Carly
Finding the right college is such an intense, overwhelming process. There are so many factors that go into one's decision like academics, price, social life, location, etc. The only way to choose properly is to go with one's gut feeling. In my experience, I felt that it was easier to sort out the colleges I didn't like right away. It sounds cliche, but when you know, you know. When everything excites you, when you feel like you can become one with the student population, when the scenery itself invokes something in your soul, you know you have found the ideal place to learn for the next few years.
After selecting your school, the next step is making the most of your experience there. You should never be afraid to try new things, but in fact, embrace the unfamiliar. See the speakers, go to the shows, buy tickets for games, immerse yourself in the college culture. Never feel like you have to become something you're not to fit in, because odds are, you will be very unhappy. Instead, if you are true to yourself, you will find others with similar interests, and throroughly enjoy college life.
Kiana
Parents and students should start looking into various colleges as of right now. It is never to early to seek out what different colleges and or universities has to offer. Students should also check out the admission office, the dormitory/appartments, and the corrucilum provided for their courses. Parents should make sure the school has many resources provided to their child for the long run. Students should have a set of questions prepared for the admission office to make sure that they are going to be satisfied with the different programs.
Soon-Young
There are many factors to consider in choosing the right college. I was accepted to every college that I applied to, and this college I am attending right now was my safety school. After considering every aspect of college life, academics, finance, and future, my parents and I decided this would be the best school for me. My whole life could be different if I had attended a different school, but I do not regret any decisions that I have made. College is basically what you make out of it. If you choose a school and attend with a positive attitude, you will have fun. Social life and alcohol should not be a concern because it is up to the student to be responsible and make the right choices. As long as you manage your time well, you can have fun and be successful in college.
Katie
It's not all about where you go. It's more what you do when you get there.
Rebecca
I would suggest that they follow their heart. When I first walked onto the campus of Syracuse University, I knew this was the place for me. When you find the right place, you'll know it. If it is at all physically/financially/emotionally possible for you to go to the place that is your absolute first choice, then you should because you will be living there for the next four or more years. Parents, work with your children to ensure that the place they pick is a place that you can live with. Make sure that your child knows the boundaries of their possibilities, whether it be financial or geographical. You wouldn't want them to get their heart set on a place that was not within their grasp. Remember to stay involved, because, honestly, this is a big decision and your child probably is pretending to know all about it but is actually at ground zero. As long as choosing the right college is a collaborative process, it will be rewarding. Most importantly, remember that there is a place for everyone. You will get in somewhere.
Dorothy
To all parents and students searching for the perfect school, I would definitely say to make sure to keep an open mind about all schools visited, and make sure it is 100{4a082faed443b016e84c6ea63012b481c58f64867aa2dc62fff66e22ad7dff6c} the student's choice on deciding where to go . Do not be pressured by anyone's decision but your own. Make sure not to just consider the majors offered, but also the extra curricular activities, whether you're interested in Greek life, going abroad, or volunteering in a community. When visitinig a college or university it is often a good idea to arrange a meeting with a professor in a major that interests you. Thouroughly look into the curriculum, and what classes goes along with the major, as well as oppurtities provided, such as field placement or volunteering programs to apply the skills you have learned. Attending college has been one of the most rewearding and memorbale experiences of my life. Be sure to value every moment, and make the most of every opportunity and assignment given, because it will be truly beneficial at the end of your academic career. To all who are applying, I would like to say good luck, and please choose with your heart.
Kathleen
Go somewhere that has a lot of options - academically and socially. Take a chance and leave your comfort zone; if not now, then when? You can grow so much in these four years and limiting yourself is limiting your ability to grow into who you're meant to be. You might change your mind about the things you think you want academically and socially, so go somewhere that will allow for those shifts. I can't imagine the person I'd be today if I hadn't taken advantage of my college experience. Give yourself the opportunity to grow as an individual while pursuing an inspiring education and college experience.
Hari
Talk to as many people as you can at the school, get a good feel for it to know if it really is for you. If you are someone who is normally introspective but want to still make a lot of friends, go to a school that provides opportunities to do so (school with greek life etc.), if you are naturally extraverted, greek life may not be so important. Make sure your school also offers strong career placements at high income levels with good firms. College is an investment, make sure you will be walking out with more than just a piece of paper after graduation, but instead a wealth of amazing memories and a successful future to look foreward to.
Jeffrey
The college experience is supposed to be the most fun in your life so it is very important that you pick a school where you get an good education while also having the chance to have a great time. However, this is a very hard decision. Students should definitely visit schools and try to get information from friends who attend the school on how it is like and if it would be a right fit for that person. The person already in the school can probably tell you best about the school. You don't want to be stuck in a situation where you are getting a good education but having no fun at all. Do you not pick a college just because of it's name but because you can see yourself fitting in there and having a great time. My mistake was I did not do much research on the school I attend. I am receiving a good education but as far as me having a great time, that is not the case. I am having an ok time but for the price I am paying at this school, I should be having a great time.
Gretchen
Visit, Visit, Visit! You can really get a feeling ( good or bad) as soon as you step onto campus whether or not it is the right place for you. Talk to students ( who are not part of the school tour), they will give you the honest and truthful opinion about the school, pros and cons. Choose a school that offers a variety of Majors/Minors; not only can you take classes in many interesting subjects outside of your own major, but it also gives you the opportunity to change your major if you decide you want to switch career paths. It also will attract a wide and diverse study body. Make sure the school has banks, stores, airports, dunkin donuts, etc. in a close proximity, they will come in very handy. Choose a school with a big athletic program. Attending football, basketball, etc., games and cheering on your school is not only old fashioned fun, but the school spirit will create a great bond with your school. Most of all...Cherish every moment!...it will be ( hands down) the best 4 years of your life.!