Lisa
A private school might not necessarily provide a better education, it might just cost more money. And religious based schools, surprisingly, are very conservative.
Peter
Tour as many campuses as you can. Really get a feel for what it's like to be a student. All the quantifiable things about a school aren't nearly as important to the qualifiable in the long run. Love the school. Follow your gut.
Elizabeth
Go with your gut--I did, and it has paid off. Go to a school with a settled resolve--whether that's how you really feel or not. Confidence is all it takes in adjusting to college. Be confident in who you are, and in where you've chosen to go to school. Everything is what you make it.
Dave
If i could give any advice i would say pick a school based on what is best for your future, because the rest (dorms, friends social life, extracurriculars and location) usually come with certainty of future and confidence in where you are in life
Shauna
I would advise them to visit many different colleges and universities. If they're very undecided then look at big ones, small ones, cities, countries, private, state schools etc. If they know exactly what they're looking for in a school i would still advise to search around and see as many as you can so you're sure the right decision is being made. When in college I would advise to be as involved as possible. I personally know first hand how many opportunities one can pass up by not being sociable. College is also very expensive so stay focused and make the most of your money. It's important to have fun and make college a memorable experience, but you're paying the thousands of dollars for the degree, not the partying or drinking. Finally, be open minded and come in with a good attitude. College isn't going to be fun if you don't want it to be. Give it a real chance by joining clubs or sports before you decide it's not for you. By getting involved and staying on top of your school work college will be fun on its own.
Kelsey
Visit a school before you apply, before I looked at them there were 9 schools I wanted to apply to. When I actually looked at some, I knew for a fact they would not be right for me. And even if Mom and Dad really want you to go there, you have to do what's right for you. Colleges are like shoes, there's no point in spending all that money if you're not going to be comfortable in them.
Mary
Do what makes you feel happy. I believe that is the best advice anyone can provide about the college experience. If you aren't happy then nothing will matter: your grades, your extra-curriculars, and anything else. All these things will just seem routine and you will lose you passion for what you use to care about. Embrace the college atmosphere and do your personal best. Accoriding to Marquette's moto, "Be the Difference." I truly strive to live byt his motto because as simple as it is, one flap of a butterfly's wings can cause a hurricane halfway around the world. In college, flap your wings and be creative. Innovate and apply yourself. Being your personal best makes you happy, and the bottom line is, that is all that anyone ever asks for. College lets you be able to do it, don't pass it by.
Jennifer
Don't give the brochures too much credit. Nine times out of ten, the brochure is more appealing than the school. Professionals are hired to make schools look good. The only way you're going to know if a school is right for you is if you dive in and see what the campus is about. Visit the campus, sit in on a lecture, talk to the students and pick up a campus newspaper. If you can, visit on a weekday during the semester so you can really get a feel for what life is like when classes are in session.
Start your freshman year undeclared. Take advantage of electives to narrow down your options once you're in school and avoid becoming a fifth-year senior. You won't start taking major-related courses until sophomore or junior year, so don't worry about being behind the ball. Don't rely too heavily on major-related high school courses (like marketing or accounting); while they're great courses to take, they can be misleading. College courses are much harder and highly specialized, just because you enjoyed accounting in high school doesn't guarantee you'll enjoy it in college.
Daniel
Start early, visiting schools and looking into possible major programs., getting a jump on the college search means less pressure when deadlines begin to creap up. Also look for a school that appeals to you and your interests don't settle for anything less.
Sarah
Visiting the campuses was the deciding factor in choosing which school I ended up attending. Try to talk to as many past or current students as possible to get a realistic picture of what university life is like. Once you get there, GET INVOLVED! Join a club, sports team, political group, dance class, anything...meet people with varied interests and watch your life change.