Jessica
The college experience is scary, fun, and most of all rollercoaster-like exciting. When searching for the right college for your child, or for yourself, there is no PERFECT way. You just have to look for a college that you believe will be a good transition from high school and, also, a place where you can actually expand your education, not just waste your time. College is a huge difference from high school. Many college freshmen go in seeing the bright side of college, getting to choose your classes and when you want to go, having the ability to choose whether you go to class everyday, and many other freedoms. However, that's the reason that many also end up failing many classes, losing scholarships, and losing a year, academically. College can be very fun, but it is also a big responsibility. You have to make your mind up that your education comes first. It's only 4 years or so of your life. You can have the rest of your life to do whatever you want. These four years determine what you're going to be doing for the rest of your life so make them count.
Caitlin
Go with a college that after you have visited and heard the pros and cons about, that sticks out to you as one that would suite you academically. if youare going to college to party then you are going to waiste your money. Choose one that will help you succeed academically and that you are comfortable with. Also if you are like me, then you will want one that is far enough away from home that you can escape but also close enough that you can be home soon if there is an emergency.
Matt
College molds the personalities and ideals that shape every individual future. Make informed decisions.
George
Go to many schools. Don't just got to the one that you see first; look around; take it in. There is so much out there and you will miss much of it if you go to the wrong school.
Carrie
My personal college decision was laughably based mostly off choosing an aesthically pleasing campus with a sense of heartfelt community and friendship among students trailing closely behind, with of course tuition costs, good academic and professor reputation thrown in there as well... After making the decision to attend TN Tech based mostly off looks and tuition price, I quickly came to have a love affair with this wonderful campus that has only grown stronger after a year and a half. I tell everyone about my school and the experiences and opportunities overflowing out of this place. I am a tour guide here and the advice I always give students and parents, is first off, never choose a college based solely off your friends, choose knowing that there are thousands of new things and people to experience, also look at tuition as an important factor, as money can cause huge stress issues, and lastly make the most of your short time in college and LIVE ON YOUR OWN! College is all about new and exciting things, so don't fight it. Choose to get INVOLVED, every school has the opportunities and it makes for some amazing memories and adventures worth remembering!
Josh
Choosing the right college or university is one of the most important decisions a person can make. The right college can set one up for a great career for the rest of their life. The advice I would have to give, based on my own experience, would have to be the following: Start early. When you reach you, or your son or daughter reach their Junior year in highschool, it is time to start looking. Take your time as well. There is no need to rush into making a decision about a school. Talk with several schools you may be interested in and set aside some days to go and visit them.
Of course once you are in college, make the best of it. No one is making you attend college. You are there to learn a skill or set of skills that earn you a career for the rest of your life so don't waste this opportunity! Join clubs, volunteer, pledge for a fraternity/sorority. You will meet so many new people and make friends for a lifetime and it will enrich your college experience so that years later you can look back without regret.
Michael
Make sure that you have a strong interest in the field of study you choose. If you enjoy what you do in class, you will never have to "work" a day in your life. Also, it will not be much of a problem to apply yourself and become one of the best in your field of study. In my experience, it has been my overall morale and well-being emotionally that has governed how well I have done in my classes. If you don't believe in what you're learning and if you don't believe in yourself it will be much harder to succeed. A good way to keep your morale up is to make lots of friends and go out to eat or just get together to take a break from class. The dorms were a great way to make friends but make sure they don't have doors that automatically close or too many keycard controlled hallways. That way it's easy to just walk by someone's open door and say hello. Use your judgement to find the right balance between things to do in town and on campus. Enjoy college, enjoy life!
Jeff
Choose a college that focuses on your major because you will find that you can recieve help from and relate to more students. Also choose a school that has a variety of activities available on and off campus that fit your lifestyle.
Deanna
Choosing a college is a very important step, not only for the student but also the parents. It is important for students to include their parents on the college search, and equally important for the parent to allow their child to make the ultimate decision. The most important things to consider is location, cost, and degrees offered. Do your research on the internet, you will be surprised how much information is given on the university's websites. Once you narrow it down to a few universities schedule campus visits. You will be able to tour the schools and learn about the programs you are interested in. If you have a friend or family member that currently attends the university stay with them for a few days to experience the entire enviroment. Once arriving to school in the fall join a campus organization. This will help you find a place of belonging on a big campus and keep you involved in activities so that you do not sit around and miss home. Keep a good balance of play and work and it will be the best time of your life.