Elizabeth
Don't be afraid. Fear is the biggest anchor weighing you down. To parents- dont MAKE your child go to the school you went to, let them choose. To students- listen to your parents, they are wiser then give them credit for. As for the college experience; it is what you make it. A school is only a 'party school' if you party. A school is only an 'academic school' if you study. Work hard and don't throw that time away, after all you paid for it so you might as well get your monies worth. Don't be afraid. Live. Try new things, meet new people.
Dorissa
Visit the campus first, be open minded and set your priorities in the right order.
Christina
College is a big step up from High School, so I'd recommend really researching the college before you apply anywhere. By research, I mean actually asking for brochures from the college, going to the college websites, going to see the college in person, etc. Personally I actually prefer going to the colleges that you have in mind is always the best way to go to figure out which college you like. Also, I figure once you have actually seen the college with your own eyes and saw the faculty and staff on campus, it will narrow your decisions down of which colleges to choose from. Yes, choosing a good college for yourself or your child is somewhat difficult, because there are so many things you have to keep in mind when choosing a college; but in the end it will be worth it, because YOU make your college experience happen, not the college itself.
Chelsi
Be sure and weigh out your options. Do not automatically go with your first acceptance, unless you are one hundred percent sure that this is where you want to be. If extra-curricular activities are important, research these and how important they are on campus. Enjoy your college experience. Have fun, but keep your head focused. Everyone deserves a break from studying and school, so be sure and allow yourself to do so!
Erin
Parents, I know its hard, but let your students have most of the say in what school they want to attend. Your student is after all the one who will be living there and attending classes. Students, after you narrow down your college choices make sure you visit all the campuses and ask questions while your there. Maybe sit in on a class or just ask someone passing by on campus what they think about the university.
As far as making the most of your college experience remeber students that you are attend college to get a job so make sue you keep your grades up! But on the other hand dont be all work and no play college is supposed to be some of the "best years of your life" so make friends have fun and get invoved in activities that intrest you. Rember as you have the time of your life at college your parents probably miss you so drop them a line every so often.
Kristen
I would say to the students to get really involved in as many extra activities as they can. Staying busy keeps you out of trouble and that goes for any college. To the parents I would say let your children make their own mistakes; do not make them go to a university just because you like it.
Teresa
This is probibly the first time I've been asked to give advice, usually I'm asking for it. One of the main criteria when looking for the right school is, beleive it or not, the city it's in. If you love the university but hate the city, it's a conflict of interest and it will be hard to be loyal and grateful to a school in a surrounding area you don't care for. Another factor is size, too small and it may not feel like college, too big and you may get swallowed into the system. Everyone is different but keep in mind that this is still school, you are going to college to learn, so do your research! look up their academic ranking, visit it, check into how hard it is to get into, these will all give a good idea as to what standard they hold their students to, and therefore what kind of academics they provide.
Daielle
First of all, both parent(s) and student should visit the college campus multiple times. That way, you can get the true feeling of the everyday "flow" on campus. IF the student has a friend that attends the university, stay a weekend with them. That way the student can get the feel of college life from a student's perspective. Lastly, create a pros and cons list of the top three universities that were visited. This helps narrow down which school fits your wants and needs best. Parents need to keep in mind that this is their child's first chance to be an adult.
shelby
well just come visit im 100{4a082faed443b016e84c6ea63012b481c58f64867aa2dc62fff66e22ad7dff6c} confident that u will fall in love with san marcos and texas state university!
Megan
Find a place where you know you can find both a quiet place to study and a group of friends that will never let you feel lonely. You need to know where you are going is a safe place for you. Make sure you have the option of joining a club your first year so you are involved in the school somehow. Don't ever doubt a place unless you've visited. If you feel like you've found the right place, go with your gut feeling. Don't be afraid of going against what your parents taught you. Live your life to it's full potential. To reach your full potential, you must reach your goals and achieve your dreams. If your dream is to get a tattoo, then so be it. You will remember that night forever. Making the most of your college experience is being able to look back and love what you did.
Justine
I would advise to thoroughly research the college they plan to attend. If possible, it would be helpful to visit the campus. It is important to know the student teacher ratio, cost to attend, financial aid opportunities, and extracurricular activites. I would encourage the student to become involved in order to take advantage of the college experience. Get to know your teachers and teacher assistants well since they determine your final grade. Attend review sessions and office hours. Volunteer and give back to the community too.
Kristina
Choose the college that feels right for you. You can turn any college into the college that you want it to be, but if the environment is not right and if the campus does not offer the services you need/want, you may not be that happy with your selection. It's a gut feeling that you get when you walk onto a campus- if you feel like you belong there, you probably do. Any school can lead to great oppurtunities and any school can be turned into a party school; it is up to the student to decide what their college experience will be like. Get involved with clubs/sports/organizations, or something on campus; it's a great way to meet people. Live on campus for at least one year, it's a once in a lifetime experience and you can make friends and memories that last forever. Get to know people that share your major, it's a good way to get study buddies and it's nice to see a friendly face in class. And more than anything, don't take the experience for granted; enjoy every moment of it .
Kelsea
Figure out what you want to study and choose the school that is best for that.
Kristyn
Lots of research. Somewhere that the student will enjoy, challenge them academically and also be financiably reasonable for both the parent and the student.
Alex
Be sure to look around at a lot of colleges so that you have choices in making your dicisions.
JAMES
FOR STUDENTS TO FOLLOW THEIR HEART AND TO ALWAYS GO WHERE THEY FEEL MOST COMFORTABLE AWAY FROM HOME... ALSO LIMIT THE LAZINESS AND PARTYING BECAUSE IT WILL JUST PUT YOU BEHIND. TO PARENTS: HELP YOUR CHILDREN OUT AS MUCH AS POSSIBLE, BUT ALLOW THEM TO STUDY AND MAJOR IN THE AREA THEY FEEL THEY WILL EXCEL AT IN THE FUTURE.
Holly
College is the time of your life and it an important step in becoming an adult. Choosing the right college is of course a crucial part of that. Take time to think of what would make you most happy and have fun.
Amber
Visit a campus first and pick the campus that best suits your personality and onet hat also offers the major you'd like to persue.
Samantha
I'd say look for what you want to do out in the real world first and see what kind of programs ar offered that can get you there. Once you have done that then you need to go and check out the college and make sure that it is a right fit for you. Check out how big it is how many people are in classes that you are interested in, the location. Then once you start at the college of yoru choce make the most out of it and don't hold back. Do what you want to do get done what you need to get done and have fun doing it.
Taryn
Before you decide what college or university you want to attend, you need to look at your purpose as to why you are going to futher your education. Think about what you want to major in and if the school offers a degree in the field you desire. If you are unsure of your major, look into a school that offers a wide range of majors for when you decide on one in particular, it is most likely offered. On a less difficult decision, think about your social life. Consider the questions: Would I want to be in a fraternity or sorrority? What kind of organizations would I want to be involved in? Do I want to be in any organizations at all? After discovering more about what you want in your college experience, research colleges and universities that offer what suits you. Narrow your choices around five schools and schedule a visit and tour each campus to get acquainted. Usually after a visit, you can just feel which college or university you belong to. From there is when you know you will have the greatest college experience because you really sought out to find which is best for you.