Susanne
Parents and students need to keep their options open and not limit themselves to looking into a only a few select schools but to research any possible school and all it has to offer before setting their mind to one particular school. Knowing some of things that you are looking for in a school is key and then researching and asking questions about the universities and colleges that fit those things.
Aaron
Find a school that fits you best, and makes you the most comfortable to learn what it takes to become successful in life.
Amanda
Decide on your college based on what you want, not what your parents want for you. Ultimately, this is your life and you need to be happy with where you are going to school and where you are going in life.
Eugienne
My advice would be to examine your options completely. Visit the schools you are planning to attend to make sure you are most comfortable in the environment you plan to live in for the next four years. Make sure that you plan to go to that school not only for academic reasons but also for the social aspect of going to college. I believe that if you are not happy with the college you are attending it is hard to focus on school since you are thinking of going home or being somewhere else instead.
Brittnee
It is important that parents and students choose a college based on where they fill comfortable and where they feel like they fit in. I know too many people that choose colleges based solely on financial purposes and they are not fully happy with their choice. Money is a very important factor, but it should never be the sole factor in choosing a college. I choose Purdue University because it had a program that I really liked and fit perfectly with what I wanted from my college education, there are a ton of extra curricular activities to get involved in, and it was quite a ways from home, so I could experience something new and different. Make sure you choose your college based on what feels right and not only what your wallet likes. You don't want to miss out on a great experience just because you didn't want to spend a little more or look a little harder for financial aid. If you choose the right college for you, everything else will just fall into place.
Asia
The most important thing is to make sure your vision matches the school's vision. If you're a career focused person, you should find a career focused college. Always visit the campus beforehand. It is where you'll live for at least year. It's good to get a feel of what's there and what the people are like. College has diverse students. This allows you to experience things from around the country and the world that you wouldn't have if you chose not to go to school. So get into as many extra-curriculars as possible.
Amanda
Dont let money be a factor. Financial aid is availible! Plus, college is only a small part of your life so make the most of it!
Elizabeth
Yes, college anywhere can be expensive, but at the same time it is important to find somewhere where both the student and parents feel comfortable with. However, no matter where you attend college it is what you make of your experiences there than anything else. In order to get a fulfilling experience and education from the college you are attending you have to put in to it what you expect to get out. If you just slack off and do nothing then yes, it will not be worth your time so you might as well just stay home and save money. College can seem overwhelming at first, but it is important to get involved right from the beginning. This way you can make new friends, learn the ropes, and enjoy the overall experience that the college has to offer. It is also important to be open to new situations and experiences. You will meet a variety of people with new viewpoints and stories to tell. You can learn so much from anyone if you just give them a chance. In the end, just enjoy it and have fun.
Ashley
I would tell parents and students looking into choosing a college that it IS a big decision and it should not be rushed. I honestly believe that students will perform the best academically where they feel the most comfortable. If a student is not comfortable on an individual school's campus/environment, then they are less likely to perform up to the school's academic standards. One of the best ways to make the most of your college experience is to get INVOLVED!! Whether it be in sports or clubs, or anything else, a student who is involved in extra-curricular activities is more like to make new friends and will enjoy their college experience even more!
Raquel
Don't let anyone but yourself make the decision about where you want to go to school. You have to feel comfortable on the campus and look at the activities the school offers to know if you will fit in or be able to find things with which you can be involved. Look around at several colleges so you can get the feel for different campuses. College is supposed to be fun so enjoy it, but don't forget about the real reason that you are there. You are paying a lot of money for your education and you don't want to mess it up. This is the time in your life where you will have the least responsibility. Use it wisely!