Nadine
Both parents and children should listen to each other when looking for a school. Parents have experience and knowledge on their side that will assist their children, whereas new students have a pretty good idea of what will make them comfortable in college. They also know what they want to experience and they should be allowed to experience life for themselves and not what their parents want them to experience.
Rosetta
I would advise any student and parents of students to really evaluate what type of degree the student is trying to achieve. When that is determined, then the student should make a list of the best universities and colleges that are strong in that program. Also, the student should list out what type of area they prefer, what type of activities they like to do, and what sorts of events they like to attend and then research to see if that specific university or college have those types of activities and events. This will help students get the best college experience that they are looking for.
Rebecca
Finding the right college for you which includes the size of the classes, the campus, the ranking of the college, the area. To get the best out of your college experience it is best to go to games, and to join clubs at school.
morgan
I would just like all of the students to know that despite what they may think, mom and dad know what they are talking about. Even though students may hate the choices their parents make they should listen because their parents are just looking out for their little boy/girl. My mom had the final say on what college I attended and I hated it. But it turns out she picked the right school for me because believe it or not she knew my personality better than I thought. But parents hear your kids out. Talk to them about their options and decide together on the best university. If you just go out and pick a school without consulting your child it caould be a disaster. The best thing you can do for your child is to take them to vist the school for themself.
christina
You should always visit the school, or schools you have in mind before you make a concrete decision. A lot of people go to whatever college accepts them and gives them the most money, but it's more than that. I visited the school I now attend and from our tour, my parents and I felt more comfortable with the school. You just can't read the viewbook and expect to pick your dream school. To make the most of the college experience, GET OUT OF THE DORM! I sat in my dorm my 1st semester of school and didn't meet many people. Even if you are shy, you have to step out of your comfort zone to enjoy all college has to offer.
Lauren
All students MUST visit the college they are interested in. Do not settle for less! There is a college out there that meets everyone's wants and needs! Also look up some professors that teach at the school of your choice so you know what your getting into. Most of my friends loved their school, but realized they were in the middle of no where. Make sure you take a good look at your campus, but also look at your surrounding areas. Remember you do need a social life and it should not all be spent on campus. Go out and take a load off the books!
Brittany
The best thing to do is actually get out and visit the campus you're interested in. Really think hard about what kind of school you want to attend: big, small, city life, country, etc.
Kathleen
When deciding on a college, make multiple visits, once by yourself, and once with a tour guide. Visiting by yourself allows you to see what is really going on with out interferance, but a tour guide will show you the highlights of the campus and give you a students view point. Also, research the teachers, alumni, anyone related to the school to see who you are going to be dealing with and what reputation the school has in the actual field, not just academics. Discuss what is important to you before applying, financial aid, distance from home, class size, activities, job placement, socializing, urban or rural location? And remember while at school, you are working towards a final goal, so keep your eye on the prize, but don't let it be all that you see. Part of college is getting an education ofr a carer, but the other part is learning who you are, what you want in life, and expanding your social circle and views.
Sara
I believe that your college experience is what you make of it. I applied to one school (Marymount University) after looking at only 3 others. The main things I looked at when making my decision were the academic programs offered. I made sure that the school offered all the majors that interested me in case I felt the need to switch majors. This way I wouldn't have to transfer schools if I switched my major.
My first semester, I was really tempted to transfer to a bigger school, but I stuck it out and came to appreciate Marymount for its size. I found where I fit in and now it's like a home away from home. I realize everyone has a different way of adjusting to things, but I found it most helpful to connect with people on campus (students, professors and employees) to make the most of my experience at Marymount.
Elizabeth
The first piece of advice I would give to students and their parents is to visit the campuses of the colleges that they have applied to. Make sure that the student goes on the weekends to see if the campus is dead. I would also advise students to talk to current students attending the college/university and ask questions regarding housing, financial aid, and professors. I would advise parents to stay in the college selection process until the child has successfully been accepted and has started attending that college/university.
I would suggest that once students are accepted, that they get involved in a few activities and clubs that will enable them to make friends easily. I would also suggest not taking on too many activities or else it may interfere with school work . Overall, students should enjoy their college experience and get the most out of it that they can.
Ivert
Start early your college search. Pick the school that is right for you and that you know you will be happy with 4 years down the road. Pick the school that has lots of student activities and job opportunities available within the community. Your college experience is not all about studying and books, its about becoming independant, responsible, networking and starting your own life. Your college experience is your moment to make adjustments before you take off into the real world.
