Patrick
Let the student make their own choices. I am sure that parents have the ideal choice for their children, but inevitably it is the student's choice on what they want to do with their lives.
Kristy
Make sure you visit the campus, attend a class, eat in their cafeteria and attend any extracurricular activity possible.
TENISHA
THE NUMBER ONE GOAL IS FOR A PARENT TO FIRST TALK TO THEIR CHILD AND SEE IF COLLEGE IS THE BEST OPTION FOR THEM. SOME PARENTS DON'T GET INVOLVED IN THEIR CHILDRENS DECISION TO FURTHER THEIR EDUCATION AND THAT IS SOMETIMES WHAT MAKES THE ADJUSTING STAGE FROM HIGH SCHOOL TO COLLEGE HARD FOR SOME STUDENTS. I DIDN'T HAVE THE COLLEGE TALK WITH MY MOTHER WHICH WAS VERY MUCH NEEDED BEING THAT I AM THE FIRST IN MY FAMILY TO EVER COME THIS FAR IN LIFE BY ATTENDING COLLEGE AND GRADUATING SOON. A PARENT SHOULD ALSO BE A HELPING HAND IN THE DECISION MAKING PROCESS WHEN IT IS TIME TO SELECT A COLLEGE, ESPECIALLY WITH THE FINANCIAL ASPECT OF IT ALL. PAYING FOR COLLEGE IN THIS ECONOMY IS NOT EASY AND MANY STUDENTS MAY ATTEND A SCHOOL WHICH IN THE LONG RUN THEY CAN NOT AFFORD AND THIS LEAVE MANY STUDENTS AT A DISADVANTAGE.
PICKING THE RIGHT COLLEGE SHOULD BE SOMETHING THAT MAKES THE STUDENT HAPPY, NOT EVERYTHING IN LIFE CAN BE TO MAKE YOUR PARENTS HAPPY. SOME THINGS JUST HAVE TO BE DONE TO HELP THE STUDENT PROGRESS AND THAT MAY MEAN A SCHOOL YOU BOTH DONT AGREE
Julie
I would tell them to decide what elements of a college are extremely important to making your decision, and what aren't. If the religious/political atmosphere of a college is important, make sure you find a school that matches you on those elements. Other important things to considers are class size, location, majors/minors offered, and things like that. The fact that a school is prestigious or well-known does not necessarily make it the best college for you. Know what you want- and, just as importantly, what you don't want- and try and find the best match for you.
As for making the most of the college experience, it is important to be open to new things and to consider all options. Being involved in extracurriculars is a great way to not only meet people on campus (which will enrich your college experience), but to relax and enjoy aspects of the campus other than the academics. However, don't feel pressured to join an organization you have no real interest in. Also, explore the area around your college. Cultivating local knowledge will help your college campus feel more like home, and provide great opportunities for new experiences.
Aliya
When looking for the right college, keep in mind exactly what you wish to receive from advancing your education. After you have narrowed down your list based on the common factors, like proximity, size and financial aid, make it a point to visit your top picks. When you do visit, picture yourself standing on that campus, and if you do not get the feeling that this place is like home, or close to a place you can call home, do not consider it as much as another campus that gives you that strong vibe. Make sure the college you wish to attend has all the facilities you will need to be satisfied, or as many as possible: be picky, because this decision is a very important and weighty one. Of course, if you are not pleased you can transfer to another school, but why not spend the time initially and make a really great choice? Be sure to make the most of your college experience by using all your time wisely! Take advantage of all that your college has to offer and do not be afraid to ask for anything.
Andrea
When choosing a school, pick a school that correlates with the way you learn. If you work best in a small class room environment, pick a school with a small classroom environment and not a lecture hall.
Decide whether you'd be most comfortable at a small college or a big university. It's perfectly okay to go into college un-decided but do browse what degrees the college offers and what you might be interested in, otherwise you mind end up changing.
Visit a college/university several times before deciding on it and try to get to know some of the faculty. Go on campus tours and get to know the campus well. It'll help when starting school.
Erika
When searching for the right college, parents should visit several different schools with their child and talk to staff/faculty and find out different information about each school. They should keep a list of the pros and cons about each school so that when it comes time for their child to choose the college they will attend, they will have a guide to refer to.
To help the student make most of their college experience, parents should give their child space to experience and learn on their own and with their own friends. Also, parents need to trust that their child can make the right decisions, but don't just leave them to do everything on their own. Students should study hard, and keep a goal in mind so that they can stay focused in school. Another helpful tip for students is to get involved in every possible program that they can. Have fun and work hard; if the student does this then they will have a great college experience.
kathy
Think about the college tuition and if the school has the major your intrested in. Visit the campus look at the class rooms see if you see yourself going to the college.
Christina
There are alot of things I wish I knew before going to college last fall. Some advice I would give parents/and or students about finding the right college and making the most of the college experience is by being as true to yourself as you can. Alot of people tend to choose a school that their parent's want them to go to, and or their friends. It is best to choose the school that YOU feel most comfortable at, and know that you can learn in that particular environment. Also, when you go to college it is smart to get involved. Whether it is a small campus, or large one, becoming apart of school activities makes you apart of a community. I guarentee the best college experience if you just be yourself, and join clubs or other organizations that involve activities you like. College does not just have to be about academics, it is also about finding yourself.