Vinh
When you're looking for a college, you'll want to look for a place where you can feel at home with. You're going to be spending a lot of time there, so you might as well pick somewhere you'll feel at home with. Think of this as the beginning of the rest of your life. You're going to be away from your parents now, so it's time to grow your wings. Try new activities, do things differently. College isn't just about getting an education, it's also about growing to achieve your potential. If you don't already know what you're going to do five years from now, college is the place where you'll find out. Even if you think you know what you're going to do five years from now, college might be the place that changes your mind. No matter where you choose to go though, college can give you the tools to get whatever you want. Just be sure to take them and use them wisely.
michelle
Honestly, going on campus tours would help out a lot. Many people might presume that the campus will not affect the student, but that is completly wrong. The environment, atmostphere, and setting has a lot to do with how the student will feel. Make sure the student's major is offered, and class sizes are appropriate.
Jacob
The best advice I can give is to be flexible. UC Merced was definitely not my first choice but I adapted and I am glad I made the choice to attend this University. There is much competition today, with standards rising and expectations becoming unreal. The more known schools around the country are beginning to fill up and become overcrowded. This being the case, students who are more than qualified for their first choice school are being rejected. By being flexible you can give less known places a chance, and they could end up being the best place for mind to grow. There is no way to tell where a road goes until you take it, and it may be tough and bumpy but that only makes you a stronger person. Your college experience is only what you make it, so if you have a positive attitude and try your hardest, you will thrive no matter where you end up. The college experience will grant you much more than a simple degree, it is full of friendships and memories that will last a lifetime.
Emily
Finding the right college is all about what captures one's heart when they set foot on campus. When it comes to a student picking their ideal college, they should select a campus that is in an ideal location and most importantly, a campus that the student feels they can really connect to. I would tell parents to tell their children to make sure they could see themselves there for the next few years. Making the most of your college experience all comes down to making the best of situations that are thrown at you. I would advise students to have fun, study hard, seek out opportunities relating to their career, and most importantly of all, to discover who they really are. College is a time for intellectual, spiritual, and mental development. Valuable friendships that last a lifetime are also made during college. Lastly, I would advise parents and students to relax and enjoy the ride of their life.
Kristin
Make sure that you visit the school while it is open and speak to several students about the school. Do not rely on the tour guides to give you an accurate picture of the school because it is their job to make the school seem more attractive than it actually is. Also, put a lot of thought into who you're roommates will be because that choice may be one of the most important ones that you make.
Miguel
The key part of success in college and after is to know what you want before everyone else does. That means make a plan before you enter college and stick on that track. That way you always know classes to take in advance you will be ahead of others in the same field. If you realize that it is not the right choice for you, you should have plenty of time to explore other options. But most importantly, other then studying hard, is make friends! Be social! Have fun.
Thomas
Dont go to UC Merced
Alex
Visit them, and know what you want your major to be if you go to a small school because if you dont they might not have your major when you figure it out.
Jasminn
Honestly, it is all about personality. It depends on where the potential student feels comfortable, and also if the school serves there goals and needs for their study of interest. For parents I think it is important for them to be supportative of thier children and not over bearing, allowing their child to be free and knowlegdable about the decision of school they want attend. Overall, students and parents need to be informative to each other, and willing to do as much research as possible about what the student is interested in when it comes to thier education, and all the benefits and down sides of an academic institution.
Travis
GO VISIT THE COLLEGE BEFORE YOU DECIDE TO STAY!!!! Take summer courses the summer before to get an idea of what the campus is like.