Shaeen
When choosing a college it is best to visit first. It is also good to ask around to see how good of school it is. It is best to do a little research on the college first. As a student living on campus it is a must so it is best to make sure that every students will get housing. A safe enviroment is best for a students but also it is good to have a fun environment.
Kory
I have had an interesting college experience. I started off at Albright College in Reading, PA then transferred to Montclair State after changing my major sophomore year. After being accepted into Montclair State, the only school in New Jersey with a music therapy program, I once again changed my major. If I could provide any advice for parents and students about finding the right college and making the most of their college experience, it would be the following:
Don't limit yourself. Look for a school that gives room for their students to explore and change majors if need be without losing credits
Try to find a school that ensures the best financial aid possible
Don't solely make a decision based on financial aid
If social life is an important aspect of your campus experience, look for a school with a variety of student organizations
Research program requirements before committing to a specific major
Visit the college and try to get honest opinions from current students
Sean
find a school that is comfortable for the student and he/she will persue their major in that has a good course outline.
Elizabeth
Pick a college that is worth your time. Don't pick it because of the way it looks or how the people look. If it is going to benefit you in the long run choose it.
marcia
be patient. make sure yo make the right choice or else the changes you make can cost you more money than you orgianlly hoped to sepnd. have fun and be careful not to stray away from the academic responsibilities.
Peter
Regardless of what major you're going for, the most important thing to look for is balance. It is true that too much is anything can be bad for you and school is no exception to this. Sacrificing social time for academics and vice versa, among other things, will leave the student unsatisfied until he/she finds the middle point of the two. It is entirely up to the student, regardless of school, to make the best of the time alotted.
It is true that the majority of college picking is about name and reputation, however with the falling economy and rising price of college, it is best that students get the most of their money. Again, one must find balance between the affordability of the school vs. its academic prowess, post-college life, and of course reputation.
Finally, don't be shy. Go out and ask around for information about schools, and after finding the school of your choice, visit it and ask around campus about the life there. After all, knowledge is power.
MAZEDA
THIS IS A GREAT COLLEGE ..JUST STAY FOCUS WITH CLASSWORK.
Mone
You learn so much in college , i feel college shapes you into the person i am today. It brings out your creative side and opens your eyes to so many views and aspects on life.
Kristen
Make sure you feel comfortable with whatever school you choose. Make sure it has your major or anything that you're interested in studying. Remember that if you realize you don't fit in at the school you're in, you can always transfer.
Deirdre
The greatest decision that I made in regards to my college life was to live on campus. Living in the residence halls opened up so many possibilities for growth, responsibility, activities, and really being part of a community. It is so wonderful to be so close to all of your classes, yet feel you have your own place to live. In my case, 95{4a082faed443b016e84c6ea63012b481c58f64867aa2dc62fff66e22ad7dff6c} of my friends from college were from the residence halls and organizations, NOT from my classes, and making friends is absolutely CRUCIAL to having a successful and enjoyable college experience. Besides that, chose a school which offers very good financial aid. Also, in my case it was close to home, yet far enough to feel like I was somewhere new. Having your major available is important too! The school did have my major, which I chose during high school and saw through to the end. Make the most out of your college experience by working on-campus and joining student-run organizations. As for me, I started an organization as its President, and even studied a semester abroad in Japan. Independent studies were also offered. In the end, choose the school that will work for you.
GianCarlo
Have an "idea" of what you realy want to pursue in life befoe you start apllying.
Richelle
The advice I would give students is to listen to their parents and advisors when choosing a college. I was completely set on only going out of state, and I ended up transferring after only one year. The school was nice, but the area was just not what I was looking for. Visiting a school before you attend is also a great idea. It can be difficult to set up visiting times when the school is further away; however, it is truly imperative to know what kind of school you are getting yourself into. For parents, I would say that even though some of them know more about college than their children do, they should try to let the student make their own decisions while only giving minimal imput until asked. At that age students like to try to make their own choices, especially one this big, so if their parents gets involved too soon or too much, the students may feel they are pressured to make certain choices they may not want.
Shara
Pick one not based on what your parents or others want you to do, or on how much money a school is giving you, but pick the school that you feel with be the best fit and make you happy for the next 4+ years of your life.
dana
go where you feel you belong
Kniecole
Pick a school that is affordable and ask every question that comes to mind. Also ask students with similar situations about how they feel about the school.
Chris
Get involved. Join a fraternity or sorority, do something. Dont just go to class and go home, or back to your room, because youll have a terrible time at college. Get out and do something, this is the last time in your life where you can have fun and not worry about working at jobs.
Yvannie
Look for a school that is good for your major, has great on campus living experiences and is close to a city because sometimes you want a change of scenery and because NYC is just a train ride away Montclair offers that. The students and staff should be culturally diverse too and accpeting of others. Try not to go a suitcase school unless you plan on going home every weekend.
Meredith
When looking for the right school, students and parents tend to drown in the sheer number of possibilities; especially when a student is not sure what they want to do when they graduate. To these parents and students, I would say that it's best to find a school with as many options as possible, with a good general education program. When a student has chosen a major, these gen-eds can seem tedious; but for those who do not yet know what they want, it can be the time and experience they need to really decide what's best for them. Personally, it gave me time to know myself and my school, so I could make an informed decision. For those students who have a positive and unchanging understanding of what they want to do, they should obviously find schools that are known for the major that will give them their desired result. Furthermore, a good career-development program should be a factor for consideration at any school. Never take for granted a schools extra resources; the more the better.
Lauren
Go to open houses for schools that you are interested in. If there are students walking around, stop them and ask them what they like and dislike about the school. They will most likely be happy to answer any questions and it is important to hear from current students. Once you are in college, try to get involved in different activities. It makes it much easier to meet and make new friends. Get your schoolwork done. It's only four years out of your life, and it's very important to do well. Lastly, look out for yourself. Know what you have to do and do it. No one will hold your hand once you get into college. If you have to meet with someone or find out something do it, don't rely on anyone else. And have fun!
Andrew
What you think you want is not always what you end up wanting\, but the general principal will remain the same.