Lauren
Go with your gut feeling. Do not choose a college just because of your best friend or friends. It is good to meet new people because most likely they will be your closest friends for the rest of your life. Make the most of your college experience and really interact with extracurricular activities. Do not be afraid to try something new; you never know until you try. Become involved in whatever you can.
Alicia
The right college should feel like home. The best way to discover if the campus has this feeling is to schedule a campus visit. The people at that college should be welcoming and friendly. They should be willing to assist you through the entire college experience. This includes financial aid, academic advising, and picking a residence hall. Financial aid is important. Find out what scholarships are available for you and apply early. Meet with a financial counselor to discuss your expected costs for your first year. Even if you do not know what you would like to major in, your academic advisor will help find the classes that suit you. Do not be afraid to ask questions and tell them about your interests. The residence hall should meet your needs. Make sure you pick one that accomodates your bathroom needs, and find out if floors are coed or not. Eat the food that is offered on campus prior to attending. Also ask about crime rates and security. By finding a friendly campus with financial planning, academic guidance, cleanliness, security, and edible food, college should be your home away from home.
Tiffany
I think it is an extremely important decision. Visit campuses at various times. Sit in on lectures. Meet advisors ahead of time. Get your finances in order. Consider housing. Meet students. Don't drink and drive. Don't do drugs. And focus on the future...the sky is the limit if you focus and work hard.
Arilla
The advice I would give parents and/or students about finding the right college is that no matter what the cost or what you want to do with your life, let nothing stop you from your dream. Everything will work out in the end and you just need to be happy with the decision you make. Do not allow anyone else to make the decision for you. When it comes to making the most of your college experience, enjoy it, but don't get too caught up in going out. Make sure you get all your work done first and then you can do what you want. Get out and meet people and do new things! These are said to be the best years of your life, so make that true for yourself too! Have fun and just enjoy life! These are your last years before working the rest of your life! :)
Brittany
Apply early and for many different schools during your junior and senior year of high school. It is nice to have options. Also, apply for scholarships! That is one thing I wish I would have done.
Kevin
Start visiting schools early.
Jessica
I would advise student to find a school and community they are comfortable with and they feel they can excel in. Pick a school based upon the quailty of their education and that have your personal interests. Playing a sport made my choice somewhat easier in that I wanted a school I knew I could spend my four years playing with these girls and with that coach and still have the time of my life. Finding a school that has your major in its excellence is important but also having the extra activites you enjoy is also important to make sure you enjoy your time spent at a place you will call home for 4 or more years!
Kristen
There is nothing wrong with going to a smaller school, if feels more like a family. A family that is supportive and wants to see you succeed.
Emily
Think carefully about what you really want and stick to your goal to get into a particular program
Esther
Advice that I would give a student would be to have new incoming students become more involved with their schools, and volunteer if they are able to. Being a new student, especially those students that are out of state should try to be more involved; that way they feel apart of their school and their community.