Amanda
ask the students walking around what they think of the school, not just the ones giving you the tour, they are forced to tell the good stuff.
Therese
Definitely make sure it is the college their kid REALLY wants to go to. Transferring delays graduation big time. And also, pick a major as quickly as possible, trust me, you want to graduate in four years!!
Stephanie
It is extremely important that you decide what you are looking for in a school, both academically, extracurricularly, and socially. Then, go visit schools. Take a tour and see the facilities. Talk to professors, and more importantly, talk to students. See what they think about the school and what they think the school has to offer. Pick the school that offers you what you want and where you think you will be happy and successful.
Andrew
Get as much advice as humanly possible from students that are already enrolled in college. Those who are in college during your application process will be the most helpful because of their experiences there. You can learn from their mistakes.
Niraj
In order to find the right college, you should consider multiple factors and see how each school measures up to your expectations based on your concerns. Visiting campuses and speaking with current and former students from the schools are great ways to gain additional perspectives and advice.
In order to make the most of the college experience, it is essential to work hard for your classes. At the same time, it is also a good idea to have fun so your mind can stay fresh and relaxed. Make friends, exercise, play sports, watch movies, or do anything else that you like as long as you consistently manage your time wisely. If you work extremely hard and reach your goals during your four or five years of college, then you will put yourself in a position to potentially have a great life. Albert Einstein once said that "the value of a college education is not the learning of many facts, but the training of the mind to think." Also, Brian Tracy once said that "your incredible brain can take you from rags to riches, from loneliness to popularity, and from depression to happiness and joy--if you use it properly."
Davida
Finding the right college is all about knowing what you want to gain from a school. The right school for you will have every aspect you want. Make sure to visit the school, it might sound like a no-brainer, but you can change your mind about a school when you set foot on campus. Once you're in college, don't be afraid to go out and meet new people! Join clubs, study outside or even just knock on your neighbors door. You will meet friends that will last a lifetime in college.
Samantha
The one piece of advice that I would give to a student or parent searching for the right college would be to do one's research. Visit the school not only on designated tour days, but also on a random weekend that isn't scheduled to see what life is like outside of the school's preparations. Many times the food prepared on those days are specifically made for incoming students, and can be much worse on "non-tour" days. Also, a campus can make or break a school, and all the pictures in the world can make it look like the greatest thing, but one truely doesn't know what the campus is like until one visits the school personally. So do research on the school, visit the website and the campus. Also be sure to talk to students who are not part of the tour, and be prepared before making a decision.
Adam
Don't let money overly impact your decision. If you think a school is right for you, do whatever it takes to go there and worry about paying back your loans later. NOTHING should stand in the way of you getting the education you want and deserve--not even money.
Lamar
choose the place that most reminds you of where you want to be and where you want to be happy. choose a place with the faculty available to help you.
Christine
First, you need to consider the distance between your school and your home, and see how important it is for you to be able to travel home if you need to. Second, the college needs to appeal to you; if you're a city person, you may not enjoy a college located in farm country, and visa versa. Lastly, when you're actually at college, it is important for you to make the most out of it. Four years go by fast - when your nearing graduation, you want to be able to look back and know that you made the best of your time at college. Of course you want to do well in school, but also make good friends and have a good time with them. You'll probably never have another experience like college again.