can meet friends and get to know people. There are so many clubs and groups to get into. This is how you meet people that has similar interest as you and how you can make life long friends. Also, stay focused and do not get lazy with your school work. It is very important to maintain a good GPA so you can get a decent job when you graduate. Do not take for granted the opportunity to go to college. A lot of kids would kill to be in your position. Find a college that suits you and your interest, and try to make the most of it!!
Emerson
Your parents may say to choose the college of your choice and then you'll all worry about the cost later on. This should not be done; money is a very important thing in todays world and should play a large role in how you choose what is right for you.
Colleen
Find a school that is going to help you achieve your dreams, even if you aren't positive about what you want for your career -- find a school that can help you advance yourself in several fields (incase you change your mind). Make sure to make use of local scholarships, and find out about different scholarships offered by the university. Take a college visit and get familiar with the areas around the college campus -- you'll have free time during school to get to know the city you are living in so make sure it's worth getting to know!