Katie
When you start looking for schools, it's probably best to start by deciding exactly what you want from a school: size, location, courses offered, on-campus housing (if needed), cost, and scholarships available are some important things to consider. Try to decide if you want to stay close to home or go somewhere out-of-state. If you will be eating the food on campus, you might want to try it before committing to it-some college cafeteria food can be pretty bad, and you don't want to be living off of cereal or mac and cheese for four years if you won't be able to cook in your dorm room. Consider things like: would you feel more comfortable in a city environment or rural? in a class with 300 students or 30? Once you get started at any school, one of the most important things to remember to get the most out of the college experience is to get involved. Joining even one extra-curricular activity will help to meet people with similar interests, make new friends, and get more involved in the social life on campus.
Brian
The only thing that college is is a peice of paper you get after four years of non-sence . But you need that peice of paper so you have to deal with the non-sence, very expensive non-sence.
Lauren
Parents should encourage their child to attend a school where they will initially feel comfortable. This will enable the student to grow mentally, spiritually, and academically. I would tell students to challenge themselves; Students need to think outside of the box. A student should be encouraged to learn something new about themself and the people they are interacting with. It is also necessary to leave one's comfort zone in order to learn about different religions, nationalities, and ethnicities. Learning about others opens one's eyes to new ways of thinking. A student will then be able to ask themself, "What do I really believe?...Are these stereotypes true?...What kind of people do I want to hang around with?" Getting involved with organizations that support diversity will aid one in becoming more worldy and loving of differences. College is the perfect opportunity to learn how to interact with diverse peoples.
Michael
You need to find the college that suits your personality. I know it's tempting to go to that big shot school just because of its reputation, but in reality if that school doesn't offer what you're looking for or is an area you don't like chances are you're not going to have a good time which is almost as important as the education you'll be receiving.
The Ramapo College of New Jersey was just right for me because it's close to home, it has a beautiful campus that promotes a ton of events and activites, and it provides a top-notch education at a reasonable price. The small classes at Ramapo have helped me, a shy person by nature, become more outgoing and less timid. As a person I have truly benefited attending a college that was just right for me rather than trying to fit in at one that was not.
And that is the most important thing of all.
Jaleesa
If you are searching for a college, the most important thing is how you feel. If you feel the learning techniques are what you require and you feel it will make you succeed, then go for it. If its not a serious college, go to the next. When I say serious I mean if its just college students drinking all the time and professors not caring if you pass or fail. When I first went to Ramapo College of New Jersey my Freshman year, I was a little skeptical becausee I never been away from home and Im living with a stranger but after a while you will get used to it and it will make you a strong person. Just stay focused and stay inspired. I know parties and other things in your social life may try and interfer but if you want to be successful then put school first and then worry about your social life. You have to be on that path to graduating and recieving that degree. Sometimes the studying and work can be overwelming but it will all work out and the end. It will get better. Just stay focused on your dream.