Dana
Listen to others' advice and visit alot of the schools beforehand, but ultimately go with the school that's the best for you.
Shannon
Only having one more year of college, I have learned alot, and seen alot, but I also have things that I would have changed or done differently. First off, in choosing a college, it is very important to see the campuses. I never had to live in a dorm or apartment because of the fact that I live so close, but if you have to live in one of those, it is important to check them out first. Another thing I definitely would have done, was once I figured out that I wanted to do Marketing, I did not look for a school with more minors, which would have been very helpful, because I missed out. Also, I think it is so important to be more involved and join more clubs, because that's something I definitely did not do, and I wish that I had.
Nicole
Get online and check out websites and request information for anything that interests you. Figure out how much debt you can handle and factor that into the school you choose. Visit as many campuses as you want. Most important being young this is your opportunity to really branch out. Don't undermine yourself and your experience by staying in state, this is you chance to go big and do something new. Were you go to school is often were you wind up getting a job and buying a home. Really look into the community surrounding the school you choose. Some schools are in a bad neighborhood and the quality of the school doesn't make up for the fact that your in a bad area.
Make your choice wisely, if your not happy in your freshmen year then transfer immediatly but don't wait because you might wind up taking classes that don't transfer. Last but not least theres nothing wrong with spending a year at community college until you realize the things that are most important to you.
Denise
Go to the schools you're thinking of. Take a tour to see what they look like in real life as opposed to a glamorous website. Find out where the students who go there live; there is a big difference between commuter schools and tight-knit communities hidden away in the country. If you can, try to talk to alumni and current students; take their experiences and compare them to what you think you want out of college.
Most importantly, it should be the student's decision where to attend. If you let your parents tell you where to go and what to study, you will be miserable. Your first step towards independence is choosing your own path to higher education.
Chris
don't be afraid to try something new. College is a time to grow and break your norms. extend and apply yourself!
Alexander
The advice I would give parents is to not stress their children out with the college the parents think is most appropriate. Each individual deserves their own right to make their own personal decision and college may be one of the biggest decisions in life. Parents should assist their children in the college decision-making process, not control the decision.
Jessica
I would advise parents that the most important thing when choosing a college is to focus on what their child wants and needs. Parents shouldn't pressure their children into attending a school that they prefer. Their child will be attending this school, not them. It is important for the student to select a school that meets their needs and makes them happy. Parents should support their children 100{4a082faed443b016e84c6ea63012b481c58f64867aa2dc62fff66e22ad7dff6c} because that will teach the student how to make important decisions on their own; something they will have to do for the rest of their lives. For students, I would advise them to make the most of their college experience by doing the following: 1. Go to all your classes! Ask questions! Learn as much as you can! Get your money's worth!
2. Volunteer. Experience making a difference! 3. Make friends! You can always learn from your peers! 4. Don't lose sight of your goals! Just because Mom and Dad aren't there to pick up after you doesn't mean you should go wild. Stay grounded! 5. Finally, have fun! Make the most of your time! Remember: college is the best 5 to 7 years of your life!
Anjelica
College is one of the most influential times in one's life, and planning for it may seem like a daunting task. Students should survey many various colleges, taking into consideration how they learn and what institution will aid them the most in their career plans. Visiting a college can make a huge difference; what is included in a brochure may not be indicative of what the college has to offer, among other small details. Personally, when I visited the first college I attended, I immediately fell in love. Based solely on their website, however, I would not have felt the same about its atmosphere.
Despite what some may believe, "making the most" of a college experience is vital, especially if a student is paying a great deal to attend. Students should grasp every available opportunity to immerse themselves in the culture of their institution. Attending club, Greek life, or sports meetings is a great way to begin. If one does not find that appealing, however, socializing after class or on the weekends will help alleviate stress from schoolwork and create a social network if peer assistance is ever needed.
Lashana
Affordability and the environment and atmosphere
Concetta
The "college experience" is a myth. You can make the most out of any college that you attend, in most cases. The important thing is that you feel engaged at the campus. I would suggest sitting in on classes at campuses you visit, if the faculty allow you to do so. You have to remember why you're attending college. It's not because your parents tell you to, or that it's expected of you, or because that's what all of your friends are doing. You have to be there because you want to be there, and because you want to learn. You can show up for the parties, but at the end of the day, if you don't want to be there, you're just wasting your time. Find a school that makes you feel comfortable, but that pushes you to be your best at the same time. Surround yourself with people who make you strive to achieve. And if the school you chose doesn't fit, transfer as soon as you can. Who cares if it's ivy league? Do what makes you a better person.