Melissa
There are several factors to look at when searching for a college, the first piece of advice to look at is class size. Class size determines the effectiveness of learning for some students. Professor's creditials are secondly also very important for their knowledge will be used to create intellect in your child. Also adequate involment with programs and activities to get involved with outside of school work can help broaden a persons mental acuity and help the student explore other avenues of interests. It's also vital to check out finanicial resources the school has to offer. Emergencies do arise and education then may be haulted if not enough funds were allocated in the beginning of the year. Most importantly checking degrees offered at particular university. It makes perfect sense when choosing a school to see if they even have your degree of interest.
Kimberly
Make sure that the student actually wants to attend the college. Some times parent are the ones who wants the student to attend a certain college. This can develop problems. Usually the student wants to transfer a year or so later. Sometimes credits do not transfer over; then the student has to make up for the credits lost.
Kayla
College is a huge deal. I have been to four different colleges and I finally decided that Texas Wesleyan is the best choice for me. Never let anyone decide for you because you will never be happy if you do, trust me! Parents I know that money can be an issue but there are so many loans and scholarships out there so your child can get the best education that they deserve. I strongly advise getting involved with campus life and living on campus because you make so many lifetime friends and have so many memories.
Colby
The need for college is a 'no-brainer'. Picking the right college is a tougher proposition. My advice regarding this would be to start early (in your sophomore or junior year of High School) by getting information from and about different colleges and talking to graduates who are already attending college. Find out what the colleges offer, what you can major in and what the general philosophy of the college is (conservative, liberal, smaller college or bigger university, small town or big city, etc.). Look for a college that fits your personality. A bit of investigative research about specific colleges will help you to find a short list of colleges that give you a positive feeling that you would fit in at the college. Once you have this short list, try to visit these colleges. Visits during the school year are good, but visits in the summer are also profitable. Information is a key to making a wise choice.
Once the college is chosen and you've graduated from high school there is only one way to succeed - hard work! Remember, your main goal is to get a good education and it is something you have to work at.