Nicole
My advice to parents and students about finding the right college is make sure that you either know what you want to get a degree in or just find a campus that fits your personality. Never go for friends or what other people want to do because that will not get you anywhere in your career. Make sure that you are ready for school and ready for what is all going to come with going to that particular school that you choose. There will be things that you will need to adjust to, to get used to your new environment, but that is not always bad because it makes you become more dependent and find more things about yourself. Always try new things and go a little ways out of your comfort zone.
Morena
If you don't know what you want to do, don't try to figure it out in college. If you attend college and can't figure out what you want, and then take break in the middle, all of a sudden bills and loans pile up! It can be very intimidating... I am not the typical case study for loving academia, but I knew what I wanted and jumped right into education and am taking the steps to where I want to go. I am paying for alot of my education myself, and if I didn't have the confidence of knowing what I wanted to do with my life, I would be alot worse off. Making the most of college for me is very self driven. I am starting on the path to making my life something that I am proud of, and worthy of my time and talent. Therefore, the sense of pride I am gaining from going to college with be reflected in my entire life.
Kevin
The right college is particular to the student. Keep this in mind. The best to some is not the best for all. I advise visiting the campus, talking to the proffesors, and asking the students in order to get a feel for the campus. Think through the choices, don't just go somewhere because it's the "cool thing." Once at school, it's important to put yourself out there. College will suck if you don't streach yourself. Try new things, and make friends with those you might not agree with. Finally, find a ballence between school and play. Don't focus so much on school that you loose sight of your social life. But since you're going to college to learn, it's important that you don't loose perspective on that either! Most of all, hav fun!
Josie
Visit the campus and sit in on a class or two before committing
Mandi
Really push yourself and get out of your comfort zone by going to a school away from home and not where everyone else is going. To the parents: support you kids, go to parents week, make often visits, and send care packages!
Emily
Find a setting that you enjoy and a mix of people that you would get a long with and have similar interests as the student. Parents, find a place that you can afford and not be stressing about.
Kayla
Finding the right college can definetly make or break your college experience in my opinion. I would advise students and parents to check out all schools that are of interest. Look at the environment, does it include activities you love, how's the weather, what is the size? I also think that it's so important to participate that first year in group activities, whether it be inside your dorm, at a job, recreational activity, in the gym, whatever it may be, that first year is where you can make some of the best friends you'll ever meet, and make unforgetable memories, which is just as important as recieving a great education. On a more serious note however, make sure that you like what your school does in your area of interest. Do they prep you for the real world? Do they give you the skills you need? Do they offer financial aid or scholarships in your major area? All in all, don't hold back, and give it your all while in school, because what you give is what you'll get out of it!
Matthew
Visit the school and talk to the the upper classmen. They have been through it and can give you more insight into what your real questions may be.
Melanie
Just know what you want to do before you go, and look into the school that you want to go to because you want one that offers alot such as academic help, extra curricular activities etc.
Robin
Look into getting scholarships and realying less on student loans.