Meghan
Do not choose a major if you are not completely positive it is what you want to do. Go in undecided, complete your core classes, and then decided.
Shanda
You need to get involved in everything you can get your hands on. Learn to study now so your first week of tests won't be so tough. A summer job is a great idea. You will need the extra cash. You should buy all used books off the internet. Prices are sky-high in the bookstore. Keep in touch with everyone back at home. Leave your door open in the dorm room and make friends with lots of new people. Talk to your professors. You will be seeing them for the next four years.
John
Just becuase a college has he biggest campus with the most students, doesn't mean that they have the best education or that the students are happy. Go where you're happy and and to the college that best fits your personality and your sure to have a great experience.
Victoria
The most important way of ensuring that you have an excellent college experience is to know youself but to not allow your perception of yourself to hold you back. All people are different: some gain happiness by going to parties and some thrive on studying in the library to ensure that higher grade. Find out who you are, and don't be ashamed about your preferences.
On the same note, don't allow your preferences to define you. If you are the type who would stay out all night and bomb tests because you fall asleep in class the next day, you can still go out and have fun! If you are responsible about your social life, there is no reason you can't be a socialite and still make the Dean's list. If you are the type who would pick studying over socializing, more power to you! Get that grade, but don't become a complete shut-in. Nothing feels better than getting outside your comfort zone and trying new things once in a while.
Basically: try and find a balance between the social and academic worlds so that you can maximize your college experience.
Carson
Pick a college that is in a town that is similar to your own home town to reduce disstraction and home sickness.Also, become involved in student organizations because it will give you a break from the stress of class and help you meet new people.Dont go to a college with all your friends . Try to meet new people.Participate in activities recommended for incoming freshman because it helps you meet new people and familiarize you with the new lifestyle of a college student.
Kimberly
Talk to students about what goes on at the school and how the classes are. Know your surroundings and what kind of night life there is. Find out what the success rate is after kids graduate and what type
Helen
When choosing the right college students should look for a school that will accomidate there needs. You have to decided what school environment is right for you. Universitys that are larger work for some while others may feel lost and like a number instead of a person. Find out what your preference is. Campus life plays a major role in your overall college experience and can either make or break you in your freshman year. Once you get settled into the school of your choice take advantage of the resources they provide. Always make use of the library. You will find that this not only will enhance your grades but is also a good place to form new friendships through the use of study groups. The key to success in college is to get plugged in.
Rebekah
Study Hard. Practice Smart.
Paul
Make sure the college you are going to is a good fit for you for atleast two years.
Emily
Talk to the registrar first. all the things required to get into a school are overwhelming and the school in question is always the most helpful tool.
Michelle
When finding a college, I would advise that parents and students should focus on finding a campus that fits the personality of the student. If the student is comfortable then he/she is more likely to excel. I believe that tuition should NOT be considered until the very end. First, consider the acadedmic interest of the student and find out which colleges offer classes in that field. Next, find a college that provides the right learing environment; class sizes, professor availability, etc. from the colleges that meet the first requirement. Now, explore the other activities that those colleges have to offer and weed out any that don't offer enough opportunities for the student to be entertained with favorite past-times and challenged to experience new things. Of the remining colleges, research the living arrangements, meal plans, job opportunities, career services, counselling services, tutoring services, etc. offered. Next, apply to the few colleges that have passed all the scrunity. Finally, contact the financial aid office for advice in meeting the costs. By following these steps, the student has only applied to schools that will be a good fit academically and socially. Upon acceptance, the costs can then be tackled.
Ryan
To find the right college that fits you, look at the campus's surroundings and the type of people that go to the college. Do not just follow your high school friends. The college's extracurriculars usually draw the students to the school. To be with like minded individuals, go somewhere that has a lot that interests you. Do not go somewhere just because it is easy, go somewhere with tons of prestige.
When you get into the college of your choice, become very involved. Meet anyone and everyone. Make friends everywhere you go and network. Get involved in the school government or many other organizations that they have to offer. Also, join a fraternity /sorority and get involved with them. The more people one meets or knows, the more opportunity for fun and advancement he or she will have in the future. Even after stressing the extracuriculars, do not forget to study because college is on a whole different level than high school.
Almir
New students attending college should apply and visit as many campuses as they can and maybe to contact with previous students or advisors in the campuses they are going to visit in order for them to have plenty of choices and make a wise decision where to further their education. Another important step that the students or parents should look at the careers they offer and if the school have the career of the student that is applying and if the student is undecided upon a major, he or she should go to the career center (I am assuming most school have them) and get more information about the different careers they offer. In order to have a great college experience you should join various student board types and to be active with college life, (attend different meetings that are hold on campus, concerts on campus, athletics games etc.) and get involved with extra-curriculum activities outside classes, this will help to reduce or release stress and it's a good way to meet new people and make new friends. When registering for the first time make sure to go the first day of the week they open to freshmens.
Michelle
Look for a college that suites your child's interests and your annual college budget. Always have at least $400 saved up for textbooks.
Joshua
Find somewhere that you will feel at home, because if you are not comfortable in your enviroment, you will be unhappy and will not succeed. If you find yourself dissapointed with anything when visiting a campus, check out somewhere else first before making a descion.
Eugene
It is really hard to find the right college for you the first time. Just go with one that you think is right and if it's not you can transfer.
Benjamin
Finishing school debt free is extremely useful in today's economy but don't ever trade quality over cheapness. A little debt from a school with an impressive reputation is better than no debt from a school with no name. Make the most of your time. Everyone in college starts from a clean slate. No one can fail you out but yourself. Get involved with academic crowds, not fraternities or sororities. Honor societies are great. Study abroad programs foster excellent learning experiences and friends for life. Apply for as much financial aid as you can.
Christopher
In order to find the right college, I would schedule tours of the campus to get a good feel of what the school looks like especially while the school is still in session to see the diversity of the campus. Also when choosing the campus, find out how large or small the campus is and how the security looks in the campus. Find out the cost of the tuition as you will want to make sure that you can afford the housing or have to find an apartment or rental house off campus. While attending college, have a cell phone that your friends will be able to contact you and also meet up for like hangouts or study groups. Also get involved with the Student Activities Club to be able to schedule activities on campus that would appeal to many of the students on campus. If you have any kind of trouble find out if your school offers a tutoring session where upper class students or other professors can give you advice and new strategies that will help you to solve the problem. Just make sure that you study and pass classes and have fun with making friends.
Nicole
Visit the schools you are thinking about attending. Ask questions, find out as much as you can and keep an open mind. Talk to the students on campus, many would love to answer questions. When you find one that fits get involved as soon as possible, either with clubs and organizations or greek life. And do not always trust the rumors you hear about greek life, it is different for everyone. Try your best and have fun.