Amy
My advice: Don't pressure your children into a school that isn't right for them. Let them research schools on their own and try not to influence them; this is their time to be independent and grow up. Give them advice but only in benefit for them and their future. To make the most out of your college experience, just let yourself grow up- try new things, meet new people. These simple actions will help you become the person you want to be and the person you are destined to be. Don't be afraid either because that will get you nowhere, and will hold you back. Think positively because in the end things will work out the way they are supposed to.
Amanda
I think that I made the mistake of not looking around enough. Make sure that you don't just settle for one school. Apply to several so you can have a variety to choose from. Also, get to know EVERYONE on campus. Don't be clicky and only hang out with the same group all the time. The great thing about college is that you can make friends from every walk of life. So do it! Live up every day and take advantage of every opportunity you get from your school. Don't party every night and sleep in until 2 pm every day and waste your life away. Sure, there are times to party and have a social life, but you have to remember that college is about learning and getting a degree so you can make it out there in the real world. Put effort into college. It will all be worth it!
Lisa
Visit as many schools as possible, and ask questions! Try to talk to some of the students who attend the university to get their perspective on the things that matter most to you. If you are unsure about what you want to do, go to a liberal school and expose yourself to everything! Ask professors for help and guidance.. they are usually more than happy to help you figure out what you want to do. Try to be open to everything.. and try to be careful about partying. College is meant to enhance your mind, not be an expensive party. Of course, socialize and have fun! It's not good to only study and never take a break. All in all, balance is key. Involve yourself on campus, in clubs, sports, or events. Keep focused and take advantage of the supports that your school offers you!
Josephine
Learn about yourself. Know what you want and go for it. Find your niche and do what makes you happy.
Teresa
I would tell parents and students to look for schools that suit their needs in everywhere. Consider the spaces you could be living in, the food you will be eating, and the area in which the school is located. Think about what is most important to you in the space that you live. Research meal plan choices so you get the most of the plan you pick. Also, meet with teachers and professors from the field in which you will be studying. Look into the requirements for your major and discuss the different classes with your advisor, knowing what is expected of you before hand will increase your chances of doing well in the class. Also, I would definitely talk to students that already attend the school and ask their honest opinions, likes and dislikes, and "secrets" they know about the school - knowing loop holes or other facts about the school will make your experience there easier. Furthermore, due to Facebook, finding out information about the school through profiles or groups is also a fantastic way to learn about the way things are run, as well as overall satisfaction from students speaking candidly.
Natallia
I would recommend to rely on research and references from family,friends, and colleagues.
Kelsey
make sure you find a place that fits all your ideas that you want in a college not just academics or financial or social it must fit all three!
Lyndsie
Every child will end up where they are suppose to be...its your child's choice
Candace
Do a lot of research on the school first. Just because the school is private and cost alot does not mean you will be providing with alot.
Melanie
College is about finding out who you are and, consequently, what you want to do with yourself, your talents, and your wishes. Part of the college experience depends on the area where the college is situated, because people tend to act in certain ways depending on their environment. However, I also believe that one of the most important aspects of college is to find the way to discovering yourself, and that would come with the help of teachers and classmates. My major is music, voice to be specific, and it is so valuable to me that I found a teacher who will help me bring out the best qualities of my talent, as well as push me forward. You can ruin your career by studying with someone who doen't do just that. Therefore, I advise people to contact teachers in your specific area of interest while searching for colleges, research their strengths and weaknesses. General academics will be strong in most colleges, but if you want something rare or extreme, research is the key!
Jason
Make sure you visit the college before you attend it and ask as many questions as you can. Find out all the information about the school you want to attend.
Rebecca
Be open and don't allow friends to influence what school you go to. Ultimately it's you who needs to make the final decision, and if you find out you don't like it there, you can transfer. You never know until you try.
Danielle
I would tell people to take a long time to decide and to look at all the variables. Make sure that the decision you choose is the right one for you and that you like where you decide to go. Looking for the right college is hard, but if you determine what the key elements you want you can compare places. When choosing a college the best thing to do is visit them multiple times and go up to current students for a truthful opinion. The guides are nice people, but are being paid to show people their college. Students are more likely to tell you the truth. You should have one on one conversations to see if that college is a good match for you. Also you should consider distance and where you will live. I know people who feel too far from home and wish they could commute, but can't. So these types of issues should be discussed before the final decision is made. A student can always transfer, however, so no decision has to be permanent. To make the most out of college find out about it, the activities it has, and get involved.
Gabriella
Do your research!
Alexandria
You should always pick the college that you feel most comfortable at. that as soon as you step on teh campus you feel at home. Get involved in everything once enrolled, the only way to meet people is to get involved and be open. Do not be afraid of being yourself, and do not be afraid if you do not know what you want to do for the rest of your life. College is the time to figure everything out. College is the best tim of your life, do what you want and do not let anyone else decide for you. Enjoy every minute.
Shannon
When chosing a college, pick somewhere that you will be happy. You will be spending at least four years at your school of choice, and it will be what you make of it. College is an opportunity to broaden you horizons, enlighten your mind, and learn in and out of the classroom. Its a place where you can meet new people and make great friendships. Its a place where you can find yourself. Find somewhere that feels like home, somewhere you will come back to with your children, somewhere you love.
Robin
Go for the college that feels right for you and will allow you the best personal success. Don't go to a school just for the name, size, popularity, etc. Go to the place that fits what you need at a personal level, and everything else such as academic success, friends, etc., will fall into place.
stephanie
Parents should be involved in their children's collge search. Parents need to take their kids to many schools so they can get a feel of what they are looking for. Parents and students should also look into financial aid while you visit these schools. Students should get involved in as many clubs and organzizations as possibe, especially if you go away to school.
David
Find a college that is simular to the place you live. For example small town small college, or city life, big college in big area. If you find a great school but is not the same size as the area you live in, or simular in ways to your home town, you may find yourself in over your head or just plain bord.
Briana
Do lots of research! And talk to students who have attended college, even if its not a college your thinking of applying too, it can only help to talk to someone who has experienced it before you.