Kasie
Look at every school possible. I had my mind kind of set as to where I thought I wanted to go, and it turned out I was not even close. In fact, I was not even in the correct geographical region of the country! So, if there is a school that seems to hard, or too expensive, still give it a look because it probably is not as intimidating as it appears. If you work hard enough, you can go to school anywhere you want.
Samantha
I would like to give parents and students the same advice I wish someone would have given me and my family. To the parents, realize that college is the place your child will be for the next 4 years, and their major is one that they are stuck with for life. Let them choose. I know you want the best for your child, but they're old enough to make decisions for themselves now. To the students, don't take school too seriously. I know it's the most important thing in your life currently, but after these 4 years, you are going to want to be able to say you networked and made some meaningful relationships with people. If you feel overwhelmed with studying, take a day off and have some fun time. It will keep you from losing your mind. Good Luck and STUDY!
Cody
The main reason people go to college is to become a more skilled individual to get better jobs. When you look at universities and their alumni networks, compare them to that of Texas A&M. The Aggie ring is a relic and is one of the most powerful bands to be worn on anyones hand. I have friends who have had entire hotel bills covered while on a study abroad in Europe when and Old Ag saw her ring and talked to her. The Aggie Network is the largest of its kind and will connect you to anyone or any job you could ever want!
Samantha
Dare to dream. Don't limit yourself. If you have a dream school don't be afraid to go for it, even if it's out of your financial ability. There are tons of scholarships and grants available for you, you sometimes just have to be willing to take time to find them. Even if you have to take out loans don't worry, because in the end after you graduate and get the job you always wanted, you will see that it was all well worth it. While you're in school, get involved! Try something new! This time could be your only opportunity in life to do that certain something you've always been curious about or interested in. Step out of your comfort zone and meet new people, let experiences teach you to be well rounded and cultural. College only lasts a few years so take advantage of the time and all of the resources you are offered as a student. "When I grow up I want to be..." is not just a fantasy, it can become real!
Chris
Go with your gut. Visit colleges and talk to random people to see what they think. Look at rankings and job placements and how your specific major stacks up
Joanna
In regards to finding the right college, my advice would be to choose a school that has degrees related to your interests. Many people follow their high school friends, significant others, or allow their parents to determine what college they chose. Think about what you want to do, what interests you, and make the decision thats best for your future. To make the most of your college experience I advise to balance school and extracurriculars. Get involved in organizations, meet people, and don't forget to go to class. Moderation and Balance! Never let fun get in the way of school, and never let school ruin your fun! If you choose the right major, the people in your classes will become your friends because of your shared interests. School then becomes a lot of fun! Eventually the line between "play" and "school" becomes blurred, and class becomes another way to spend time with your friends. College is about growing and learning; be sure to allow yourself to grow and learn both intellectually and in life in general.
Kacey
Look for schools that offer programs that you're interested in and can make a career of. After you've narrowed those down, look at alumni networks, this is where your jobs are going to be. Alumni want to hire people from their alma maters. Look at what you'll be doing in your free time. Does this school have a lot of organizations to get involved in? Does it have atheltic events to attend? Once you've narrowed down your choices to a few schools, visit the campus and make your decision based on how welcome you feel there. You'll know when you get there. Once you start classes, get involved! You'll make a lot of friends and learn how to budget time between school and outside activities. Go to athletic events! You are filled with a sense of pride and you know that you're part of something so much bigger than yourself. It is absolutely incredible! Have fun, study, and enjoy your time in college. You'll never have this experience again so make the most of it!
Levi
Pick the college that will set you up for success. You want to surround yourself with the type of people that you want to be like. You also want a school that has a strong network of alumni. In this world everything is about relationships. You will learn as much in college as you want no matter where you go to school. The same thing can be said for relationships but some schools just have much greater oppurtunities than most. Don't let money be a factor. A college education is something that no one can take from you. You can pay on student loans forever if you have to. More important than where you go is what you do once you get there. Make the most of it.
Kjersten
1. Avoid the bandwaggon affect, go where you think you will fit in best as a person.
2. It will make it much more enjoyable if you align your personal views with the common views of the other students at the school
3. If you plan on taking 15 hours, sign up for 18 and after the first week drop the class that seems least likely for you to succeed in, no need suffering for a whole semester.
4. Find a professor each semester in a class you are enjoying and doing well in and take some time to get to know them, ask questions, and you could have an awesome reference when you are jobhunting.
5. Don't think that in college you will be any better at waking up for an 8 am class if it was already a struggle in high school
6. Join a group, being involved is the best way to meet people with similar likes and interests and to keep you busy.
7. Study abroad, there are so many different programs to choose from and the opportunity only comes once in a lifetime.
8. Study - overstudying is never a bad thing, ever.
Thais
Don't pressure your children into choosing what you think is best for them. Odds are they know better of what suits them in a college than you do. Oh, and don't buy meal plans. They're out to cheat you of your money, and your children won't go hungry without them, as there is plenty of food around campus for them to eat.