ANNA
Concentrate on what you would like to do without changing your major. Get the most for your money.
Emerald
Always go to the college and stay a weekend without your parents, and get a chance to engage in a student activitie. Actually look into the school you are going to and research everything about it not just the partying aspects.
Brentsen
Start early, because it'll come fastest than you think
Courtney
Always believe in yourself-getting rejected from a college is not the end of the world. Pick a school because its something that appeals to you personally, don't pick one because all your friends are going there. During college, remember that it is going to be a big change, but that your family will always be there to support you. It is not an easy 4 years, and you do a lot of growing. It may seem like its unbearable at times, but I guarentee that in the end it will all be worth it, and most likely the new graduate will wish they were still in college. Some of the best and hardest years.
Casey
Choose wisely based on the degree you intend to obtain. If you don't know what you want to major in, choose a school that gives you many options of various majors. Do not choose a school based on where a friend or significant other is going. If you choose the wrong school for you, it's not that big of a deal. You can always transfer.
Amelia
Dear Prospective College Students,
Do some extensive research on the colleges you are considering. Don't just base your choice on what all your friends are choosing. Their college might not be the best one for you. First of all, make sure that the college offers your choice of major. Secondly, be sure you are able to afford the tuition. For some, it is better to first go to a community college the first two years to save up some money and make a slow transition into college life.
Once you get to a university, it'll be a whole new world. Don't be timid to make new friends, especially with others in your major. The best way to make acquantances is to join clubs and organizations. These memberships will also look great on a resume. It is also never too early to start planning out your career path. Know what courses are required and talk to your advisor yearly to make sure you are staying on track. Missing a few classes can set your graduation back a year of two.
Remember to make friends and have some stress-relieving fun but not so much that your grades suffer.
Kandice
The advice I will give for students is to start applying for colleges and financial aid for the colleges of their choice early, no later than the beginning of their junior year. The students and parents should also take campus visits and check out the student to teacher ratio for classes, housing, campus security, and availability of classes for the major of your choice . If it is of interest to the person that is applying, check out the ethnic makeup of the school.
Caitlin
When looking for a school that will fit you and your needs, take the time to look at as many options as you can. There are so many different schools that offer a wide variety of opportunities. It is important to find a school where you will, as a student, feel comfortable in growing and learning. Parents should offer guidance to students by helping them look at all aspects of the school, including academic records, extra-curricular activities and the interaction between students and staff. Once you get to the school, try and get involved in one or two groups that sound interesting. This is a great way to meet students your own age and older. Keep an open mind when you get to the school, try new things, and learn to balance your social life with your studies. It will not be the easiest experience of your life, but with effort, it can be one of the most rewarding.
Jennifer
Work hard and take every advantage to be academically involved: do summer research, either throught your school or NSF funded programs, study abroad, join professional orginizations, play intramural sports, go to conferences in our field of study, and have fun.
Danh
Research! You need to research. If you know where you are going and have a plan, you have a better chance at succeding in college. But if you just enter it blindly and take a leap of faith, you're bound to fall off a cliff.
K
Take it slow and don't rush to finish.
Matt
I would tell them that they not only need to find a school with good academics and, but one that has an atmosphere where the student will feel comfortable studying, making friends, and possibly getting involved on or around campus.
Ade
Pick a school that is known for the major you are interested in.
Daniel
First, chose a college that is best suitable for you academically and financially as well as socially. College is not only for studying. It is important, but there are much more life to experience and thats why you must chose a college that is overall balanced in all areas.
Matthew
Make sure that when you are looking at prospective schools that you talk it over with your child and make sure you know what type of school he/she wants to attend. Upon entering college as freshman the best advice I can give is to get out there and get involved. My personal opinion is that the more clubs or groups a student joins or tries out, then he/she will have a wonderful experience at any college they choose to attend.
jill
Start early and don't give up. As someone who has definitly taken the scenic route, I have discovered it to be most important to keep working towards the eventual goal of obtaining a degree. I would let them know to keep sending out applications for scolorships and financial aid, it may be hard to find but it is out there. I would tell them to RELAX....it is all going to be fine in the end. If you have to take a class over, it is not the end of the world. Finally, I would want them to make as many friends as possible and to learn as much as they are able about other people and cultures. Tolerance is needed in todays world and one of the best ways to find it is through other people.
Robinson
Go with your friends. It's not really worth going to school alone, most friends you make will only be for a semester unless you join some kind of club. Keep an eye out on finance, it might look kind of cheap at first, but it gets more expensive as you take higher level classes. Also, check if what you want to major in is available at the school and what the requirements are. There may be a time where you need to transfer for some reason. You would need to check if the other school accepts those courses you have taken.
Todd
The advice I would give to parents would be to listen to your children and keep their best interests in mind as you work together and pursue a secondary education. Every child has special talents and skills that deserve to be maxmized at the university that best fits their goals and dreams. Know your childs talents and skills. For students the advice I would give is to do your homework early as you seek the right higher institution for learning, visit prospective campuses, engage the faculty, seek out alumni, ask questions, and think hard. College is one of the most important decisions of your life and you want to get it right.