Shawna
Definately do your research. If distance allows you to, visit the school and visit it often. At peak times and off-peak times. I live out of state and at my school a lot of students went home on the weekends so if you weren't friends with everyone on campus, there's a lot of weekends that there's nothing to do. Also talk to students, personally, who have been there for a year or two. Don't base everything on one person because that one person may have had a bad experience but get ideas from a few different students.
Jessica
Picking the right college can be difficult, but I found that as I was deciding where to go, it was all very much about what my best fit was. Just because a school is prestigous doesn't necessarily mean it is the place for you. In order to figure out what your best fit is, it's important to visit the schools you were accepted and ask as many questions as you have about the school and campus, especially things that are most important to you. And be sure you don't just ask faculty. Find students to talk to who will answer your questions. That is the best way to get honest, un-biased answers. Once you have chosen your school and you get started, try not to limit yourself. Push your boundaries and go outside your comfort zone a little to make friends and find things to get involved with, but that doesn't mean letting yourself be pressured. Have fun and discover new things about yourself, but stay true to who you really are and you will have a great college experience.
Elisha
Finding the right college starts by knowing who you are, so you know where you will fit. Developing into the unique person you were created to be is the first step to finding out what you are here to do. As you become an upperclassman in high school, and you mature as a person, this is the time to start focusing in on your passions and desires. "What do you like to do?" and "What subjects you study, activities you participate in, and services that you provide bring you the most satisfaction?" should be questions you ask yourself.
Once you become aqcuainted with who you are as a person, and have an idea of what you want to do for the rest of your life, set goals and start planning how you are going to reach those goals. Choose a major that will lead you to your overall career goal. Now start finding colleges that have this major, that agree with the beliefs you have, and that have activities that you enjoy. Carefully decide on a college. Once you arrive at your college meet people and make friends with people that will support you in the pursuit of your goals.
Joseph
Senior year of high school is a year that many say they will never forget, and many say they never want to leave. While senior year can seem easy, it is only to make up for the stressors that preparing for the next stage of your life bestows upon you. Applying to college requires a lot of planning; first choose a region that you want to attend college in. Second, if you have a major in mind, within that region try to find the top schools for that field. Then start researching those schools, don?t be afraid to ask guidance counselors or teachers, they can be very knowledgeable. See what people think of the schools? reputations, when applying for jobs after college a school?s reputation can be an important factor, usually schools that are known throughout the country are good choices (Ohio State). Then go visit the schools, try to find a common way to rate each school, and pick your top schools from that. Also make a list for each school you plan on applying to with all the requirements and deadlines. Don?t procrastinate; try to show initiative by sending in all required forms on time.
rachael
I would recommend that you should absolutely visit as many campuses as possible, even those that might seem out of your budget. Taking the time to ask questions and physically be at the campus is so crucial because you're less likely to be surprised once school starts. State schools tend to offer many benefits to in-state students, and often have many scholarships available. Getting a well rounded liberal arts education leads to an overall better student, and will give the student more opportunities to experience a variety of subjects and coursework. Don't be afraid to put yourself out there once you get to school. Join an organization that seems interesting, but don't overload too much you don't want to take away from your studies. College is everything you make it, go in with a positive outlook and good work ethic and you will reap many benefits!
Jamie
No matter the program you seek, picking a college is all about finding the right fit for you. When you visit a college take a look around and see if this is where you feel comfortable and where you belong. Try not to let others influence your choice in a school, only you know what is right for you. Get involved on campus in a club or organization. This will not only help with the adjustment of being in a new place, it will introduce you to new friendships that will last a lifetime. College is about figuring out who you are without being judged, about becoming a whole person. Take advantage of every opportunity you can. Focus on your classwork, but keep in mind that it is only a small portion of your collegiate experience. The things you will learn in and out of the classroom will not stick only for four years, but for a lifetime. But the best advice anyone can give - take pictures, it goes too fast.
Jason
As long as the university allows flexibility and offers a diverse range of activities there should be nothing to worry about.
Bianca
Start researching school as early as possible so that you can have time to visit the campuses, talk to current students and staff, and way your options. Pick a school that best fits your personal wants and needs because your are going to school for yourself, not anyone else.
Julie
I would tell parents and students that when finding the right college, doing research is essential. Mindlessly applying to various schools is not the right way to go. There are many college searches to see what is right for you. I had picked Montclair based on the cost, the size of the school, and the wonderful education programs they have. It is important that if the student knows his/her major, they should look for a school which best suits it and in turn it can possibly help them with internships. I would suggest that by making the most of the college experience students should attend as many events on campus as possible. I would recommend students always to live on campus so that they can not only get the full college experience, but to also prepare them for what it will be like living on their own when they eventually move out from their homes. I feel from my own experience, living on campus has taught me overall responsibility and how to balance my time. But I would definitely suggest that all students should take advantage of all the campus has to offer.
Dan
On the verge of concluding my teenage years and moving on to a new chapter in my life, I have a sole grasp on a successful adventure into the world of selecting colleges and dealing with both social and academic affairs within it thus far. Upon searching for the appropriate college to attend, students must address certain situations that may not occur to them until enroled in an institution. Such situations include, comfortability and a sense of resiliency or adjustment to unfamiliar circumstances.
Student must be, hands down, 100{4a082faed443b016e84c6ea63012b481c58f64867aa2dc62fff66e22ad7dff6c} comfortable in their new enviroment. Selecting an institution based on its reputation as a party school should not be essential. I find that many of my peers transfered out of their "party schools" and settled in a place that better suited their desires and comfort level.
This coincides with their ability to demonstrate resiliency. When this student is placed in a new, post-high school setting known as "the real world," they must know how to bounce back from difficult grading or a rough semester. This resiliency will ultimately help them develope into a stronger individual and strengthen their will to further succeed once positioned in their desired field of study.