Kristen
To parents and/or students, I would say, take your time. Because colleges are expensive you do not want to pay thousands of dollars in tution and possibly move far away from home just to find out that you hate it there. Research the colleges that you want to go to thoroughly and visit the colleges as well, so that you can get a feel for the campus. Don't be afraid to talk to students and faculty about how they like the college. Pick the college not only for the major that you might eventually want to study, but also based on where it is, meaning rural, urban, and how much it costs. Even though costs is not the most important aspect, you do not want to spend your college years worrying about money. In the end, the only person who can know what is the right college for them is the student.
Michaela
In finding the "right" college, there is an undeniable amount of pressure and weight involved in the decion-making process. This stress may be conveyed by the parents, the student, or both- regardless, it is important to reassess the reality of the situation and to hone the emotional stress as something beneficial. Your college choice should not be seen as your life's ultimate defining decision, the end all be all of your future career. Rather, it should be seen as an exciting time of personal enrichment, a valuable phase of your emotional, educational, and intellectual development. In choosing the best college for yourself, consider how the institution will add to all these aspects of your development. Just because the school fits your academic criteria, it may not cultivate your creative goals -or vice versa. The decision comes through tuning into your own instinct and logic. Instinctually, you have to decipher if the college supplies an environment that compliments you as an individual. And logically, you need to consider if the college supplies the tools that you need to reach your future career goals. Together, your instinct and logic will lead you to the best choice in a college.
Lindsay
My best advice is to follow your gut instinct. If you make a decision based on how someone else feels, you will regret not doing what you really want. Even if it doesn't work out the way you planned, you can always change your mind. When I was trying to choose a college, I was set on going to my dream college with my best friend. When it came down to it though, I changed my mind at the last minute to not go that far. I chose San Francisco State University which is only an hour away from where I grew up, and I've been extremely happy here. I sometimes wonder what it would have been like if I chose differently, but I have no regrets. The same goes for choosing a major. You have plenty of time. Try out different things. You may find that you hate what you thought you loved, or that you love what you thought you hated. Try whatever it is that you want to do. That way, you have the satisfaction of experiencing it for yourself, and making a decision that best suits your interests.
Armando
I would tell the parents to prepare for the cost of college as soon as your child is born. As they go through grammer school, be as much involved as you possibly can with their education so that your child feels and sees the importance of education from the beginning. Make sure that your child applies for colleges while they are in high school so that they attend immediatley after high school. I recommed for students to visit as many campuses as they can. College is the funnest time you will ever have and the education you can recieve is the most useful tool you can ever posses. Learning is power, and the more you learn the more powerul you can be. There is a lot that a college degree can offer you, so take advantage of it.
Alex
The advice I would give students about finding the right college is to consider more than just academics. While the primary purpose for attending college is to learn and attain practical skills and knowledge necessary for a future career, students will be spending a significant amount of their time on the campus doing more than sitting in a classroom and studying. College is an experience, and potential college students should take into account the whole college environment when choosing the right one for themselves. The student population, quality of campus life, and recreational activities are just a few aspects of that environment that they should think about when making their decision.
As for making the most of the college experience, students should take advantage of the services, events, and activities offered. Colleges put on graduate school fairs and offer job advising, extracurricular activities, and sports. In addition to receiving mentoring and making connections with possible future employers, students can also make new friends, get involved on campus and in the surrounding community, and have fun. College is a young adult's first opportunity to experience freedom and take the first step towards growing into an independent, educated, well-rounded individual.
Bradquida
Attend/search a college that best fits the student personality. Since that is broad, finding the best is upon there academic and best programs that is known world-wide or locally. Some people are really confused if it is possible visit the campus for the feel of the envirnoment.
Chelsea
I believe that picking a school is one of the hardest decisions that a young person can make. Leaving home can be scary and intimidating. In order to find your niche, you must feel comfortable. You don't have to know what you want to do yet, but in the right enviornment with the right support where you feel at ease, the answer will sing to you from all directions. And then you know you've made the right choice. Make mistakes, experiment, work hard, and most importantly be open to new things. If you can find a school that makes you feel this way, you've found a winner.
Lauren
Go with your heart! Go to the school that supports your major, but also the school you fall in love with the second you see it.
Shermeinh
Find a school that has the best support system and interest for your needs. If you don't know what to do, find a school that provides oppurtunities to explore different feilds outside of the classroom. A school in a larger city also is great to explore for social and educational reasons. Don't be worried about not knowing people, especially if you live in a dorm, there are many ways to meet and befriend people. Most importantly, visit the schools you are interested in ans see which campus is the most comfortable for you, especially in terms of safety when you have late night classes.
trent
make sure you like the weather and think about a 2 year college