Alexandra
Choose a college that fits you, with the major it offers, the type of community it provides, the activities it offers, and the people you will be around. Ask yourself: do I want to play intramural sports? Do I want to stay at home or go away? What career would I like to have? What special programs does the university offer? What about the university is unique? Do you want a community that is faith based, community service based, career/major based, sport based, club based, or leisure/recreation based? Do you want a school with fraternities or sororities? Research the school, outside the information the school's website provides, and don't choose a school based on only one criteria. Remember, choose a school that will make you happy, because it is only when you have a positive and satisfied state of mind that you have the opportunity to become truly successful.
Ryan
In order to find a right college a student must know at least the field of his interest such as Engineering, Science, Art and so on even if a students couldn't name the exact major yet. As soon as a student knows his (or her) field he can narrow down his searches. He must also decide how far he wants to be away from home; choose where he wants to live while going to the school. It is very important to choose the right step at the beginning.
Aleks
I recommend living on or close to campus. I think I missed out on a lot being a commuter student.
Sandy
The advice I would give is to find a school that one would feel comfortable in. Students need a comfortable environment where they would feel accepted and study with ease. Attending the best college doesn't mean the student would get the best education. Most colleges have the same-rate teachers; the students and priorities the college sets up is what makes the college stand out. To make the most of the college experience, students should be active in school activities. However, having friends and doing good in classes can create a memorable experience too.
sonia
I would advise students and parents to check out the colleges that they have in mind. They should see the campus and how the environment of the schools are. Parents and students should look into the academic statistics of the schools too. Some schools are better fit for students that are planning to be in certain majors. For example San Jose State University is great for students who are majoring in business because it is in the heart of the Sillicon Valley. Other than those main aspects of colleges, I would suggest for the student to stay in the campus' area for atleast a weekend before making such a huge commitment to the school. It is really important for the student to be comfortable and happy in the school that they attend.
jeff
Do not rush, take the time to examine what you might want to study before making a decision on a university. Ifyou still don't know when August runs around, look at other factors such as finances, your experience when visiting the campus (you must make campus visits!) and what extracurriculars you might want to be involved in. That being said, get as much financial aid and scholarship money as possible, the less you have to work the more you can focus on the total college experience instead of making rent or that next tuition payment. While you're there, make the most of it, study subjects you have an interest in instead of something you might be completly dispassionate about but are doing for the money. As a final aside, become involved. Join clubs, make friends, and take part in any and all organizations you might find enriching. You only go through this once, get everything you can out it.
Katelyn
Look very carefully into all of the requirements for the school - what do they accept from other colleges, will they give you a list of exactly what you need to take to graduate, etc. And look around the campus to make sure it will meet all your needs - is there adequate parking, is the parking near the classes, are there lights for after night classes, etc.
Terri
The main purpose of attending college is to gain more knowledge through higher learning, but college is not just about academics. A college student must feel comfortable around his or her environment in order for that student to concentrate on his or her studies and complete college. When choosing a college, a student must consider the academic programs that are available, housing, and extracurricular activities. Select a college that best fits your lifestyle. To make the most of college, students should get to know their professors and classmates and seek their advice. You need all the help you can get.
Deian
Talk to students from the colleges
Saleem
Dont limit yourself to a school that simply had a good program. Look for a school with social diversity.