Philip
It is a very important decision to be considered in light of academics, financial aid, and what is the best decision for you personally and for the family. Talk to a whole lot of people. Talk to current students at teh school, graduates, and other high school seniors. Realize that while the choice is important, it is not the be all and end all. If need be you can always still transfer or change your major in the school you'r ein.
Frank
The undergraduate experience truly is not as much about your academic development as it is about learning how to manage your life. The student should pick a university that effectively respresents the lifestyle they hope to maintain after graduation. Finding an environment that challenges your core presuppositions, while encouraging you to stretch in all facets of life will render an experience which requires the development of skills of time management, effective communication, prioritization, and work ethic. A university diverse in all ways is critical, so that upon graduate you may or may not have the same beliefs, whether political, academic, religious, or philosophical, but that no matter the topic, you can answer the question why you believe what you do.
Research the professors, are they writing books that force you to reckon with your previous thoughts? Research alumni, are they living the life that you hope your degree will enable you to? Pick a school for the specific program you are applying for just as much as the university as a whole. The best university in the state may have the worst business program in the region.
Jenna
Trust your impulses.
Emilia
The most important thing to know is that when you walk onto the college campus that's the right one for you, you'll just know. There's a feeling you can't really explain--a feeling of belonging and true comfort. And also, don't worry if you don't find it right away. Keep looking. You'll get there.
Nicole
Students, together with their parents, must visit the schools they hope to attend. Apply to those schools that have the programs most interested in. Students must also determine if the school is affordable and financiallly reasonable. Keep in mind that loan payments are payable shortly after graduation. Investigate any scholarships the school has to offer which will help offset tuition payments. It is important to see if the school provides internships in a particular field of study. Is the proximity of the school close to a major city where one can pursue an internship? Students must also select an instituion where they feel most comfortable with. Choose living arrangements wisely since dorming is where one will live, study, socialize etc. Look for any clubs or extracurricular activities that the school has to offer. Students need to relax and unwind. Kepp in mind that if a school is far from home, it will not be easy to get home in case of an emrgency. Make prior arrangements if such a situation arises. Finally, check if the school provides job opportunites or meetings with major companies in senior year. Above all, have confidence in yourself and you will be successful
David
The best thing you can do for yourself is get informed - find the colleges and the locations that best fit you and the vision you have for your future. You want to find a place that stretches you and forces you to learn in new and interesting ways, but also a place that is comfortable enough to call home.
Catherine
If you know what you want to do, go for the college that best fits this and your personality. If undecided, look for a school that allows many opportunities for exploration in different areas of study. I didn't know what I wanted to do, and being at a large university suited me both as a student and as an individual. My school gave me so many opportunities to do new and different things - and I found myself loving every minute of it. In the end, I see my school as my home - a place I can be myself, grow into, and be comfortable in.
Nana
It is crucial to visit the campuses of interest. By visiting the campus, a student can get a feel for the environment of the campus as well as the type of people that attend that school. It is important to consider the tuition and the amount of financial aid offered by the school. It is helpful to have a general idea of what major to pursue as this eliminates may schools.
Abbey
It shouldn't be about the name of the school or your preconceptions; choosing a school should be about where YOU fit in. If you walk around campus and see people that you'd like to hang out with, go to that school. If you want to go to a school because of its fancy name or reputation, DON'T go to that school. I have learned so much in my classes at NYU, but I've learned so very much more from the city and all the amazing people I've met. College isn't just about learning a subject, it's about learning about life, and fancy names aren't going to teach you anything about that. Pick a GOOD school you're going to ENJOY. Not just a good school. You'll be so very very much happier if you do.
Annamaria
Finding the right college is about finding yourself. Both the student and the parents should be open to the fact that these next four years in the student's life will lead to an internal and external discovery, and it is important the the student attends a college that best matches his or her passions, however diverse they may be. The student will not be able to flourish under a restrictive field that doesn't appeal to his or her desires. It will become much more difficult later in life to return to a place of exploration, so now is the time, as a young and curious adult, for the student to expand his or her understanding of the world we are living in. Once the student finds that mecca of learning, it is imperative that this new environment doesn't impose intimadation and fear. Yes, the student will be out of his or her comfort zone, but it is imperative that he or she take this opportunity to start with a clean slate and interact with students, professors, and the everyday citizens in the area. There is much to be learned and understood outside of the classroom, as well.