Jessica
I would advise parents to visit the schools of their childs choice and see what they have to offer their children not only academically but financially and characteristically. I advise parents to get to know some of the professors in their childs field of study as well as becoming very comforatble with the residence life office and financial aid office so the school knows that your child is not alone and has somebody representing them. I would also reccomend talking with students at random of all different cultures and status and not just the poster children that the school wants you to talk to, so they can get a real feel for the school. I hope that parents would also send their kids on an overnight visit at the school so that the child can see and feel the school vibe for themselves, the parent will be able to tell how their child feels about the school.
Britney
My advice to students that are trying to decide on a college to attend is this; Get out and visit universities that interest you. Take a campus tour and meet with professors, or even sit in on class session if you can. Getting acquainted with the university can help you make the decision that's best for you. I know that when I found the right college to attend, I knew it right away.
Nicole
Students should figure out school subjects that interest them. Even if they are undecided when they start attending a college or university, it helps to know what topics are interesting to the student because this will help narrow down options for majors, minors, and degrees, and choosing an interesting degree helps to ensure the student will enjoy his future job. Students should find a college that offers degrees in many of the different areas in which the student shows interest; the more options the student has at a college, the more options he has to explore, so the student will be more satisfied when he does choose a program of study. Academic options is probably the most important factor in choosing a college, but the student should also consider the size of the school (both the campus and the student body) and choose a comfortable size. Students should look into extracurricular activities and sports as a way to get involved because these activities will enhance the college experience and make a student's time spent studying at a college more worthwhile. The choice is about finding a community that suites the academic and personal interests of the student.
Jeannette
Choose a school that best meets your needs; It should be a place that you can see yourself studying late at night, mingling with friends at the cafeteria, and researching in the library. Include your parents in the discussion, but remember that this is ultimately your decision.
College is about the experience of learning independence. Parents, it's time to let your kids make mistakes and learn to fix them on their own. Students, don't call your parents every night; forge new relationships while fostering the old ones. Remember that you are here to further your education, opportunities, and relationships.
Brook
Even though a school may be more expensive, there is still the quality of education that is present at such an institution. Quality of education is far more important than cost of education. Be sure that you choose a school that has activities to do other than school work but not so much to do that the student cannot stay concentrated.
Caitlin
First think about how you adapt to change. This can help determine many different aspects of your college life. If you adapt well, I would suggest looking into a school that is not like the area where you grew up to give you a different perspective. If you don't adapt well to change, join different organizations; join something even if you do adapt well to change. This is the best way to meet others with similar interests, learn more about yourself, or you can try something new. You will also feel more connected to the school and others socially and academically. Parents need to remember that food is always a plus, and the dormmates will love your student even more. Also, this is the time your student is learning about freedom, life, and their place in the world. They may need some guidance, but college really does teach all of this, even if it is the hard way. Students, don't forget, just because everyone else is doing it, you do not have to do it too. Lastly, the upperclassmen are very helpful. They know how it feels to be in a new, stange place, you are not alone!
Angela
The largest piece of advice I can give to anyone is to picture yourself at the university by yourself, without any friends you might know who attend or who will be attending with you. People change, and it is important to be in a place where you feel confortable enough by yourself. Therefore, you will be sure to feel confortable enough to make as many friends as you want. Bottom line, make sure you feel as confortable as possible. Being away from home can be tough, so make your college your home away from home.
Anna
This is your choice. Make the most of it and find exactly what you want. It's like marriage: you should know what you want when you're looking for a college, make sure you go back for multiple visits to ensure your first impression wasn't a fluke, be aware of what you're getting yourself into financially, spiritually, emotionally, and socially, and NEVER SETTLE! Be sure that you have prepared yourself correctly for this college-selection journey with hard work and determination in high school; if you have done your best until now, that will show when you are being interviewed at a college. There is always a way to make it work, to pay for the college or university that you want to attend; don't ever abandon your first choice because it seems "out of your league". And parents, put trust and faith in your student regarding the school she/he wants to attend. If young Dani comes home wanting to go to Harvard, you better believe it and be as supportive as possible, while keeping Dani rooted in reality. FIGHT. Fight to get into your first choice school in any way you can. Do it.
