raulina
My advice to parents about choosing the right college is to first listen to the options their child is considering. To me, forcing a student to enroll in a college not of their choice is not a good thing. My option for students is to narrow down their choices to things they cannot live without. Education is important, but there are other options to consider; housing, food choices, city vs rural, public transportation, student - faculty ratio. This is the institution you will be attending for at least the next four years so everything should matter. Also distance from home should be highly considered. Once you choose the right college, you should make the most of your experience. Think of college as a fresh start in your social and academic life. Make new friends. I think it is important to find a balance in your school work and social events. Studying 24/7 is not recommended. Rewarding yourself with social events can become a motivation rather than just being a social outcast. Balance is the keyword. I believe freshman year is the most important year and can have a big impact on your GPA.
John
Finding the right college takes time and work on both the part of parents and students. Parents who are involved with the search process should offer support instead of projecting where they would want to go. Students need to shake off senoritis and get ready for the real world. Campus visits definitely help make the process of selecting a college easier, but that is no guarantee. In the end, you'll know whether you selected the right school. As for making the most of the college experience, I recommend trying new things out and meeting new people. Do not be afraid of going out of your "comfort zone" because in the end it will make you a better person with new perspectives on life. Always be positive and take the good out of the bad. It will limit the number of negative experiences college life may have. Overall, finding the right college takes time and the experiences you have are what you make out of them.
Jacob
To parents: Please give your two cents about the colleges to your kids; we think more about what you stell us than we let on. Let us have our independence and final say on some of the decisions that will effect the next few years of our lives, but dont let us make every single decision, we're a lot more confused and worried than we let on too.
To students: When selecting a college It is a must that you stay the weekend at least once before you commit to your final choice. I stayed the night at probably four or five colleges all in all, and it wasn't until I stayed the weekend at Salisbury that i realized the great fit.
To both: Enjoy this process, dont make it unneccesarily hard or stressfull on one another. you'll never have a time like this again. Memories of driving all around with my parents going to look at colleges all over the country are someof my fondest. Dont waste the possibilities.
Gary
You want to find a college thats the right size and location first and foremost. Cost is the second determining factor. you might be able to attend a pricier school if you get financial aid or you have a college plan set up for your kids. Remember that it all depends on what the child wants and not what the parents want. They will be attending the school for 4-6 years and in order for them to do well they have to like where they are attending.
Bryan
I would advise all parents and sudents to research potential colleges they are interested in. One should observe the surroundings of each campus and determine if their academic programs are right for them. One should apply to several schools so he or she can attend the best available University. Once enrolled, students should research the clubs and athletics available at the school so he or she can make the most of their time at college. Being involved with clubs and many groups of friends will make your college years unforgetable, and makes the success of graduating more satisfying.
Nicholas
The main thing is to be true to yourself. Realize what your good at and pick a college based on whether or not they will really be able to help you develop and use that skill to its full potential upon graduation. Don't pick a college based on where all your friends are going because no matter where you go, you will meet lots of new friendly faces. If you like the area you grew up in and can't see yourself lasting very long out of state or too far away, don't take the chance. I've known way to many people who have had to leave after a semester or two because of that fact and it is a whole new readjustment all over again. Lastly realize that when picking a school you should look for one that is very well rounded in terms of academics and fun. The college experience is supposed to culture you and open you up to new people and situations so don't be scared of embarking in a new environment if your up for the challenge.
kwame
the best advice i would give to parents and students when looking for the right college is to start early. i waited till the last minute and i was unable to go the school i wanted to. take your time visit the schools ask the students questions about the school because they know what the schools are really like. the tour guides are paid to fool you. make sure its the right decision for your child instead of the most affordable.
S.
dont just choose a college based on where your friends are going, and if you get offered housing choose to live with a radom roomate, it will give you a better experience plus youll make all new friends. at first it may be hard to move away from home, but dont go crazy witht the new freedom you feel like you have. if you know what you want to major in, or what job you want to do make sure the college you choose is able to accomodate that career path, and that there are areas around the university where you could possibly get an internship. i would also recomend not moving to far away from home if you have never lived away from home for an extended period of time. once you move your stuck there for at least a semester, so make sure you think things through completely.
Padraic
I say don't feel pressured by what your peers, parents, or high school guidance counselors tell you. That's the best advice I can give. I went to a high school with a lot of students that were richer than me and felt out of place. I wanted to start out at the local community college, but my teachers, "friends", and even my parents looked down on that decision. So I ended up going to the Coast Guard Academy and studying electrical engineering. And I was so miserable! I learned that I needed to study what I was most interested in. I've since found a school that was a better size for me and I'm studying a subject that I love. I'm so much happier with the direction of my life now. Please don't ever feel afraid to follow your dream, not others dreams, as you go to college. It really makes a difference, it did for me.
Tracy
In order to find the college that fits you best, you must do much research. Pay attention to the student population, the tuition amount, and how good their programs are in your chosen field. It is always a good idea to speak to those who have or are currently attending the college of your choice. Once you began college, take advantage of the opportunities they have made available for your experience. Meet new people and study hard, then at the end of all, you will feel accompished and realize everything you just experienced, you will remember for the rest of your life.