Christine
While reputation and facilities of a school are important to many people they should not be the deciding factors. Identifing a college that is the right place to grow as a person requires more than just a quick tour. The student should spend a Friday and Saturday on campus so that the student can attend classes in their desired major. The best time to get an idea of the student body is to attend a meal or two with a current student and ask them about the various groups of students they see in the dinning hall and how they feel about interacting with them both inside and outside of the classroom. It would also be a wise idea to speak to some of the professors to see if you like their prospective on both the academic and social lives of students and future direction of the school. If the prospective student has trouble communicating with the school about setting up a tour, financial aid, campus life, or campus security it is a likely sign that when an issue arises in the future it will take serious effort on the student's part to take care of the problem.
Christina
First, think about what you want to get out of college. Do you want to study abroad? Do you want live in a certain part of the country? Do you want to participate in a particular sport or activity? Do you learn better in small classrooms? Would you like to live off campus? Use everything that is important to you to make your decision and do not settle. With thousands of colleges in America, there is a place for you. Once you get to college, do everything you wanted to do! As long as you keep academics a priority, don?t be afraid to try new things and take risks. Make sure these are your decisions. Don?t let anyone tell you what you do during your college years.
Jessica
When you are looking for a college to go to, one of the most important things to consider is the size. Both small and large colleges have their advantages and disadvantages. Weigh these when you are making your decision. While large schools offer more diversity, smaller colleges can offer more one-on-one attention from professors. It is easier to take the time to figure out what you want before you decide on a college than it is to transfer later.
Carrie
I would tell parents and students to choose the school that calls out to them. The ivy league schools may be nice and all, but is it what you really want? You're told to follow your dreams, whatever they may be, and that should include choosing a school. Visit as many prospective schools as you can. Talk to teachers, students, faculty, anyone that can give you a view on the school you're thinking about attending. As for college experience, it is what you make of it. As much as you may think you don't have the time to go out and meet new people, do new things, you really do. Being adventerous and open-minded while keeping up with your studies is the best way to maximize your college experience!
Holly
Going to college is a wonderful experience and a decision that should be considered carefully. As a student, you will probably spend three to five years at the school you choose with other people who have made a similar decision. When considering schools, be certain to look at class sizes and listen to what current students have to say about the faculty members. Having professors who really care about your education can make a huge difference in your success as a student. Set guidelines about what you will and will not do before starting college. It is easy to thoughtlessly compromise your values unless you first make a conscious decision not to. For example, the consumption of alcohol is very common, and underage drinking is not dealt with harshly by school adminstrators. It is up to you to decide how much your education is worth to you. It has been said that one night of heavy drinking can impair the ability to think abstractly for up to 30 days, and yet numerous students choose to drink irresponsibly. Contemplate what you want out of your education, and realize that what you are willing to put into it is just as important.
Courtney
visit campus first
Esther
It's important to find the school that fits your needs. Some people like the idea of a large school and some like the idea of a small school. Check up on the college's history and academic standing. Look at the surrounding location of the school. Make time for social experiences but do not let them take priority over your academics. Keep in touch with your family while away at school, but do not go home every weekend. The longer you are there, the sooner you will adjust to the new environment.
Madison
Choose a college that has a diverse selection of majors just incase you decide to change your major while you are there.
Melody
To make the most of your college experience, you should always contact actual students attending the university because they might be more truthful than the faculty/staff. Another idea would be getting the school to let you stay for a weekend just to see if you would be comfortable with that environment. It's hard to figure a place out just by passing through it on foot or by car. If you can stay a weekend and you feel it's a good learning environment and you are comfortable, then try it. Durring the semester if you begin to feel uncomfortable you might want to stay off campus or transfer. Also, sitting in on some classes before you enroll to see how professors teach their course will help as well. I feel that a professor can either make you or break you. I learned that the hard way. Definitely find the college that you are most interested in and ask questions to students and find out important facts about the daily life and weekend life on campus.
Jerry
I recomend the parent and the student to veisit the school once or more, ask many questions, get a fell of the class rooms, the professor and the students