Megan
Find the right school is like finding the perfect pair of jeans. There are so many out there, it just takes time to find the one pair that fits you the best. And just because your best friends are going to a different school, or love a different pair of jeans, it doesn't mean that they will fit you the best too. You should expand your horizons and give life a chance to bloom out. Look into colleges that you never thought you would like, and you might be surprised. And please live on campus! Living with the rest of your fellow students is most of the experience. Anyone can take classes at school but to be in college is all about living with a ton of people you don't know and getting to know them. Soon enough, they'll be you new best friends. But with this comes collaboration. In order to get along with anyone in college you have to compromise your ideas, rules, likes and dislikes. College years will be the best of your life and really take advantage of that!
Heather
In your search to find the right college, make sure you tour as many colleges as you can. Most colleges are a lot different in person than they are in the brochures. Choose the college that fits you best. If you don't think you'll like going to school at a campus with 20,000 students, tour a smaller school. If you're more of a fast-paced peson, choose a college near a city. If you want a quieter college experience, choose a college in the country. As for making the most of your experience, just have fun. College is what you make it, and you always want to make sure you're having fun and meeting new people. Get involved in sports, join a club, whatever makes you feel like you're fitting in and making new friends!
Bretny
Talk to students who currently attend, visit the campus, talk to alumni, meet the faculty and staff.
Katelyn
As corny as it sounds, you will just know when a school is right for you. I came to Radford and knew it once it was place for me. I fell in love with the small class sizes, and dedicated staff. Make a list of things that are important to you, and visit as many schools as possible. But always go with an open mind, the school you are looking for might just be under your nose!
Ashley
The advice I would give parents and/or students about finding the right college and making the most of the college experience is first, to find a college campus you connect with. I visited many universities, but Radford University really spoke to me. The campus is beautiful-- full of nature, yet modern with all technological advancements. I think that is probably one of the more important things; if you feel at home on campus, you seem to acheive and learn quicker. Secondly, getting involved is the key to making new friends and connect with the people on your campus. I failed to get involved my first year, and this year, I decided to change my attitude and start networking! It has made me a more energized individual, and I really feel now that my opinions count for something. It really helps your self esteem (believe it or not) to put yourself on the line a bit, and show people the real you.
Amy
Even if you do not get the opportunity to attend your number one choice, always remember that college is what you make of it. No matter where you go you will end up with friends and a good education. Do not let the glitz and glimmer of a fancy, expensive institution cause you to go into more debt than you can pay. Pick a school for its strong program in your desired major and have fun. Don't get caught up in the party scene, but be sure to go out and have a good time. Sitting in your room for four years will not make you love your college experience. Go out, go to sporting events, volunteer, join a club team, play intramural sports, see a concert or a band recital. Do everything the school has to offer and you will have no choice but to fall in love with whatever college it is that you picked.
Shanae
When finding the right college, do your research! Find out where it's located, and whats around it, what the university population is, how big the class sizes are, and also if you are able to, try to ask some people that went there or go there how they like it. Also if you are interested in playing sports, contact the coach before arriving. You don't have to know exactly what you want to do, but you should definetely have an idea. If you are not receiving a scholarship whether academic or athletic, make sure you will be able to afford to go out of state. Don't waste your time applying to out of state schools and finding out that you got in, only for your parents or whoever to tell you that they can't afford to send you there. Most importantly, when you do find the right college, have fun. So many people get to college and make themselves sick because all they do is study, they have no social life. Make the best out of college, and get involved! Your college years will truly be the best of your life.