Porscha
The most important advice I would give parents and/or students about finding the right college is to be open-minded. Originally I planned to attend Hampton University. It is an Historically Black College/University or HBCU. Unfortunately it was too expensive, and from my experience touring the campus it didn't seem like it was worth the money students would have to scrap up to afford to attend. The facilities seemed, at glance, outdated and bland. Luckily, I had heard some impressive things about Old Dominion University. The student body and staff were diverse and the campus was very up-and-coming with the promise of the university's first football team, stadium, and new fitness facility. There were also several more dorms being created. The people seemed more friendly and welcoming. The faculty and staff seemed very engaged in the well-being of the students. These qualities were the opposite of those I experienced touring my first choice. I immediately fell in love with the campus which was surrounded by water and friendly faces. This was the best decision I almost never made. In conclusion, it is very important not to be narrowminded about this very important decision.
Margaret
Remember parents, you are not going to college your child is. Let them choose their own school. Yes, it would be lovely for them to created a legacy since you were an alum of Harvard but if that's not where they won't to go don't force them. Let them major in what they want to do not what you want them to. Students will learn more and appreciate and like classes more if they're learning what they want and what they want to major. You've raised them well so it's time to step back.
Jesse
When you choose a college, don't choose it because your friend is going there, don't choose it because its a party school, choose it because you feel comfortable there and you know that is where you can spend the next four years of your life in the best way possible. Focus on academics, get involved in clubs/groups, and Make friends! if everything is going bad around you, you can always have a friend to call close by because your home may be far away. Most of all, work towards a goal, and work towards that goal each and everyday in your life and you will succeed!!!
Nadia
My advice to parents and/ or students about finding the right college is to not choose simply based on how well-known the school is. The first and most important thing to do is to visit various schools together; and make a list of the pros and cons of all of them. There are a lot of factors that come into play with choosing the right school but the most important is knowing that the student will feel comfortable in the environment with the people around them, the professors, and the extra curricular activities the school offers. Making the most of the college experience begins with knowing how to manage one's time. Not letting the freedom and fun take over is vital for the rest of the experience. One must always remember why it is that they are in the school they're in and must always work their hardest and remind themselves that their future depends on it. This, along with being outgoing, friendly, and taking advantage of all the fun that comes along the way while still being safe, will provide the best college experience anybody could ask for.
Aleisha
My advice is to make sure the students and parents go to different colleges' open house. Therefore, the parents and students will have an idea on what to look for when the school semester begins. When choosing the right college, parents and students, especially students should look into extra activities that the school offers around campus as well. Being apart of school activities is very important. Also, when choosing the right college, housing and meal plans should be looked into also. So in conclusion, my advice is for both the parents and students to go to different colleges that the student is interested and make sure that campus meets their standards.
Annette
try to visit all your choices before decing and choose a college that best suites your student
Sarah
You need to really be sure that this is the college you want, because, yes, you could transfer out if you don't like it, but that's even more hassle than most people realize. Its in everyone's best interests to make the right choice the first time around.
Shaina
I would advise both parents and students to always be prepared financially, that way the only focus would be on succeeding academically and socially in school. Choose colleges that satisfy your lifestyle, major, and personality because each of those characteristics are tested in the college atmosphere.
Jennifer
The advice I would give to parents and/or students who want to find the right college and make the most of their experience is to actually go and see the schools that the student likes. Research every possible place they are interested in. College is a very fun experience and every student wants to make sure they make the right choice. Going to information sessions that most colleges offer is also a good idea, because the student and parents can meet students who already attend that given college and can answer any questions. Also, it is a great way to meet other potential new students and experience the type of people and culture that is imersed in that university.
