Ana
My advice to parents is to get involved in their kids lives, that way they can be of some help when trying to decide between colleges. Start by asking your kids -when they're still in high school- what would you like to study? what interests you? what do you see yourself doing in the future? The answers to these questions can help in choosing the right college. As for students, knowing what you want to study is an advantage because you can choose the college that fits your field. If you don't know (don't worry) try and choose a college based on your interests, likes and what you're good at. Don't choose a college just because your friends are going there; choose the college that will awaken your potential. You will make new friends in college. Get involved in student organizations, and take advantage of all the services (academic counseling, psychological counseling, financial aid, tutoring, library, etc...) your college offers; this way you can maximize your college experience. Our college years are some of the best years of our life, so choose wisely.
Charles
Make sure that you research the school carefully. Understand that this will be the next four years of your life. The college should be a place where you want to go academically and socially. Remember that college is not just to get a good education, but a chance to grow as a person. Truly and honestly, life long memories will be made. Enjoy them!
Tiffany
I think the single most important thing to consider no matter where you go to school is living in the dorms. The experience you get, friends you make, and memories you form in this first year in the dorms are the times that will be always be treasured. I loved high school, but I had no idea what lie ahead of me in college. The community is just something that you cannot compare to living in an apartment your first year. No matter where you go to school, apply for on campus housing! Best times of your life :)
Ashley
It is very important to choose your college by your OWN standards and not anyone elses, that way if you ever look back in regret, you can't blame your regret on anyone else but yourself. That puts more pressure on yourself to do research and really think about which school YOU would like to attend.
Robert
The best advice for a prospective student is to have a pretty well defined idea about what major they wish to pursue. This makes it easier for a student to plan out an academic schedule for their entire stay at their college of choice. If the student is unsure of which major suits them, and money is a factor, then the cheaper way to go is a junior college. At a junior college, the student can take care of their general education and also discover what career is best for them. Then they can just transfer to their school of choice. Just rememeber to make sure the college they are transfering to accepts the credits from the junior college. As college experiences go, the dorms are the best way to make friends that a student will keep throughout their college career. Even better, live on a floor that has the same major as the student. This way they are guaranteed to know people in their classes, which is great for getting homework help and staying on track. All in all make sure to visit the campus and check out some surrounding areas to see if the college suits their lifestyle.
Carmen
Please visit the campus beforehand and set up a connection with a cultural or service oriented organization that interests you. This connection will be a great support system for the student when times get tough, such as homesickness, loneliness, finding out references on professors or classes, and how to deal with homework!
marcos
Make sure the finances are in order, it's a headache to ahve to deal with money problems and going to school at the same time. Most importantly remember that school is mostly what YOU make out of it. Learn how study and how to manage your time and you'll go far.
Kristen
You absolutely must know what you want. Stop looking at the factors of which sweater will impress your inlaws and look at where you want to live, what programs will help you the most and what academic climate fits you the best. And when you find a college that fits, that's your school.
Shauna
I would parents and students to vist the colleges they are interested in and see what feels right, you can just tell you belong somewhere when its right. Also if you know your major do some research to find out which school have good programs for your major and find out some information about certian professors interested in the same field as you so you can have a mentor and someone to help you find your where through undergraduate school and prepare for gradute school or a career. To make the most of your college experience, do well in school so it isnt a waist but make lots of friends, travel if you can, volenteer and intern. Live your life in happiness and surround yourself with good people.
Jonathan
Don't make the decision lightly. I chose my school based almost exclusively on proximity to my friends and family. I don't regret that aspect of my choice, but there are times when I feel like I 'settled'. At the risk of sounding arrogant, I often feel like I am a much better student than the majority of my peers, and this isn't something I enjoy. I would recommend above all, choosing a college that can challenge you. Choose a college you would be proud to say you attend.