Meghan
College is different for everyone. My biggest advice is to get involved and stay busy. Stepping out of your comfort zone and trying new things is what college is all about. Take advantage of trips, events, art shows, etc. All of these opportunities are great experiences. Get to know your professors beyond the classroom, they are actually interesting if you get to know them! The four years in college goes by quicker than you think, you'll be graduating sooner than you know it. Take advantage of every moment and enjoy it!
Erica
Visit the schools you apply to and make a checklist of positives and negatives. Get your applications done early and don't worry too much!
Alyssa
The advice I would give is that if you are undecided, like most students are, then I would research all of the liberat arts college that are around. Also, you need to know if you want to go to a large, small or middle-sized school. The large schools have many students in their classes and that could be overwhelming. I wanted to go to a school where the professors knew my name, so I looked for schools that were average-sized. Also, to make the most out of your college experience, I would get involved in clubs and groups that interest you. You should go to all of the orientations that your school offers so that you can meet other people that may be going there. You should keep in mind that if you are not happy with your college the first semester or year, you can always transfer somewhere that might fit you better. You should keep an open mind and get involved.
Lisa
I would recommend that the student takes over night visits to certain colleges that they are interested in. Overnight visits inform the student about that particular college and he or she will get a better grasp of what the college is like. I would also recommend that the parents bring their child to all different types of school: big, small, medium, city, rural, far from home, or close to home. Campus tours are the best way to become familiar with a college and it helps the student learn about the atmosphere and teaching environment. From various tours the student will be able to determine what they want in a collge. The student must also distinguish what they want from their college experience. Do they want to party, get involved, be prepared for their future etc.? After determining what the student is looking for in a collge, then the student needs to look at the colleges they have visited and find out if that collge offers what the student wants. To conclude, there is always going to be a college that is fit for every individual student. The parent and student just needs to find that perfect fit!
Deirdre
Look around. Find a school that you feel comfortable at. It might take a lot of looking but it is definitely worth it. Most schools offer prospective students an opportuninty to spend the night with a current student. Take advantage of those opportunities to see what the school is like. The school you chose is going to be your home for the next few years, do not go anywhere to please anyone but yourself.
Brian
Visit schools and stay over night, not just take a tour of the usual campus things they want to show you. Talk to people who both like and dislike the school. Don't settle, the school should really meet your needs or you won't be happy.
Brendan
When it comes to making a college decision, parents and students must think of a few things. First off all, they must understand that the student is the only one that will know which school is right for him. The second piece of advice I would give is not to put a price on your education. I have learned this the hard way, I transfered for financial reasons, and while at a more affordable school I realized that Saint Anselm College was the place for me. I am transfering back there and am taking out the loans. While it might be overwhelming, do not let the money make the decision for you. The final piece of advice is for the student, while you are at school make the most of it but more importantly be happy. Do not let the four years go by and realize you did not make the most of it. You should make friends, memories, and opportunities for the future. Get a good education and never sell yourself short of making your dreams come true.
Leigh
Don't pick someplace because it is cheap or convenient. The most important thing is feeling like you could see yourself being happy somewhere.
Bradi
To paraphrase the old real estate axiom, visit, visit, visit! Start EARLY and research colleges that seem to have what you want physically, area-wise, size-wise, academically, socially - everything! Then narrow it down and make SEVERAL visits to those ones that fall into the right category. After you find your new "home" - get out there! Make new friends, find new interests, take risks - THIS is the time and the place to do it! Parents - this is the time to let the student make some of the decisoins... Be there to support, but encourage new independence and decision-making. College is a GREAT 'bridge" from high school into full-fledged adulthood, so take the time to savor ALL of it!!!!!!!!!!!!!