Melinda
College can be a scary place, but if a student finds a college where they are comfortable and have access to support from their classmates and faculty, the college experience can be wonderful. Sometime we tend to stereotype the college experience as long hours at the library or crazy parties at a fraternity. College is so much more than that. The experience should teach a student to grow not only in their knowledge of a subject matter, but as a person. A good college is one that provides a student the oppourtunity to experience new things, learn about other cultures and beliefs, and to explore independence in prepararion for life and a career. . A university that provides safe and enjoyable outlets for a student to separate from their role as a child and learn how to be an adult will be the most successful in encouraging and fostering the growth of a student. The ideal college will be one that best fits the indevidual and provide the environment that a person can identify with and enjoy. To make the most of it, have fun, stay focused, and appreciate the oppourtunities that you have been given to grow as a person.
Daniel
Be prepared for transition. For most students there are five phases seen in the first year of college. The first phase deals with a student?s honeymoon. Here students meet new friends and find that they have much more freedom then in high school. This leads to the second phase, the culture shock. This phase deals with students missing their high school friends, becoming homesick and realizing that midterms are coming. Students finally realize that college involves work. The third stage deals with the initial adjustment. Students here, usually in the third month, find their routine. This also coincides with the end of the semester and a sense of accomplishment is felt. The fourth phase deals with mental isolation. Here students find that they may not like their major or just do not like college. This is when most students, usually in the middle of the second semester, find college the most difficult. The final phase is the acceptance stage. The year is almost complete and the student now sees the university as a home. To sum it up, having parents and students recognizing this general outline of transitional issues helps both see that these types of issues are normal.
Carlos
My advice to students is to find the college that best fit your lifestyles. An example of this is if you?re a person that likes the outdoors find a college that has plenty of outdoor activities and not a college that in the middle of a big city. One also has to remember that college is a fun learning experience and that you also have to have fun. Enjoy college it only comes around once.
Sarah
Visit many schools and ask students who go there what they think. Use resources like these surveys to determine what the firsthand experience of the students who attend is.
Jessica
Now that you have graduated it is time for you to venture out on your own and make some decisions for yourself. So, no matter what your parents tell you, the final decision is in your hands. This does not mean to not consider your parents insights but, it does mean to not let them (or anyone) pressure you into a decision. I have seen so many of my friends attend a college and study for a major that they have no interest in because of their parents attempts to live vicariously through them! Therefore, look around, be open-minded and weight all the possible options. It is your future and you do not want to look up 1-2 years from now discontent because you chose a university to please others and did not follow your heart.
Nadine
My advice for students is to go with what your heart tells you. If it honestly tells you that you should go to school where your friends (one example) are going that may not be such a bad thing. I can tell you from experience, being alone at college while knowing no one is a miserable feeling and although your parents send you there to focus on your school work and do well, not having friends or even a social life with hamper your ability to grow as a person. Just keep in mind though, that it's a time to being to prepare for adulthood while still having fun as a kid, not yet pushed into the real world.
My advice to parents is to listen to your children. You've already done college and it's their time to experience it. Don't force your opinions on them and make them do what you did or wish you had done. This is their time to experience life and this is a very important time in their lives. If you make all their decisions for them, what kind of adults will they be?
Ashlie
Students should choose a college that will cater to their interests and needs. You should never settle for second best. Choose the school that will offer the best job opportunities, and also consider the extra-curricular activities offered as well. In order to be a well-rounded person you need to be involved in a variety of activities, not only academics. Students should always work hard, because their success in college will help determine their success later in life. Drinking may be fun to some, but always remember to stay safe and make wise choices that you won't regret later down the road. One slip up could potentially ruin your academic career. Don't sweat the small things and try not to stress too much. Life is too short to worry about the little details. Work hard, keep in touch with your families, and have fun!
Jessica
First, find colleges/univeristies that fulfill your future goals; this is the biggest step in finding where you want to put your money and time. After you find a campus that suits your requirements then worry about money and location. When it comes down to it, the college up the street might be inexpensive and close, but if it doesn't have your major its worthless. As a parent/student you want a campus thats lively and fun. For the most part, your going to be away 8-9 months out of the year, you don't want to be unhappy. The bottom line is take as much time deciding where you want to spend 2-4 years of your life because its one of the biggest decisions you'll ever make.