Kristine
Do your research on the school that you plan to attend, there are plenty of schools that are more specialized to certain career paths, and there is plenty of information available. Call the school and ask for a guided tour so that someone who works at/attends that school can give you their perspective on it. See what the school is contributing back to society, the school I attend is primarily a research school, and some of their research is based on more efficient ways to produce food and fuel. Also, don't base where you want to go on where your friends are going, which I know a lot of people from my high school did. The friends you make in college are usually longer lasting since you live with those people and you're more mature when you meet them, so you've found yourself and you know where you want to go in life. Its nice to be around people that are more like you and have the same goals for their futures.
Cory
Use online resources and stay in state.
Ashley
I spent my first two years at a small community college because I was intimidated by the large class sizes at Universities and concerned about affording tuition. Once I transferred to NC State University (home of the WOLFPACK!) I realized I should have gone there from the beginning. Now, as I prepare to graduate, I look forward to the future this school prepared me for, and I'm proud to be an alumni. My advice is: don't be intimidated, you will be welcomed into a large family; and don't worry about the cost, someone will always be willing to provide financial aid as long as you demonstrate you want to succeed!
Ray
Pick a school that you can has a diverse selection of majors in case you decide what you orginally thought as a major turns out to be something you would not want to do for the rest of your life.
Ashley
Visit as many campuses as possible. You do not have to go to the most expensive school to get a great education.
Jonathan
I would advise them to go visit, the only way to know if a college is for you is to visit it, see what it has to offer and see the people there.
Alex
Don't settle. Going to a college that you don't like or isn't giving you a good return is the worst thing you can do to yourself. Find the best school for your chosen field, but don't be discouraged if it doesn't seem to work out. People change their minds about what they want to do all the time, that is one of the main purposes of college. Never be afraid to consider transferring. Nothing is ever "wasted" unless you stay at a school/in a degree you don't like.
Corey
Don't Stress too much! It all works out for the best in the end!
Kelley
When you search for the right college, it is important to determine the setting in which you prefer to live. Is it rural, urban, suburban? It is also important to consider the ability for networking (in order to find internships, jobs, etc.) What are your interests? Do you want a career focused on research, travel, practical fields? Does it have advanced degree programs (Master's, Ph. D) or professional fields such as law or medicine? If any of these fields interest you, it is also a good idea to see if the university provides any preparatory programs (pre-med, pre-law, etc). But academics is not the only area that is important, as one should get involved in extracurricular activities as well. Check out sports, clubs, and opportunities for the arts. These can help to further the college experience as you can meet like-minded individuals. It is important to take a holistic approach when searching for the right college.
hannah
visit. vist many school so see how YOU like them. they may seem great on the internet but then whn you get there you might change you mind. this happend to me a couple times. also make a list of things to look for; such as apperence of health in student body, acidemics, most common mode of transpertation, aperance of secerity on campus, and locatition of dorms in relation to classes.
Wale
Please research each school in mind thoroughly and plan a visit to the campus, its also helpful to ask questions and keep an open mind when speaking to deans, faculty and staff.
Marcus
The first thing that I would tell a prospective college student or their parent would be to do the proper research and take the time out, so that they could make the right decision. This is a giant decision that will affect their lives for at least the next four years. When making the decision on what college fits your student, you should take a number of factors into consideration such as tuition, campus lifestyle, academic standing, willingness to provide financial aid, weather, etc. Once you make the hopefully correct decision and you have arrived on campus, you should make the most of your college experience. During your freshman year you have to realize that there are loads of freshman who are new to the school as well and are eager to meet new people. Establishing friends and networking with people in your major is the most important thing to your success during your college career. The other thing I would recommend would be to get involved in extra-curricular activities during your freshman year before the workload increases during the latter semesters.
Tamara
Visit the university and sit in on a few classes, this will let you get a feel for the class sizes and professors. Visit the library and common areas to see what students are doing in their free time. Visit the local areas to see what there is to do as far as free events and other activities.
Amy
Find a college thats right for you, not for your friends or boyfriend, or even your parents. Even if those other people really like the college and want you to go there, YOU are the one who has to sit through the classes, do the work and make the grades to get where you want to go. Figure out what motivates you most before you start searching, this will help you narrow it down. And make a list of things that you absolutely must have and another list of things you cannot deal with, especially things like size of the college, importance of sororities, extracurriculars available, etc. Classes and curriculums offered are very important, but you also have to be able to live and have fun at your college of choice, or else the whole experience will be unpleasant.
For the parents, let your kids decide their top schools, then help them examine the perks and drawbacks. And go VISIT the schools, it makes a big difference. But be sure to leave the final decision up to your student because, regardless of your opinions, once they get to college, it will all be up to them.
Matt
Talk to people that are currently enrolled in the schools that you are enrolled at. They can give you the best up-close look at how school life is at their college.
Tanesha
Make sure you visit the colleges and ask all the questions you can think of. Research their future roommate and don't take anything lightly.
Natasha
Stay focused but have fun too.
Melissa
don't be afraid to go far.
Chris
Find out what really interests you. If you are considering a Greek organization make sure that the school you are going to has a strong system, because if it doesnt then it can really put a damper on the whole experience.
kelley
When trying to decide on the best college for you, my advice would be to do research. Research schools online and talk with other students about those schools. Once you have selected a hand full, visit the school. This step is essential. While you are there, take tours, talk candidly with current students and meet professors from the specific college that you are interested in. To make the most of your college experience get involved both in and outside of class. Get to know your professors and the research they are involved in. Find groups on campus that interest you that you can become an active member of . Finally, I would advise that you attend sporting events. It is a great opportunity to be with friends and enjoy being a college student. College should neither consist solely of academia nor social life. A correct balance between the two will leave you with the most rewarding college experience. Good luck!