Emily
Make sure you visit a lot of colleges. Do NOT look at schools with or make decisions based on your friends or boyfriend/girlfriend; the college search needs to be completely about you. Pick the school that makes you feel most at home. Talk to students, sit in on classes, go spend a few weekends at various schools (if you're shy, push yourself!). Don't judge a school based on one tour- do your research and try to see various aspects of the school's community and campus life. Most importantly, keep an open mind. You may switch your major ten times (I thought all my life that I'd be a lawyer until I got to school- it's not even a prospect any more). You may think Greek life would be amazing and end up hating it, or vice versa. Go to the college that fits you best (and you alone) and make the most you possibly can out of it- I promise you'll love it.
Katie
Presbyterian College is an amazing place. Not only does it offer an excellent education, it provides a lifelong support group of alumni and classmates. There are numerous activities students can choose to participate in for entertainment, educational, and competitive purposes. There are never many worries about finding a job or pursuing higher education, because the alumni are all helpful and want the Presbyterian College students to succeed as they did. Although it is in the small town of Clinton, South Carolina, there are numerous options for traveling both near and far. I, personally, am going on a Maymester to Ireland with the History and English department this summer as well as living in Los Angeles, California for an internship in fashion. The school helped me find the internship and gave me the opportunity to go on the maymester. Presbyterian College is an excellent choice for a student who is not sure what they want to do after college because the Liberal Arts atmosphere helps students learn what they enjoy.
Ellen
You need to make sure that you visit all of the colleges that you are interested in and make sure to sit in on some classes, talk to the professors and students and maybe even spending the night. Once you are in college make sure not to work too hard! You need to get everything that you have to done, but dont get so preoccupied that you dont have a social life.
Heather
I would advise students to look at many schools even if the school is not one of the student's top choices. Doing lots of research on the schools is very important and the most important sources of information about a college are the current students. To make the most of your college experience, move in with an open-mind. Be willing to listen and absorb different oppinions and cultures so that these may shape your experience and perspective. Never forget that college is where you discover new things about the world and ultimatly yourself. Try new things, even if it isn't the most appitizing thing. Don't compromise your beliefs and values for the sake of someone else. Make your years in college the best that they can be.
Stefani
I would advise parents and students to take their time about finding the right college. Take trips to visit, talk to as many people as you can, and weigh your pros and cons. You'll feel that "fit" when you're at the right place, and once you feel that, you'll never want to look back. Once you're there, get involved, serve your community, and make a difference. You've got four years at this place and you've got four years to leave a mark. Study hard, do your best, but never forget to have fun. Not only make your parents proud, but be proud of yourself. When at college, thousands of opportunities come your way...so don't ever forget to make the most of what you have, and most importantly, become the person you've always wanted to be.
Marianne
For a rising college student to make the best of his/her college experience, I would advise him/her to look into several different colleges or universities that he/she is interested in and apply. Afterwards, he/she should visit the colleges that have accepted him/her with his/her parents. They should look into courses that the school offers and see if the curriculum is what the student may see himself/herself doing in school, as well as applying that potential degree after graduation. Affordability is also important especially if the student is mostly paying by himself/herself. The parents should look into possible scholarships and grants available and offered by the state and the school itself. If the student wants to be highly involved on campus, he/she needs to look into a school that offers an array of extracurricular activities and programs such as sports and clubs. But the most important factor for a student to make the most of the college experience, is not necessarily finding the "perfect" college, it is having the positive attitude of wanting to make the most out of his/her college experience.
Daniel
That they should find a place where they can prepare for a career and be challenged and motivated. Also feeling at home is important too. The decision on which college to choose is a very tough one, a prospective student needs to pray, research and ask for guidance about his or her decision. also you want a place that has a lot going on and is very spirited that is important for social growth, competiveness in school programs, and school pride.
Andrew
Finding the right school for you is not about finding the school that can do the most for you. In an echo of John F. Kennedy, it is about finding the school were you can best get involved. Sitting on the side lines is an unhappy experience no matter where you find yourself, so if you want to find the right college and make the most of your experience there find the school that best accommodates you being involved socially, academically, spiritually or whatever it is you want to take part in.
Caroline
My advice would be to EXPERIENCE IT: visit, visit, visit and don't narroaw your options until you are sure. All colleges are going to try to win you over with brochures and paraphenalia but these are only words and pictures. I think the best way to decided where you would benefit the most from attending is to visit. You are able to see the campus, dining areas, dorm rooms, classrooms and even interact with faculty and students. Take a tour. Go to class. And ultimately, spend a night on campus without your mom or dad. It is important for your parents to be part of the decision but you are deciding where to go and live without your parents to help you grow to your full potential. Through people you know or admissions, find a student to stay with and fully EXPERIENCE the school. Do this for each school you are interested in and in the end, you will know where you feel most comfortable and where you can thrive. Stop reading and go EXPERIENCE IT. Once you have decided and begin your college experience, do not stop there. Get involved on campus and live your college EXPERIENCE!
Allison
Plan financially so that you can make it through all four years as well as visit all the schools you plan on applying to grasp a feel for the campus.