Madison
Parents, please take the time to visit as many college campuses your child wants to visit. It is well worth the time and effort to know that your child will be comfortable with their college choice when they make it. Be supportive of their choice. Do not tell them what school to attend.
Students, don't take high school so seriously or not seriously enough. Get involved in extra-curricular activities and maintain a good, not perfect, GPA. You will learn more about yourself if you are involved in personal growth activities and your college choice will be easier if you know what you like. Once you are at school you will doubt if you are cutout for college - you are. Give yourself time to adjust and make good decisions leading you to the best route for your college and professional career. It is, again, not all about the grades. Do your best and let your professors know you are here for the right reasons, but take time to enjoy extra-curricular activities and learn more about yourself and your interests. Your professors are the best route to success - use them, they get paid to be there for you.
Benjamin
I think you should allow for the student to decide which school feels right once they walk on campus. I knew this was the school for me the first time i stepped foot on campus for a tour. Also, I encourage all students to find some group or activity that meets at least a few times a week and involves upperclassmen. Varsity Soccer and my Fraternity were huge parts of my first year and exposed me to a lot of new experiences and allowed me to meet new people on campus. I feel like I'm fairly integrated into campus because of these groups and I enjoy every minute on a campus I chose specifically for its academic prestige. I would not change a thing from what I did in chosing a school. So put academics first in your deciding factors and make the most of your time on campus by meeting new people and branching out. Please don't stay in your rooms because you'll never get another chance at the college experience.
Erik
Dont go to the school that promises the moon, they never deliever. Go for the more modest college.
Rachel
My advice would be to first look for a good program for the major you want and then to narrow it down with location preferences, cost, extra-curricular activities, etc. If the student is undecided, pick a larger school with many majors and a good reputation. Research colleges early and make a reference sheet with all of your criteria for each college so you can compare schools easily.
When you get to college, get out as much as you can. Get involved in things in might have never tried before. This way you can meet a lot of new people easily and make new friends.
Errin
Find a college You want to go to - something that seems to fit you and your personality. Don't go to a school just because every one you know will be there, or because it looks like a lot of fun. The fun will end, and you'll be in the real world. It's possible to have a good time at a quality institution. Money is not always the main focus either. Some schools are harder to swallow financially than others, but if you're working hard, the future will smile brightly on you, and those college loans will be something that you're grateful for - they gave you the opportunity to obtain an education that many do not have an opportunity to experience. Study hard. Take time to relax. Someone's always watching you - mom and dad hopeful for good grades and a bright future for you; someone unexpected modeling their actions after yours. The right college will find you, you just have to make the most out of that college. Pay it forward.
Denay
There are many important factors that go into choosing the right college: programs/majors offered, academic reputation, class size, accessibility of the professors, financial aid awards, and location, among others. But the most important thing is that it feels right. When you step onto the campus, it should feel like home?not necessarily like your current home, but a place that could be your home for the next four years. You should be able to envision yourself living there happily for four years and wanting to stay there even if you were to change your major. Knowing that, above all else, is what makes the difference between loving your school and hating it and/or transferring.
Once you have found the perfect school, be sure to get involved in campus activities. Yes, it is very important to study and stay on top of your class work, but you will be very dissatisfied with your college experience if that is all you do. So get out and find something that you love. Be involved and invest yourself in the school, and college will be an incredible experience that you will not want to end.
Matthew
Choose many different colleges and look at them all before deciding. Never go with just one and always look at financial aid options!
Abbey
I would definately say that you have to listen to your gut feeling about a school. Listening to your parent's opinion on a school is also important. I definately did not want my mom to be right about what school was best for me, however after being at ONU for two weeks she was right. I loved it and could not see myself at any other school. Doing research and talking to students at the univeristy to make sure you are a fit is very important. A bit of advice to students is to get involved! I know that is said all of the time...but it really makes college so much better! You meet so many more people by getting involved. These people may not be your best friends, but you know more people who share your same opinions, career goals, etc. It is also important to be open to people. I tend to be a shy person at first, but eventually learned that it is so much easier to just try a little each day to be more open. Overall, it is just important to find a school where the student and parents feel most comfortable!