Michael
College is the most important period in a young adults life. The decision of which college to attend should be solely based on the students decision with the aid of their parents. The process should be taken seriously with a professional manner. The decision should be based on which college would give the student the best college experience as well as the best outcome after obtaining their degree. In order for the student to have the best college experience, they should find the college that has the best dorming environment and options, campus and classroom atmosphere, and extra-curricular activities outside of the classrooms. The student should also find a very diverse college which would open the students eyes to different lifestyles and ethics. The decision should also be based on finding the college that would result in the best possible future. The student should research which college offers the best education with the top professors that have the most efficient teaching abilities. These two factors should be the focal points when deciding the right college to attend and making the most of their college experience because this important period in their lives should not be taken as a joke.
Caitlin
I would advise students to do as much research as possible, both before and after you enter a college. Try to make a list of what qualities you want in a school, from the most broad to the most minor of details, and look for those qualities in each college. Think logically of what you want from both your college experience, and from your life after college. Weigh the pros and cons, then don't forget to listen to your gut instinct. Don't expect to get everything you want and need from the college automatically. Once you get there, you must seek out, and ask for the things you desire. Most of all, rely on the people such as your teachers and friends to give you the best experience possible. Find the right people, and you will find everything you need to have fun and succeed at the same time.
For parents I would suggest that they make sure the proper research has been done by the child, and that he or she has good reasons behind the decision. Then, respect the decision and help them discover what they need.
Michelle
Definetly set out some time where one can dedicate to research schools that one is interested in. Make extensive research and make a list of the pros and cons of each school. Also, I highly suggest to visit the school and the area around it. Once this is done the student will be able to figure out what school fits their needs. Once in college, don't be afraid in trying new things. Try going into college with an open mind and take everything as a learning experiance. Also, make the best of the resources given and use them to your academic advantage. Above all, remember college is about growing up and discovering who you truly are. This a huge stepping stone that gurantess success in the future.
Vang
This quotation of Helen Killer is for parents and students alike, "College isn't the place to go for ideas." Finding the right college is hard because everyone has their own opinions about each of the different colleges. Not all of these opinions are exactly true, it is crucial to pick the college that will make the most out of the students' majors. Thus, this make the most of college experience will be difficulty for the student. This also require the students to be learning how to network with people, knowing to apply your major skills to certain tasks, and building communication skills to efficiently interact with future employers. So decide on what whatever is right for the student's sake, not just for the parents' sake.
James
The first thing that I would tell a student preparing for college is that it is not always what you expect it to be. Even if you do not attend the school of your dreams, as long as you try to make the best out of what you have, you will end up enjoying the school that you do end up attending. Also, I would tell the student about the many instances I have ran into people at my own school that said that it was not their first choice but would not change that decision even if they could go back because they have learned to love the school they attend now. As for picking the right college, I would advise parents to talk to their children about what their children have planned for their own lives or what they are interested in. This would help narrow down the possibilities since every college has better programs than other colleges depending on a student's major or interests. I would also tell the students to pick a college that is a comfortable distance for them to be away from home since every one gets homesick at one point or another.
Siobhan
Be sure to visit and attempt to interact with the students and administrators of the campus before settling on that particular school. Overall, it seems that Universities always provide excellent scholastic opportunities, one should worry about the social aspect and whether or not the student will assimilate well.
Jose
A school's reputation and prestige should not be the only thing to be considered when selecting a college to attend. Although an important aspect, there are other things to think about. One is the cultural diversity of the school, which can foster a healthy learning environment. Another is the size. Bigger campuses tend to have crowded and large classes, which makes individual attention to the student more difficult than in smaller schools. Another is the surrounding neighborhood. This latter aspect is vital when it comes to choosing housing, since safety and accessibility to shopping centers are issues to be addressed.
Overall, a school should match the prospective student's unique personality and lifestyle. Those who are study-focused and quiet would benefit from a medium sized school located in a small city. Those who enjoy extracurricular activities and a busy lifestyle should consider a large school in a metropolis. The student's happiness, not only during class but also outside of the campus, is all that matters and ensures success in college.
Annmarie
Dear furure college students,
As a second year college student, their are a few things I would advise to the incoming freshman. Before applying to universities, I would suggest visit and really take the time to research the top three schools you are considering. Find out the school's grad programs, how many graduated students find jobs after graduation, and really discover how well Professor's and TA's are their to assist you with any problems you may encounter. I would suggest to the incoming freshman, make the most of your first year. Dont think just because you are in a university that your success stops their, keep studying hard, and keep looking beyond to the career you want to reach. Study hard and look at each class as a step closer to recieveing your dream job. Classes are hard, but taking the time to enjoy each class, allows you to really learn and achieve outstanding grades. Last but not least I suggest to live on campus your first year, you will find more friends, better study groups and be connected with all the events in your school. I wish you the best possible college years. Sincerly, Annmarie Barrera
OLAWALE
COLLEGE IS WHAT YOU MAKE OF IT.
Sonali
The # 1 advice I can give students about finding the right college and making the most of their college experience is that they sit down and carefully review the things they would like to see in a college. To be more precise, students should research on academics, sports, extracurricular activities, etc. available at the university. Thus, before they attend a college, it is essential that they understand exactly what they want in their college. Once they are in their desired college, students should explore their areas of interest to full extent. Since college is an important milestone in an individual's life, in order to make most of it, students should not hesitate to try out new things that they always thought of but couldn't do. Besides the students, an advice I can give to parents would be that they be supportive of their children and trust them to make good judgement in the courses they want to take. If parents don't force their children with their own dreams, then it becomes easier for students to accomplish their goals and be successful. Hence, college planning is a combined effort that requires the particpiation of parents and children.