Ashley
I would tell parents to look at the costs, the environment of the campus, housing, the security, the faculty. Some people tend to miss the little things about campus. Safety is the number one goal, followed by finanicial aid. Make sure the person actually wants to go there, because a lot of people don't enjoy/perform to the highest if they dislike the campus. Overall make sure both the parent and student are satisfied with the campus and costs. Find out about loans, pell grants, anything that can help make it a smooth transaction for the both of you. Just have fun and enjoy the four years of experiences in a new environment.
John
do not go to a very large school. where the classes are packed and also to the teachers the students are just numbers. go to a smaller to medium size college where the teachers are willing to help you.
Morgan
Have fun and put your heart into it, its your career at stake. Don't skip classes!!
Meagan
Look for your major first and your friends later.
Claire
Finding the right college is can be a difficult and complicated process. However, start early and research at leat five schools to decide where you belong. Once you pick the school where you belong, start researching organizations and activities before you. Whatever you put into college is what you will get out of college. Get involved, go to class, and study hard and you will not only be successful but your college years will become some of your fondest memories.
Christopher
Finding the right school shouldn't be rushed. I was too worried about getting the decision over with, and I didn't look at all the factors.
Money is a huge issue, but it isn't everything. Right now I'm about to graduate with almost no debt (and little support from my parents), but if I could go back, I'd rather have gone to a better school and paid for it, even if that meant I'd have loans to pay back.
School spirit is something that really makes college special, so try to find a school with a good Football team or something else that brings the students together. Even if you don't care about sports personally, you want to feel like the students around you are happy and you need somethingto take pride in.
If you know what major you want, take a look at the cataloges and see how the school balances technical career classes with general education classes. This can make a huge difference as far as how much you learn in college.
Try to find a school with a broad range of values, and isn't entirely liberal or conservative.
Daniel
Don't come to McNeese if your wanting to broaden your horizens...
Mark
My advice on finding a new college for both the sudent and the parents would be to make sure a trip down to the school is done. Try take some time most especially when the school session is in progress and find out what the school is like. You may talk to students who presently attend the college to find out thier views; likes and dislikes about the college. Get pamphlets and the school's official newspaper to also see the campus life and policies. One may also go on the internet to find more information such as the tuition, high school requirements and SAT scores, campus life, and all other sorts of information that will be helpful to both the student and the parents. This could be done by visiting the school's official website and other college finding websites. One shouldn't go wrong with these steps provided as they are the steps I also followed placing me in the school of my choice.
nathaniel
dont go where you will know alot of people. go somewhere u are the new kid and not judging the new kid.
Malia
Dont hold back. Parents dont hold your children back, let them go. Students, college is a time for change and meeting new people, have fun!