Carmel
College guidebooks are as useful as a marketing postcard. They sell you an idea about the place, but you really need to do your own research! In addition to visiting campus, I would suggest sitting in on an actual class that might be of interest. That way, you can prepare for what kind of professors and teaching styles you'll be dealing with. Also, ask around for a school's first year retention rate (if it's less than 85{4a082faed443b016e84c6ea63012b481c58f64867aa2dc62fff66e22ad7dff6c}, I would be extremely weary). A college is no good if it can't convince its students to return for another year. Check out the surrounding area also. If it doesn't seem supportive of the college lifestyle, or to your own personal lifestyle, chances are you won't be happy. Choosing a college is a tough choice, but have confidence in finding the right one! Good luck!
Kristen
Always look at the campus before you decide. Also make sure that you know the backgrounds of the teacher in your prospective major. Parents, Meredith College likes to screw you over in the accounting office. Don't let it happen to you!
Melanie
I would tell parents to allow their child to visit the college for a weekend or stay with a friend to see what the school is really like and to stay in one of the dorms, because when you visit colleges and the administration is showing you around, of course they aren't going to show you the bad stuff. I would just advise the parents to make sure they are getting their moneys worth because I do not feel like I get what I should for 30,000 tuition here at Meredith College
Jennifer
I would advise that parents should look into the colleges that their sons and daughters are planning on attending. I feel it is important for the parents to know what environment their child will be in and to make sure that they will be in a safe and learning place. Students should ask all the questions that they have about college before going there and finding out they don't like it. Talk to alumnae, professors, current students, counselors, etc to make sure you are going to the right place. For the parents and students to remember: applying and going to college is NOT an overnight process and takes careful planning to complete and to be satisfied.
Natasha
I would say to research the school. Make sure that school has the majors that you are interested in. Know if that school is an Liberal Arts college and if it is accrediated. Just know what your getting into.
Katelin
My advice to future college students is to understand that there is not a perfect fit for anyone. You will always have doubts in your head about the choice that you made, but you must understand that you must trust your heart. Only you know what is right for you, do not cave to peer pressure or family pressure. This is your life, and you should live it the way that you want to. If you want to go to an expensive school, figure out how to pay for it and just do it! Nothing is set in stone, and there isn't a set path for anyone. Do not just do a major or go to a college that your friends are doing, find what makes you happy. If that means that you have to take a break from school, go far away, or stay home, the best answer is the one that you decide for yourself.
shae
1. spend the weekend if possible and you really find out whats going on at a school and if you like it or not.
2. get involved once accepted in a school
3. dont get too involved find things/hobbies you love and really commit to them because if your in many organizations that can be really stressful and demanding.
Kate
Really look into the college and see how easy it is to get a job after you graduate. Also, go somewhere they have the major your interested in don't choose a school and assume you will find a major.
Elizabeth
Finding the right college for yourself or for your child many things need to be in the back of your mind to think about. Do you do better in a small community or a bigger one? Is having a close relationship with faculty, and staff important to you? Other things need to come into play - but if you want a college that makes you feel at home and as if you are apart of something, then Meredith College is the school for you.
Sarah
Choosing a school is a decision that should not be based on the wishes of your parents or even what school will give you the most financial aid. I ended up choosing Meredith after applying to almost 7 other schools. Even though the cost of tuition at Meredith is close to 4 times what I would have paid at a state-supported school, I feel I have definitely benefited from paying the extra money. The quality of the education I've gotten at Meredith is worth every penny. Classes are no bigger than 20 students and professors are therefor able to attend to each person individually. College is about being in the best environment for growth and becoming the kind of person you will be proud of.
Mary
I would highly suggest taking classes at a community college right after highschool, so students can get a better feel of what exactly they want to do. I would suggest that students branch out of their comfort zone and research colleges for their variety of majors, geography, cost and organizations. "Just getting a degree" is not the only goal, but go for the entire experience!
Jessica
I would say to the parents is to let their child choose where to go. You will know when the school feels right and you will know when you feel that it is the school for you.
Leanne
Touring college campuses that students are interested is the best way to make a determination on where one is to further his or her education. Feeling safe and sound with the environment can make or break a decision.
Laura
Make sure and have a four year plan.
Holley
To the parents: allow your child the freedom to look at as many colleges as possible and encourage them to start looking early. Be prepared to make a lot of visits and have many questions prepared about the school. To the students: take your time and make sure you know as much as possible about the schools you are interested in before you make your choice. Learn study habits that will help you concentrate and manage your time so that you can study and have fun! Keep the grades up, but try not to be a recluse or you will miss what is going on at your campus. Work to make your campus a better place-if something needs to be changed, be the one to go out and do it. You'll remember being a part of it for the rest of your life.
Nicole
To visit the college for a weekend and ask students what they honestly think. Once attending try every group and organization-don't limit yourself.
Afeefa
Speak to students on campus, including commuters, residence, and student workers. Look at the facilities and observe your possible majoring departments.
Jessica
Take your time. The right choice will happen when you need it. Once you get to college, try different things and seek new experiences. Meet as many people as possible and make friends, because they'll stick with you for life. Do you homework; it really means something in college. Don't tak eon too much, but get involved with things you believe in and where you have interests.
Danielle
The advice I would give to parents and students about finding the right college and making the most of their college expierence is to explore their options. Visit and apply for any colleges that fit your basic wants and needs. If a college does not fulfil those wants and needs, the sudent should not consider it as an option any more. The student should get a sense of comfort when visiting the right collge and should go with that "gut" feeling. Parents should not exactly rule out schools for their children based on price of tuition or location of campus. It really should be the student's choice in order for them to be fully content with their college experience. Students should pick a school where they they can be themselves and feel comfortable being involved in campus activities. College is one of the most important times in someone's life, and should be the most enjoyable time as well. Students should take everything into consideration and pick the college that fits them as an individual.
Kimberley
Make sure that your child really explores campus life and has good understanding of the classes offered at the school. I would encourage parents to encourage their children to join as many clubs as possible and to get involved with activities off-campus that are productive. Parents should also encourage their children to talk to professors when they are having problems in class or if their having other types of problems.