Maya
Make sure you visit colleges you're interested in before applying. Spending a weekend there can give you a different perspective than just a daytime campus tour. If you don't end up at your top choices and you're not thrilled about where you're attending there's always some aspect that can make the experience better, courses you register for, campus organizations, jobs etc... But you can always transfer too.
Amanda
To parents, I would say, let your child choose where they want to go. If the school they really want to go to is not as prestigious, and the one you want them to go to is, it is ultimately their decision. They are the ones going to school and it is their experience. They want to be happy, and not only make you happy. To students, this is going to be the time of your life. Choose somewhere where you can see yourself. Be open to meeting new people, talk to your professors, and have fun. Work hard and play hard. Find a balance and stick to it. You will succeed if you do that. Keep in mind that these friends are going to be lifelong friends. You will live with them, eat with them, do everything with them and it is an amazing feeling. Find your home away from home, and you will have the best four years of your life.
Caleb
In the search for a college, do not rely on tours and printed materials for all of your information on a school, but talk to real students you find on campus. When asking about student life, you'll get better -- and likely more accurate -- answers to your questions by asking students around campus rather than a university approved panel. In your search, use a college guide based more on student interviews than university handouts and statistics.
To the student, once you enroll and move in, get involved. Find a club, a sport, or anything where you'll meet people and get involved in some aspect of the campus community. You'll make friends, meet people with similar interests, and get advice on classes and such from upperclassmen you meet. Also, if you live in a dorm, get to know your floor. You'll see them nearly every day of the year, so it's important to get along and knowing everyone will build trust and a sense of community. The sense of community in a club and among your neighbors will soften the transition to college life, and will provide friendships, support, and fun throughout your college years.
Amber
You need to understand your needs before you decide on a school (academic and social). However, I think as long as the schools you are considering fulfill these needs the student can make college a great experience. As long as one wants to be happy and successful and puts in the effort, they can be at any university.
Reed
Come to Tulane. You have nothing to worry about. It is an amazing school.
David
I would say that going out and visiting the colleges is probably the most important thing. I would let the student take a week off of school or so and go sit in some of the classes he or she plans on taking. That way, the student will get a glimpse into what freshman learning is at that school. Also, on top of doing the University-sponsored tour, go and knock on random doors in freshman dorms - that way, you can get a REAL look into what the dorm is instead of just looking at the nicest room in the building.
John
Make friends, study hard, and party hard.
Alex
The best way to decide upon a college is first decide how and where you want to situate yourself for four years. No matter how gifted or amazing the school you like is, if the weather or the people there are less than ideal for you you will hate it there. Figure out where you want to be; then aim for the best place you can!
Jacob
go to a place with the kind of people and mentality that suits you. just because it suits your academic interests it doesnt mean you'll be happy there. with a thriving social and personal life your studies will become that much more insteresting and rewarding in the end. college is a time you want to remember for the good times, not for the amount of studying you did. thats what grad school is for.