Christina
Students need to search themselves, what they stand for, what they like and dislike, and the type of person they are and want to become. A college is supposed to shape and frame you into a person of confidence and pride. A person who is willing to go through the fire and come out on the other side as beautiful glass--multifaceted and shining with self-esteem and the achievement of self-actualization. A student should look at a college and see how it functions, how they blend in or don't and if the necessary outlets are available for them to be their own person and still feel a strong sense of belonging. For parents, finding the right college should be based on the feeling that your child will learn how to be responsible and stand on their own feet. Upon graduation a parent should proudly and clearly see the transformation their child has undergone. Parents must know what lessons of life they want their child to be exposed to, and what they feel will best prepare them to be released in world. These things should be taken into consideration when choosing a place of education, inspiration, and growth.
Maria
Go with your gut. Lots of schools look good on paper and in theory, but unless you actually visit that school and have the feeling that you belong there, it's useless.
Dominic
The best advice I can give is to find a school that best suits your interests. Go and visit a number of schools from your list of potentials. Do a lot of research as well and ask people questions about the school, especially those in your major. Try to get all the financial aid and your means of paying for school organized and prepared beforehand. This was something I had trouble with at first as I was a bit unprepared. I would suggest going to the financial aid office of your school to make sure that everything is taken care of. Other than this, try to make the best of your college experience because college is a great time in one's life.
Jen
Picking a college is one of the most important decisions of a students' life. I'm from a suburban, middle-class area and moving to Philadelphia was the biggest step I've ever had to make. At first, I was scared and lost. I had never moved in my life and being in an unfamiliar place was uncomfortable. Because Philadelphia IS so different from my hometown, I was forced to grow up--a lot. Once I broke out of my comfort zone, I took notice of my boost in maturity. And, now I love the place I currently live in and will probably stay in Philadelphia after I graduate.
In order to find the right college and make the most out of the college experience as a whole, go outside of your comfort zone. Don't pick the safety school or a place that all of your friends are going to. Go where you think you'll grow most as a person. Making the leap will definitely benefit you in the end. Although it's scary at first, when it's over, you'll look back and be proud of yourself for the decision.
Fendia
The advice that I would give parents and/or students about finding the right college is make you list all the things that you want in a college, so you know what you are looking for. Do as much research on colleges to find the one that best fits your standards, as well as, your economic standards. This includes academic, extracurricular activities, college environment, and much more. Make sure you visit college because there is a lot of students that do not go to visit the college they want to attend, then end up transfering due to the fact that they realize that they do not like to college. I would also recommend look for scholarships, grants, work-study and any way that would get you money to pay for college. As for making the most of the college experience, I would say get involoved with college activities, such as clubs, volunteer programs , and many more.
Vin
I would reccomend that both the parents and future student go there and check it out to make sure it is somewhere you will want to spend the next four possibly five years of your growing life. It is an experience that is needed to be enjoyed in order to grow not only as a student but a person as well. GO WHERE YOU LOVE
Matthew
Go to college because you want to become better at what you like to do, don't just go because mommy and daddy are sending you or you feel obligated too. If you have no purpose in life than stay out of the way of the people that are really trying to accomplish something in this crazy world.
Donnaye
Research colleges that best fit your personality and your academic standards. College is great for meeting new people, and being able to explore different aspects of life. You'll be tempted to party or go against your parents rule but, never get too distracted where it effects your school work. Have fun and enjoy a great experience!
Molly
Know what environment you thrive in. If you do better in a more personalized setting, take that into consideration when a campus tour guide is showing off a big ten's brand new gym, while glossing over the fact that most classes are held in lecture halls. If you're drawn to a larger school's facilities, take the time to find out if professors make themselves available outside of class. Go see the campus. Don't pick a school from a brochure. This is all advice that you?ve likely heard a hundred times over, because it?s practical and true.
But there?s something else that students and parents should know. Sometimes, a student?s going to do all the research in the world, and not know until a few months into freshman year that a school is wrong for them. It happens, and it?s no one?s fault. It?s better to find this out early than two years into a program. A college degree is a huge financial investment. Don?t be so afraid to admit you?re unhappy that you wind up investing in a school that doesn?t invest in you.