Derek
The advice I would give parents/and or students about finding the right college and making the most of the college experience is to find a college that truly helps you accomplish their most positive dreams and endeavors. Of course distance from home is a big factor. Honestly, I would tell prospects not to worry about choosing a major right away because at the end of the day, you will change your major at least once. Also, anyone thinking about college should never feel that they are outplace academically because you were accepted into the university for a good reason (academically being the main priority in most circumstances). Overall, look at college like any major facet of life. You definitely have to make the most of the experience because you will be able to look back twenty years from now and say wow...I'm a college graduate from my respected university. The experience was tough but if I had a chance to do it all over again...I would.
Lauren
have fun and work hard. choose a college that fits your needs.
Kristen
Do some research, check out the school's website, and make a list of pros and cons about your school options. Try to talk with other students at the campus to find out what it is like to live there. Visit if you get the chance or take a virtual tour. Keep in mind that if you aren't happy you can always transfer to another school. Once you do find a school you like try to get involved your first years there and meet as many people as you can. Being involved will help you to meet new people, share new experiences, build your resume, and network. Communicate with your teachers as frequently as possible because they are there to help you as much as possible if you are willing to put in the effort. Just remember to learn to mannage your own time between your social life and school work. College is a ton of fun but it is also a valuable educational opportunity you shouldn't toss away because you would rather skip class. Stay focused on your goals.
Mia
As exciting, nerve wracking and daunting the search for a college may be there are several things to keep in mind. Firstly, you are attending college for the sake of gaining an education and not to party or waste thousands of dollars a year for youthful excursions that end up being embaressing memories. While the memories and parties are a part of the college experience, they are not the primary reason for attendance and so you should focus on whether or not the schools you are looking at suit your learning style before you start choosing places for the nightlife.
Finding the right college means finding a place that you could call a second home. Many people experience homesickness in their Freshman year, but if it's so chronic that it affects your studies because your environment just doesn't suit your personality then that school isn't right for you. Visit as many schools as you can before sending in your money and try to make them overnight stays if possible. You shouldn't judge a book by it's cover and you shouldn't do that with a University.
tari
research the school you want to attend. make sure you are ready financially.
Jocelyn
I would recommend finding a college that matches your personality and how you would prefer to live. Parents to you I recommend knowing your child if they are not ready for college and maybe do not seem like the child to attend college maybe a technical college or a two year college. Also when your student enters college they should know a little about what they want and if they are unknown tell them to take a class that discusses their options. Parents should also understand that the student may change their mind and that is a normal thing. Students please understand that you know what you like and you should go for it no matter whether you know it will make you millions or not. Live your life fully and do what you prefer and not what you think others would want you to do. College is too expensive to follow what others think you want its better to do what you like and not waste your time.
Amaris
Follow your heart and dreams! Make decisions based on what is right for you.
Jordan
Students- Do not take your high school education for granted. It is essential to yor success in college, as well as your acceptance to the college of your choice. As far as choosing colleges, visiting colleges is very important. Use your instincts to guide you to the college that is right for you.
Doan
Drawing from my experience, the best thing I can advise young students who are planning to attend college is to start exploring as many fields as soon as they can, whether by volunteering, attending conferences, working part-time, traveling, etc. By exposing themselves to different places, people, situations, they will learn to like doing certain things and dislike doing others. They establish their identity. They can select, make choices, way before their first year of college. For me, I didn?t know what I really wanted to do until my third year, and I felt like I had wasted a lot of time. I am a first-generation American college student, so there was little guidance. So I hope that every middle school and high school student (my younger brother is one) engage his or herself more in out-of-classroom activities, make a point to travel, etc. so that he or she will be better prepared for college, and save time and money. Many young people think college is a new big journey into life. I also think it?s a journey, but you can begin it much earlier, and once in college, continue it.
Jennifer
Visit the campuses that you are interested in before you make a final decision.
Arielle
No matter what choosing what you want to do is one of the most important parts of going to college. This is where you are learing how to become an independent person and really finding out who you are. When looking for a college, do not follow others simply because you want to go somewhere with your friends. College is a time to make new friends and have new, unforgettable experiences. When in college it is important to choose courses that will make you happy and will help you achieve your goals. Make sure to focus on yourself because college is your time to shine.