Daniel
Write a list of goals that identify what you want to get out of your college career. Visit colleges your sophomore and junior year of high school, not just one, but many to understand the character of the university and the programs they offer. While at the campuses, make sure to talk to some of the students around campus, not the auto-programed tour guides to achieve a more in depth feel of the university. Match your goals with the universities and select many (4-8) that appeal to you and you have a realistic shot of getting into. Of the ones you get in, revisit, pick your best choice, and accept there. While at college, go to class-easiet way to get decent grades. Do the graded work; that is whats matter for the GPA. Keep on track for meeting your goals ( with grades, leadership, clubs, and networking) but for remaining time - spend it having fun, whatever that may be for you personally.
Stephen
Finding the right college. This step is obviously extremely important and, personally, I think is too often overlooked. Finding a college that has a lot to offer is huge. If you are bored from lack of outside activities and your school isn't hospitable when it comes to helping students, you won't be happy and this depression will be reflected in your academic performance. This is why I urge parents to please, unleash your children from their cage and let them be free. College is about exploration and making the best out of the those 3-5 years. This is impossible if the parent chooses the college instead of the student. Once you choose a college that offers a lot, it is imperative to take advantage of that.
In order to make the most out of your college experience, be active-and more importantly, be yourself. Think of college as a clean slate. You don't have to conform to fit in like you did in highschool. Go there with an open mind, choose a club or two that you enjoy being a part of and get involved.
Alicia
When it comes to choosing a school do not let finance be your main reason. Always include other factors that will also be important to you. There will always be a way to pay for school.
Cara
My advice about making the right decision for college would be is to follow your instinct. I know that I was very torn up when deciding where I wanted to go, and the final decision came down to where I could best see myself. My decision was based on what I felt was the best for me, not my best friend or boyfriend. College is about finding yourself, which will bring you to meet many people you will never forget and experiences that will last a lifetime. I believe that the main thing that you pull out of college is the experiences you have and not the degree you graduate with at the end. This is also why I believe that to make the most of your college experience, you should be involved in everything you like to do. Don't be afraid of trying something you never dreamed of doing, like studying abroad. The sky is the limit and only you can pick the direction you will go.
Adrit
Most good schools will have the proper criteria for the subjects that is needed however, the best practice should be to talk to each college student aid department to see how readily available they are to assist students to find the necessary fianancial aid. package.
Kristy
The best advice I would give parents, is to know your child. Know the environment in which they will thrive in, and their weaknesses when it comes to peer pressure and not doing their best in classes. If the child is strong willed and dedicated to their work, then they may do well in a big university which is dedicated to the child's future. If the child can give in easily to peer pressure and have trouble in classes, then a smaller university may be most beneficial. Pick the school which will help the child's future.
To make the most out of your college experience, the number one thing I can say is to always remember why you are there. You are there for an education, and having fun comes in second to that. I strongly think that enjoying one's self is an important factor in any college experience, but it should not come in the way of learning the most you can. Getting involved in many clubs and organizations not only broadens the childs social network, but can also help them make the best out of their college experience by preparing them for the future.
Erin
For me, the college I was to attend was planned out from the beginning of my highschool carreer. Although Penn State is a fantastic school, it's possible there was a better one out there for me. The best advice anyone can give about finding the right college is look around and explore your options before deciding. For all future students, remember that school is important, but so is remembering your life. Study hard, but always leave some time for fun.
Shana
My advice to finding the right college for a new student or student parents would be to visit the school more then once. I have visited Penn State University, University Park at least 15 times before I attened. I knew that was the place for me! I really enjoyed the large crowds and the activity of the students, and the school spirt. Everytime I visited here I knew I wanted to come here. So find somewhere that if you were just visiting you would enjoy visiting, and eventually living there for at least the next four years of your college career. Also talking to current students and Alumni are very helpful to learn more on what the school is all about if you still have questions or concerns after visiting. With today technology you can just search on such websites as facebook to obtain more information from students, staff, Alumni, and teachers to also help you with questions and concerns of your new school experience.
Jamie
My advice would be to look for the school that most closely identifies with your major. Some schools can have the program you are looking for but, really are not as fit as other schools to handle it. Location is also pretty important. It is part of the college life to be in the enviornment you want to be in and that best suits you. This includes campus size, location, and class size. Friends, learning and a good time are guarenteed.
Aidan
School rank. Higher is better.