Lauren
To not let work build up. It's easy to put things off because there are more exciting things to do. Even if work isn't required, do it and stay on top of it. As far as partying and having a social life.. my best advice would be: There's always something going on somewhere but you don't always have to be a part of it.
Howard
Don't view college as a chance to get away and do whatever you want. Schoolwork must be your priority. Learn to have fun along with serious work, not all one or the other.
Mary
First of all, don't do what I did. Go VISIT the school and get to know it! Take a tour of the campus and of the dorms on campus and maybe even take a stroll around some of the buildings that may pertain to your major. Research what the school has to offer before making a commitment to the school. Talk to some of the teachers that you may be taking from or at least the advisors. A compare and contrast list comparing each school would be a big benefit! and also a pro and con list!
If you choose the school and are accepted, make sure that you balance work and play. Don't let your grades slip! They're important! But make sure you make new friends and have a little fun as well or you might go crazy!! Do NOT do anything illegal, it's more fun to just have a movie party with your friends than it is to go clubbing.
Kisha
Visit the campus because you need to discover what is comfortable for your child as well as yourself. You need to be confident about your decision.
Aditi
Parents and students need to work together in determining which school is best for the future student. They need to look at all aspects of the school: academic, social, financial, etc. They need to take tours and speek to current students when trying to determine which school is right. The student should also have an idea of what they want to do with their life and find a school that would best prepare a student for that future. In addition to all of these things, I feel that a student should also be true to themselves and try not to please others, this is their future and their life and they need to find a place that is right for them and what they want for their future.
Maggie
Jump right in. Get involved on your campus, meet people, don't be afraid. This is the time in your life where you decide the person you will become. So, Make the most of it and make it happen!
Ian
I think you should look into the school. Ask question to the students that go there, not the students taking you on the tour, but the ones just around going to the school. Don't ask the people getting paid by the school but the people paying the school.
Chelsea
When choosing the college that you want to go to, even if you don't know what to study, it is important to try to find out the sorts of things that you are interested in and might possibly want to study. If you are not sure what you want to do, you should check that the school you are thinking about going to has a variety of majors that you can choose from. Another thing to look into is the carrier services and advising offices, as well as the things that they provide for students who are not sure of what they want to study. If you know that there are certain things that you want in a college such as clubs, extra-curricular activities, sports, and living accommodations you should look into that before you decide where you want to go so that you are not disappointed. If you want to make the most of your college experience I would suggest that you get involved with clubs and organizations and make friends. Networking in college is very important and the things you are involved with while in college can make a huge difference on your resume.
Brooke
First look online at colleges that have your major and visit their websites to see what they offer. Then find a couple your interested in and talk to your guidance councilors about what schools they suggest based on GPA, extra cirricular activites, testing scores, etc (but dont let their suggestions stop you from applying to any colleges you feel strongly about) Students: make sure you read over some practice essay application questions to get an idea of what colleges are looking for and make sure your honest and detailed. Also make sure to fill out scholarship applications that your school might supply or online forms (yes this may include more essays but its worth it) Parents: make sure to fill out all the right financial aid papers early ( the earlier your forms are filled out the more scholarships the students are eligable for, and have a better chance of getting aid). When you finally narrow your schools down to maybe 3 or so VISIT THE CAMPUS! The only way you will really know if you will feel comfortable at the school of your choice is to go see it! See how you feel on campus. Do you fit in there?
Han
One must know themselve well enough before applying to any colleges. Student must discover what motivates them, strike interest, also search what they are passionate about. Student must search for what is best for them and not what their peers think. The best way would be is to follow your heart and search for what you want the most.
Robert
Students: Finding the right college is extremely important, as it will be your home for the next 4 or so years. You need to search far and wide for the right one. Take advice from your parents; they are older than you and have experience, but in the end, it is your life and the final decision should be yours. Parents: Your kid is growing up and moving out (possibly). They will need your help and support in order to make it, particularly in finding the right college. Don't be afraid to help them choose the right college, as long as you are helping them choose and not the other way around.
Alexandre
I would advise to start looking at schools very early in high school. This will help get a better feel for what you want to do later on, where you want to live, and with whom. It will help you plan your finances as well. I also advise to start scholarship searches as early as possible as well.
Amanda
Take it seriously. Consider your ALL options wisely. Don't be afraid to take the plunge.
Brittany
Don't just choose the best school you can get into and don't attend it just because all of your friends are going there. Pick the best choice for you. Think of all of your options, apply to as many schools as you can and see how much financial aid you can get from all of them. Figure out the best value (academic value vs. monetary value) you can get, and make a realistic decision? If you know you're a homebody, now is not the time to go across the country. Visit as many open houses as you can or visit the colleges and speak to students who go there.
Berlande
When finding a college or university make sure its exactly where you want to be & not jus a get a away from your parents because you have to spend 4 years there, so make sure its somewhere you actually want to be. Never allow friends to influence your decision. trust me you will make new friends. Last always be goal oriented & career focused. Remember what you came here for & steer clear from peer pressure!
Casey
Parents, try not to get too invovled in your childs future, once they're out of high school they need to start taking charge of thier own lives.
Students, don't settle for less that what you want. Your life is only what you make it.
Ben
The best thing you can do to reduce the stress of the college search is to pick one thing and stick with it. Changing the plans last second is a good way to raise your blood pressure. So all in all just plan ahead, it will help out alot. Just have fun with it, but not too much fun, youll need your liver later in life.
Leah
Check out all your options, and pick the school your the most excited about. College is super fun if you do it right and manage your time!