Josh
Really get a chance to see how the campus makes you feel .Visit friends that already go there to really get a feel for the student life.
Brittani
Choosing the right school for each individual is a very important decision, it won't necessarily "make or break you" but it will definitely impact one's overall college experience. I am currently assisting in the design of an afterschool program that gives students the hands-on experience to help guide them to make the best choices for their future college and careers so I feel strongly about this topic. I believe it is essential for parents and students to visit as many schools as they're interested in because being on the campus and getting a better idea of it's size, location, students, etc. is vital and each visit has the potential to make up the student's mind. In a way, the student doesn't choose the school, once they're standing on the campus the environment of the school chooses the student. Also, parents should not allow their children to visit home any more often than once a month, they need to be forced to get out, be social, and meet new people in whatever way suits them best and they'll be guaranteed to have a more memorable and positive college experience.
Babatunde
The advice I would give parents and/or students about finding the right college and making the most of the college experience would be making sure the school has the program or major they are interested in, checking the school out prior to applying, applying for financial aid early, and for the students communication is the key. Making friends at the beginning of the school may not be that easy but when you start finding friends your college experience will be great. Joining a student organization is another great thing to consider and doing some kind of community service.
Shana
Go to the college YOU want to attend. And when you're in school, take advantage of what the school offers--four years goes by too quickly!
Frank
Do not attend Salisbury University!!!! Your kid will develop drug / alcohol habits. Party thursday-sunday, miss classes and most likely hate life for attending Salisbury. Coming here was the biggest waste of time and money, I should have just played lacrosse at a D1 one school instead of coming to the joke tryouts for lacrosse where Berkman brings in 150 kids to fill 45 spots. It is a shame the talent that comes here for a chance to be a part of something big only to have their childhood dreams crushed by a coach who lies to them just to benefit his name. The town of Salisbury is overflowing with crackheads and crime. One of my friends was mugged and beat to a pulp twice last year and he is on the football team. Not a safe environment!!! Girls get raped and have guys sneak in dorms and masturbate while the girls sleep. The school tries to hide these things so they can get your money. Do the research. It would be worth your time to. I wish I would have.
Jenna
The advice that I would give to parents and students alike would be to make time to go visit your prospective schools. My family and I never visited any of the schools that I applied to, therefore, limiting my decision to Salisbury. I love Salisbury and I would not trade the experiences I have had here for the world, but I have come to realize that it is not fulfilling my needs as a student now. If I had been able to visit other schools, I believe that I would have chosen one further away from home. At this time in my life, I have reached a crossroads and am ready for a change. Salisbury does not offer as many majors to choose from as larger schools and I now plan to transfer because of that. By going out and visiting schools, you will know right away which one you are meant to be at. The atmosphere, the majors, and the campus-life you want to have will hit you like a ton of bricks when you find that one school you are meant to go to.
Brady
When looking for the right college you need to take a few trips there to visit. If you like sports, for example, lacrosse; then it
would be wise to go to a lacrosse game at the college that you're interested in. If you like theatre, then go to a production that
the school is putting on. You'll be able to tell if you'd fit in by doing that. You should talk to the students that attend that college
and ask them how they like going there. If you get a chance to talk with the professors that would be another great way to find
out if you're going to like the classes. To make the most of college, you need to attend some activities that go on around the campus. Going to games, shows, festivals, lectures all make the experience more enlightening and in the end, more enjoyable.
Samantha
The most important thing to consider when finding the right college is to find a place where the student will be comfortable. Oftentimes, kids are so eager to go as far away as possible without realizing what they are getting themselves into. Make sure that your new home away from home is a place where you will feel safe and evaluate the different lifestyles that different places may offer. After finding a school where you will feel comfortable, evaluate the academics. Talk to not only faculty and staff, but also get the student's perspectives on their professors and classes. That is where the most valuable information will come from. Find out what opportunities schools offer and make sure these opportunities match your interests. Most importantly, when you choose the right school and start your undergraduate career find some time to have fun. College is a huge adjustment and many times students get overwhelmed with their schoolwork. Learn to effectively manage your time and get your work done, but also find time for yourself and get involved with activities on campus that you enjoy. This will make your college experience one of the best experiences of your life.
Nick
When looking for a college to go to and get the full experience that is college, make sure to shop around. There are a lot of options out there and colleges will be willing to work with a prospective student to help them afford their school. Use college reviews and talk to people who go to a school to get the full idea of what that school is like. Go on tours, and talk to your guide. They are students at that school and know what its like and can tell you what you have to look forward to if you decide to go there.
Once you get past your decision and start school, make sure to put yourself out there and try to experience new things that might be beneficial to you. Learn to expand your horizons and try to see things from a different perspective. College is all about learning and experiencing things you never thought of before. Meet as many people as you can and network with them, just be friendly and you'll make a new friend everyday.
Heather
College is a once in a lifetime experience. Make sure you choose the college that is right for you. Make sure the college has a good program for the major you are interested in. Make sure the climate and type of town/city the college is in is right for you, since you have to live there for atleast 4 years. Getting the college experience means living on-campus for atleast 1 year, it is the best way to make friends in the freshman year. Go to on-campus activities and join extra-curricular programs to meet people with your same interests and to broaden your horizons. If you feel you want to transfer to a different college, at least live it out for one year to see if you really do not like where you are, it might just be freshman jitters. College life carries much more responsibility than high school life, be prepared for it. Parents, do not shelter your children to death, these are the kids who get to college and turn out the most wild, because they do not know how to handle all the new freedom. Above all, learn and have fun along the way!