Ted
Look at endowment per student ratios for financial aid,and at counseling resources per student to assess student happiness.
Dylan
An undergraduate degree is not as important as people make it out to be today. It is essential to obtain one in order to make the most of what you want to do, but not necessarily worth getting oneself into large debt. The undergraduate degree seems to serve most importantly to show an employer that you are capable of completing assigned tasks, you are able to stick with something important, you are motivated, and able to think. An undergraduate degree does not limit anybody to a specific field, though some degrees will certainly aid one in obtaining work in certain fields, so study what you are passionate about and what really interests you. College should be a time of learning as much about the world and oneself as possible through the acedemic world and the social world. It is a very special universe to be a part of and so much can be learned from it. Never skip an oppotunity to do what you feel is right or will aid in your growth as a person and/or student. Stick it out through the hard times, they are inevitable, but most of all learn and have fun!
Brian
Take the time to visit a few schools and try to get a feel for each campus. Research each school, but remember that the first few years of college should be meant for personal exploration. Keep this in mind as you choose a school; you want to pick a college that feels both comfortable and exciting. If you already know what you like to major in, then research the specific department and try to get a feel for how much attention an undergraduate will receive. If you don't know what you want to major in that is OK, use the first year or two to explore the various options. Lastly, take advantage of every resource and opportunity you can. College goes by very quickly.
Jie
Definitely go visit the campus and attend orientations because you will actually get face to face interactions with students , faculty, and staff in order to get a better feel of how the school is like.
Kylee
Choose the college that is right for you at that particular time. Don't feel pressured to choose based on anyone else's opinions or desires. Take a year off if it makes sense for you. If you go to a school that you don't want to go to it only wastes your time--precious years you'll never get back--as well as the time of your professors. I didn't go to my first choice, but the school I went to felt right for me at that point in my life. I wasn't even sure what I wanted to study. Sound familiar? Now that I've graduated, I'm confident of the direction I want my life to take and I'm applying for graduate schools based on scholastics. For your undergrad it's less about getting "the best" education and more about finding out who you are. Choosing the right school isn't about the Ivy Leagues or parties or Greek life. It's about you. Master's degrees are the new Bachelor's these days, so make that choice based on logic and choose your undergrad school based on what will help you grow.
Molly
Allow your child to find an environment in which he'she feels comfortable, where he/she can extress his/herself confidently. They're grow up better for it.
francesco
Visit schools before going to them and talk to current students!
christopher
let your kids drink before they go
Alyssa
Pick what college is going to make you happy. When you move into the dorms, leave your door open for the first whole week. Talk to everybody. Go sit with some new at the dining hall as often as possible. When it is time for classes do the reading. If you read everynight you won't have to cram. Remember that school is really your only responsibility at this time so do your best in it.
Jason
Do your best and apply to as many schools as you can afford