Jenna
Look at class sizes, the sourrounding areas, and extracurriculars. You will learn information everywhere but you need to make sure that these three things are good for you personally to have a great college experience.
Jon
The key to finding the perfect college, in my opinion, requires the new college student to think about what means the most to them as an individual. Are they academically focused and driven towards achieving a degree for a great career? Are they laid back and intent on partying, having a good time? Are they interested in meeting people and building friendships and relationships to last a lifetime? These are very important, philosophical questions. Because of this, the new student always needs to develop or continue their own personal philosophy about their education before they get started. It's very important to figure out exactly why you are going to college and what you plan on doing while you're there. The best advantages for a new student are to make sure that they find a school with a great deal of resources available. Schools with resources that the students actually use and gain advantages are schools that are usually good choices. These resources, and the personal philosophy of each student, are the most critical ideas when choosing a college. My advice: Find out for yourself why you are going to college. Personal drive/sacrifice will always work. Good Luck!
Vicki
talk to students who attend the school you're considering in the major you are interested before you just go there.
Michelle
The most important thing to keep in mind is to make sure the college campus is one in which you feel comfortable. The college is going to become your home for the next four years and if you arent comfortable, you'll be held back from doing everything that you are able to. And make sure that you get involved and get to know a variety of people.
Nicole
The best advice I could give to parents and students looking to find the right college includes a variety of things. First off, if location is an important factor, that should definitely be looked at. In addition to this, it is very important to look at the areas of study you are interested in and really research different colleges to see what they have to offer in terms of the academic education you would be recieving. My final word of advice for finding the right college, is to tour as many schools as possible. It is so very important to find a place that you feel comfortable and welcomed.
To make the most of your college experience, the best advice I can give is to get involved in anything that interests you. It is a great way to meet new friends that have your same interests, and a few years down the line it also adds as a nice addition to your resume. My greatest memories of college come from the friends I made and the times I had in the clubs and activities I was involved in. It's such an important part of the experience.
Christine
You have to be able to picture yourself at the school. It's nice when while your on a visit walking around you feel comfortable not even being there yet. Also, make sure that you look at the classroom sizes as well. Make sure that your comfortable with how big or how small they may be and that you are able to interact with your teachers as well.
Eleni
Take plenty of college tours at a variety of different campuses and talking to students who attend them.
Joseph
Visit the college with someone that has been there before. Do not Listen to what the schools tour guides say because they are payed to make the school look good. Go in and see it for yourself and decide on yur own whether or not you wish to attend the college.
Nicolas
Go to as many as possible and try to spend as much time there and speak with the students so that you can get a true unbias view of the school.
Kevin
Pick a school that you would enjoy driving to from home. Although many people love to be away from home you can get the same effect of being away whether youre four towns over or four states over. Its just much more efficient to only be four towns over. Also take in effect the environment of the students when you're touring the campus.
Tara
College truly is the best four years of your life. The advice I would give to students and parents is to really examine yourself. Really put some thoughts into what you would like to get out of your college experience. Be specific in deciding if you want to be in classes with a large amount of people or have a more one on one interaction with the professor. Do you want to be in warm weather or do you prefer the cold? Whichever college you choose, go into it with an open mind. Take the chance to really experience your surroundings, classes, friends, and campus. These years will really teach you so much about yourself and help you mature into an adult and experience what it is like to be on your own. Most of all, relax, have fun, really put time into your academics, and enjoy the best four years of your life!
Katherine
I would tell future students and their parents to take their time in deciding on college. I would also tell them to get as much as they could out of their college experiences because it will really help lead to future careers and success.
Amanda
Visiting as many college campuses as possible could be an option for some individuals. It's really important to make the right decision when choosing the right college for you, though. You may end up visiting 20 different colleges, but choose the one that you looked at first. Go with your instincts if you want to make the right choice. You are the only person that should decide for you. When you finally get there, remember to get involved! That is a major part of the college experience. It gives you a chance to meet new people and get settled more quickly in your new surroundings. Also, college can be expensive, but don't get discouraged. There are numerous ways that you can get help from organizations, banks, financial aid, and even the college of choice.
Kristin
My first piece of advice to someone looking for the right college would be to find a school that is most aligned with your academic goals. Look for a school that has good programs for what you wish to study. If necessary, make a list of the top 5 things that are important to you in your school. This will help you eliminate and choose schools. I also feel that it is very important to visit several schools before applying or making a decision. Once you are there you will be able to see and feel things that you cannot find out from a pamphlet. In order to make the most out of your college experience I would recommend living on campus for at least one year if you have the money to do so. This really gives you a sense of independence and helps you grow and mature as an individual. Also, try to get involved as much as possible. Choose an activity or club you are interested in - this is a great way to meet people that you will get along well with!
Shawna
Visit each campus and speak with the professors. You will learn alot from observing current students and the professors can give you an idea as to what direct the college will take your major. Psychology at one school is a completely different learning experience from psychology at another. Choose a school for its education, not based on looks. Catalogs are nice, but until you visit the school first hand you do not really know anything.
Sapan
To the parents: don't think that the college that your kid picks is going to be the best one for him/her. Make your own educated decision.. kids often pick a school because of the number of parties alone.
To the kids: go with what your parents pick.
Erin
Finding a college is a difficult decision for many people. My advice to students would be to make sure you know what kinds of people will be attending your school. College is the ultimate learning experience and you want to have people around you who will help you grow as a person. If you plan on staying on the weekends make sure that the school provides activities and oppurtunities for making friends who also stay. Don't be nervous when you don't make friends right away. It took me a few years to really find the people I got along with but now that I have them in my life I know they will be around for a looooong time. Oh, and don't forget to study and do your work! That is why you are at school. TO LEARN! My advice to parents is to let your kid tour as many schools as they want. If they decide to go far away don't worry because they'll find ways to come home because they will miss you, regardless of what they think. The college experience is something you don't want your kids to miss out on!