Megan
The best advise I would give to parents and students trying to figure our what school to invest their time and money into would be to visit the campus and go to a meet the school day that alot of campus' offer for prospective students. A visit to the campus you plan to attend means you get a chance to see the school while classes are going on and see what the students do inbetween classes and the facilities. If you enjoy sports and athletics go to the gyms and check out the equipment and activities available. For the academics look at the labs and the classrooms and check into their research or honors programs to advance your academic career. There is something for everyone on a college campus, a visit also allows you to get a feel for the campus and if you don't like the vibes your getting maybe it isn't the campus for you, and that's fine, sometimes it takes a few visits to different schools before you find the one that fits you.
jill
When it is right, it is right. There is nothing wrong with taking the scenic route.
Krystle
I would advise students to really look at the opportunities that may be presented at each college. Some colleges may seem great, but might not have many good opportunites. And parents should help their students' choose a school, but should remember that the decision is up to the student. They shouldn't interfere and make the student choose a college that the student doesn't want to attend.
Tram
To make the most of the college experience, research the school you are interested in. Know everything there is to know about that school like where the advisors are and which one is the most helpful to talk to. Take a walk around campus to get a feeling about the atmosphere there and talk to some of the students already enrolled there that is in the same major as you. Join all the clubs and organizations as you can, because that is the best way to increase your networking. In the end, the college experience is about networking, who you know and who knows you.
Erica
My advice is first visiting the college and if you have a good feeling about it then that should be your best bet at your success there. I would definetly get involved if you can because you really can make your own social web and you can even take classes together and make the load a lot easier. Do not take a large amount of hours. If you know that you can only handle 12 then stick with that because you could risk time and money retaking a class. Be patient and relax. Graduation is sooner than you think and if you apply yourself it could be just around the corner before you know it. College is an investment and is well worth it when you get out.
Jessica
be involved, live on campus and try your best!!
Diamantina
To parents I would say, let the your children be as involved as possible in selecting the college. Don't force them to go to a specific college, although financial resources may be an exception. To students I would say, do your research. Find the colleges that offer your major. If you are not sure, find colleges that offer a variety of majors as well as resources to help you decide. Find colleges that offer things that you are interested in beside the academic. Basically, determine exactly what you want from your college experience, and don't forget that the main purpose for attending is to get an education. Also, keep finances in mind. You do not want to graduate with a great amount of debt. One last thing: make college visits. Campuses sometimes look better in the pictures than in reality. Observe the students attending the college as well as the faculty and staff. It is the best way to get a feel for the college.
troy
Look into financial aid, theres more to offer than you think!
Philip
College is one of the most important and rewarding experiences one can endure. Before even selecting an institution to attend, the best attribute to posses is to have a thorough knowledge of yourself so that you can declare what you want to become after the college learning process has ceased. The idea seems rather diminuitive, but it can help to alleviate extraneous wasted time and problems in the future. Knowing which field of study one wishes to practice is a elder concept that started back in pre-adolescent years with a teacher asking the question, "What do you want to be when you grow up?" This seemingly elementary interrogatory can play a critical role by helping you decide which institution is known for the career, or has a program that seems to perfectly tailor the profession.
In order to extract the maximum effect from the college experience, not only must you be focused on the learning aspect, but, also, on the "life" part. Making connections with other people who share the same aspirations is not only beneficial to your grades by peer-tutoring, but that support can be the push necessary the persevere through the countless obstacles contained within college.
Jozah
Make sure you plan what you want to major in so, you have time to find a good school that offers a good program on whatever you are majoring.