Rachael
When looking for the right college, start early! You can cover so many more schools by starting early and are much more likely to pick the school where you fit. Visit schools and see the atmosphere of the campus. Once in college, try new things. You don't have to compromise your morals, but talk to someone different or take a random class that has nothing to do with your major; you just may make a friend and find a new hobby. College is a transition time between high school and grown up life; make the most of it!
Nicole
Make sure that your child is comfortable and that it is a safe environment and most important pray about it:)
amanda
Students:
Future college students should really put some research into the college they want to attend and earn their degree from. The research will really help you gain an insight to the campus and the college atmosphere. Also make a visit to the campuses to gain some input from students that are attending the school and meet some of the professors. Join and be active in groups on campus; it will help you make friends and also look good on the resume' to future businesses.
Parents:
Make sure you sign up for the best student loan services and encourage your student to be active in the community and apply for scholarshipsStay in check with the student but don't over do it or they will never come home.
Sara
I believe that selecting the right college is crucial. You must make sure that you visit the campus you are considering beforehand, maybe by staying with a friend or just visiting. This way you can see the social aspect of the college and if you like the idea of what goes on there. Also, I believe that you should talk to many different people about their own personal experiences there, if they enjoy their classes, how well/interesting are the professors, if they could go back would they still attend that school, what are the social aspects of this school etc. etc. etc. When you talk to multiple people, you can find out the true essence of a school. If you do not know many people at this school, you could even "facebook" people to get answers to the questions you want to ask.
Hands-on research is a great way to decide which school is best for you. Make the best of your college experience by trying to meet as many people as you can and being open to all different kinds of people. Go out, have fun but truly try to educate yourself in the process.
Jessi
Go where you want to go, make it happen. The money to pay for it is out there you just have to find it.
t
Mary
Choosing a college is one of the most daunting and most important decisions you will make, but don't let it overwhelm you. Start narrowing down schools by listing those you're interested in and look to see what programs they have available. If you're undecided, having options is important so you don't have to bother with transferring later. Apply early, so you have time needed to visit the campuses as well as the most access to scholarships and financial aid. Being able to finance school is a necessity, but don't base your decision solely on cost. Find out what student life is like on campus, ask about housing, social organizations, and academic clubs. Ask admissions representatives if you can speak with current students and talk to professors in the departments you're interested in. Make an effort to get involved and meet people once you start school. Chances are there is an organization or club that would fit your interests, and if theres not, start one. Many professors would be glad to sponsor a new organization that interests them. Most importantly, choose a school that fits you, don't force yourself to fit the school.
Jamie
The choice of which college to attend is very important because the quality of the education you get directly affects the furthering of your career and which graduate schools you are accepted to.
Jessica
Look for the one that gives you what you need for your major and the one that fits you the most. Some people like the large campus and some like them smaller. So just make sure you chose the one the right for your personality.
Samantha
Seek the Lord & He will guide you! :)
John
Finding the right college and making the most of your college experience go hand in hand. You will most enjoy yourself in a place where you can get connected easily, feel taken care of by administration and staff, and can find people just like you. College is all about new experiences and a well-rounded education, including meeting people from all over the world and every different background imaginable, but if you don't find people you can connect to you will not feel truly at home. This can include people of the same mindset academically, athletically, politically, religiosly, etc., or who share the same interests outside of school--backpacking, music, partying, etc. Most importantly, you want an environment geared toward academic achievement, but I strongly believe people strive to do their best in an environment where they most enjoy themselves in other areas such as their social life just as long as they can prevent themselves from getting carried away. One last thing: find a place that offers study abroad programs, it is an invaluable experience. Find a place where you can get plugged in and feel at home and college will the best years of your life!
Lucas
When considering a college to attend, it is benefecial to research the social atmosphere of the school and the size of the school. A smaller school has the benefit of a family atmosphere. The relationships and support from staff are much greater at a smaller school. The student receives one on one attention rather than becoming lost in the crowd. This quality was very important to me.
Mississippi College was the school that most closely reflected my worldview as well as providing a superior education. This quality made my adjustment to college life easier.
Andrew
The key to finding the right college is to go where it feels right. A college will be what one makes of it. The key to making the most of one's college experience is balance. Everyone needs to study, spend time with friends, exercise, and have some down time doing whatever one enjoys doing. The hard part is doing enough of each and not too much of any. If one finds the right balance to all the aspects necessary, then college will be thoroughly enjoyed and rewarding.
Anastasia
Talk to students who are NOT a part of the university's admissions team before accepting. They will let you know the best and definitely the worst things about a school. These are things you need to know but schools mostly don't tell you and you need the real picture before wasting a lot of money on the first semester at a school only to find out you dislike it. Find a place with enough similarities to how you grew up to be comforting, but enough differences to allow you to grow as a person. Make sure you know the type of academic atmosphere you are getting yourself into and if it is generally difficult, do yourself a favor and study like you know you should. Socializing can come later... unless you go to college to party... in that case, party on my friends! Enjoy the first four years of freedom, because it goes by fast. The real world is scarier than college, so don't sweat the small stuff. Make the most of it! I wish I was in your place again.
Megan
I would say make sure its a school you like, because you are going to be spending the next 4 or 5 years there!
Christopher
My advice would to be visit the campuses while students are there. Spend a night in the dorms, visit a class. Base your decision around the college as a whole, not just one particular aspect. Remember academics is important, but you're going to be spending the next four years of your life there. So you got to be able to enjoy your all round stay. Look for extracurricular activities. Invest a little in furniture and decorations for your room; it helps the homesick blues! Make friends as fast as you can, and attend every event possible. Most importantly, do your homework! This is college, and they don't accept excuses. You pass or fail on your own. And lastly, have fun! These will be the best times of your life!
Michael
Parents don't freak out when your child is looking for a school to attend and there will be times when they forget to call you and its mainly because of class work but a little bit of social life but don't worry they will call and it is ultimatly their choice so trust them. They have learned from you and will make the right choices.
Anna
College is a time when young adults are free to experiment and express themselves; it is not only an academic journey, but a quest to find one's self as well. When thinking about which school fits you best, it is extremely important to take your personal beliefs into consideration. You want to make sure that you attend a school that allows you to be yourself without judgement - one that allows you to feel comfortable in your own skin. Make sure you visit every potential school and take the time to interact with the students and professors there. It is very important that the SCHOOL fits you, not that YOU fit the school. Finally, make sure that the school you choose is a place that you can have fun. Yes, college is about academics (that is a given - work hard in your classes so that you can have a profitable future), but its also a time in which you can meet new people and learn how to enjoy life. Thats it! Find somewhere that you feel comfortable, somwhere you can grow, and somewhere you can have fun.
Charles
Make sure you get involved in the college of your choice. Whether it is chosing a social club, intramural team, academic club, getting involved with others helps you with the college experience. My grandfather always said "what you put in to something is what you get out of it". Remember that statement can sure help you feel a part of the college of you choice.
To the parents, it is time you let us grow up and become independent. College is a great place to do this. It is preparing us for a life of independence. This has been you ultimate goal, to raise independent, consequence adults. We miss you, but it is time for us to spread our wings and fly. Thanks for helping us get here, we could not have done it without you.
Amanda
I would advice students and or parents to be sure to gain a clear understanding of the school and the school's policy. Understand tution and board, as well as scholarship processes. Be sure to understand deadlines as well. Do not pick a school because a friend is there but choose a school based on personal academic goals.
Princess
I would advise students to not just go to any college but to the right one. When the right choice is made, your college experience will be priceless.