Christine
It's a very personal decision. You can always change your mind, but you are better off if you don't have too.
Montez
Make sure that the school is suitable to your interests and offers your major!
Justin
Make sure you know exactly how much college will cost you. Check out the total learning experience and quality of the faculty before you commit to going to a particular school.
Tomara
I would tell the students not to worry about choosing a major early on and to just find something the student is passionate about and develop your college choices based upon that. While finances are important, DO NOT base your enrollment at a particular school strictly upon this. Embrace your choice and get involved, the more people and relationships the student develops, the better the experience. This will also increase post-graduate networking opportunities.
Emily
Make sure that you like the people and the food. If you are uncomforatble with the people you see and meet you probaly wont like the school. .and you'll be eatting the food for 4 years. also make sure they have the major you might want to take. If they dont but have something similar, you probably won't be happy in the end.
Julianne
Study. Make friends. Be yourself. Everything else is irrelevant. College is a lot more intense than most people expect it to be and it's vital to stay organize and on top of school material. But on the other hand, it is also essential to make good friends. Even if you're not comfortable in new situations or putting yourself out there, just do it. Making thebest friend I have now has been one of the most important events of my life, and it wouldn't have happened if I had been holed up in a dorm or walking around by myself, as I had previously done. Finally, be yourself in college. That speaks for itself. You're in a new environment with new people who have no previous expectations of you. What's the worst that could happen, they don't like you? So what! They weren't worth your time anyway.
Miesha
My Advice to students that are trying to pick the right college is to pick the right college for them. Research universities that appeal to crucial aspects of your personality. Try not to attend a school solely based on the school's reputation or based on your parents preference. You have to spend four years of your life there. And for the parents, when looking into colleges know your child. Help them to pick a school that will suit their personal needs best. There's nothing worse than getting into a school and being uncomfortable or stressed.
Alyssa
Finding the right college can often seem like a guessing game, but the most important thing to remember is to be true to yourself. You have to choose the place where you feel the most comfortable, the place that you feel you can make your home for all the time that you will be there. The rest of it will follow. As long as you are happy with your surroundings and with yourself, you can be successful in all aspects of your life.
It is also very important to take advantage of all that your chosen school has to offer. Every college and university will have tons of groups and activities and events for you to join and participate in. Do it! Get involved! Enjoy yourself! This time of your life is all about expanding yourself and the best way to do that is to get out there and try something new. I can promise you that you won't regret it.
Patricia
My advice to parents and students is college is an exciting, new, and educational chapter in students' lives. It is an important decision that should not be rushed, but considered with care. The key to choosing the best college is to consider your personality, academic goals, and hobbies because college should be fun as well as educational. Secondly, cost and distance should be considered. In addition, it is very important to visit the college you are interested in attending. Once you are at the college, take a good look around at the environment and the classrooms, speak with professors and fellow students. By doing this, you can get an idea of what it would be like to live there and be educated there. Check out the different organizations offered there and ask yourself if this college will give you the ultimate college experience for the next four years.
Kammini
I would suggest to the students to go and visit the campus before they decide on which college they will attend and also to take in consideration how their own personal interests are addressed at the school of their choice. To make the best of your college experience you should really try to get as involved as possible and to go out and meet new people. To the parents, I suggest that you take an interest but don't let your own opinions become your child's, they have to make this decision by themselves. And lastly to both parties, if finanically a school is out of your range you should still apply because if you want something bad enough things will work out in the end, you shouldn't let the fear of not being able to pay for a certain school stop you from applying because you never know what could happen.
Maggie
To find the most out of your college experience you really need to rely on yourself. This is the time of your life to findout who you are and to be selfish. You ultimately need to do what is right for you, regardless of what your parents, friends, or teachers say. Folling your heart is the path to discovery and in discovring who you are you will find out what you love to do. Once you've figured it out, do it. Do what you love! Make friends, be invloved, and get good grades so that you can get th perfect internship to your dream job. But have fun too, all work and no fun is not good for your mental health. College is a time to learn and grow. So have fun while doing so!