Danielle
To understand its about school and studing not about going to bars and partying. Also to get involved.
Marissa
The greatest advice I can give about picking the right college, is you need to actually visit the school you're interested in. Most schools offer tours for perspective students, go to them. For three years of high school, I knew I wanted to go to one of the most prestigious schools in Florida. My parents and I took the tour of that school. And it was then I realized there was no way I wanted to go there. It was too large, and the school's layout spread over the whole town. I also visited a very small private college, and realized that it might be too small for me, and not enough of a community. But, once I took a tour of the college I am attending now, I knew this was the one. I loved the layout of the school, I loved how many people were here and the diversity. You need to know you'll be comfortable in the school's environment, or there's no way you'll survive the next four years. Go on the tours and ask questions of the students giving the tours.
Erica
Look for somewhere you can focus yet still have fun
Michael
I would suggest to make up you mind about what you want out of your college before you choose. Take tours of different types of schools and decide where you feel most comfortable. Try to have an idea of what your major will be but don't be completely tied into it. Take a few courses in your freshmen year that are different but interesting to you. Obviously, take price into account, but remember you get what you pay for. Just take your time and make sure the school you pick is exactly what you want.
Alyssa
If you enjoy extracurricular activities, definitely find a device to help ferry yourself back and forth from campus. I learned that, as close as I am to campus, the walk seems a lot farther at 2 in the morning when clubs end. Also, if one intends on getting a job, it's hopeless to find a job within walking distance of the larger schools unless you apply and work over the holiday break.
Make sure it's affordable. It's a good idea to check the number of scholarships the universities give out, and for your major, as well as when you are eligible to apply for them.
Location is definitely another factor. If you want to be going to clubs, you'll want a metropolitan schools, in the thick of the city, whereas some schools are located on the outskirts of town to give the university a lazier atmosphere. The distance from your home and how often you expect visits or to be visiting plays a role too.
College is supposed to be fun and a learning experience, but I know that these were a few of the things that tripped me up that I wish I'd discovered.
Hieu
First thing to do is apply early, then check out the college. Do lots of research and make the right decision.
Mai
The advice I would give to parents and students is to follow your dreams. You should visit the campus beforehand and see the social activity and understand the history of the campus. If you feel slightly uncomfortable at a campus, don't go there. You must feel comfortable at your environment. When your advisors say, location is so important, it is. Observe, read, and follow a student around, to see how life as a college student is really like. Find out about the clubs and what not. Make new friends and understand that everyone is different.
Meredith
I would say that you really need to follow your gut. When I applied to college I had no idea where I wanted to go and ended up getting in to all 7 schools I applied to. The only way I could make my decision was by visiting each campus a couple of times and trying to picture myself there. I would try and see if I could picture myself walking to class on those sidewalks and living in those dorms. Of course I took into account the academics of the school, whether they offered a major I was interested in, and what extracurricular activities they offered but I firmly believe that if you pay attention to whether you feel comfortable on a campus or not you will make the right decision.
Daniel
Visit all the colleges you want to attend and go with the one that feels right to you. Most colleges are pretty much the same when you get down to it, and anyone can have a good college experience at any college, so pick the one that feels right to you.
Benjamin
Make sure you take the time to visit a campus before deciding and to look at what is offered. Does it really suit you and do you feel like you will be able to succeed?
Haydee
I advice parents and students before students graduate high school to start filling college applications and scholarships. Please do not wait until last minute to do all does things. Is never to early to start filling applications.
Allison
Definitely visit each campus you're thinking of attending, make a list of pro's and con's, be serious when contrasting and comparing. Especially remember to apply them to your own ways of learning, living, and working. (that was the mistake I made, I forgot to make them applicable to me, not every other prospective student.) Also think out where you would live. Consider off and on campus living and make a pro and con list for those as well. The city where your college is located also can have a major impact on your experience. If you're not a big city person, go to a school not located in a city. Simple things can really make the difference, its not just the reputation of the school that matters in your decision. The most important aspect should be if you LOVE, not just like, the way you could see yourself living in and around your campus.
Marissa
When looking for a college for your child make sure the school offers a good academic program. If your child is interested in sports make sure the college has a good sports team. It is very important to take trips to different campuses with your child to determine if they like it or not. Honestly finding the right college depends on what your child wants and is interested in. It is up them to decide to find a reasonable college that is suitable for them.
Caitlin
I would tell parents and students to search far and wide for colleges that fit all of their criteria. Then students should do as many scholarship applications as possible to help out parents with the financial costs. Then parents and students should sit down together and decide which of those colleges would be the best decision for the future. When the student gets into college they should spend the first semester concentrating on accumulating themselves to the school by studying hard and trying to make friends. After that semester, then i would say go out and join a club or two or maybe a greek group to make long lasting friends and potential study buddies. But always keep a good balance of school and play because that's what college is all about.
Annalyn
Be ready for an experience way different from High School! You are faced with so much more free time and is is most important to plan and use it efficitntly. A date planner is wonderful to schedule study time and be prepared for upcoming events and tests!
Marcus
Finding a perfect match when it comes to college is not easy. There is so much to consider. Will financial aid cover enough of my expenses? How far away will I be from home? Am I ready for the new found responsibility that this experience will bring? I think when making an attempt to find the college/university that will fit, you have to keep in mind a few things. Always take a tour and ask questions (especially of students who currently attend). Inquire about opportunities to get involved. Nothing is worse than a student who only studies, and has no social interaction. Most colleges have a plethora of choices from students to choose from; if they don't like what they see...create a group! Make sure the school is adamant about healthy living (diet/excercise). Above all think about the cost of attending and measure it up to what the "representatives" of the school are telling you. If it feels like it's worth it, chances are it may be right for you. Making the most of the college expereince = hard work + social life + heartbreak. Remember to dream. The school that fits should help you achieve them.
Michelle
Choosing the right college can be very difficult, but it can be done. My advice is that you visit the college site and stay there for the day. Find students, faculty, and other people on campus to ask questions about the campus. They should have good information about the school. Also go on the school's website. There is a lot online about different schools.
alexa
look for resources on campus
NgocMy
There are so many colleges available throughout the nations for the student to choose; but pick the right or not it's depends on the student. Many students are struggling in school and unhappy with their campuse because they have made the wrong choice of college. To unsolve this problem students need to be more patience, do more researches, and be more specific with their interests.To find the perfect college, first, the student must be patience and take time to search as many colleges as possible. Students can use search engine from websites or ask their advisors. Once they gather the list of colleges, they must go to the campuse to check out the site and ask many questions of the place as possible. Students need to make sure the college match their preferences and interests. It is very important for a student to choose the right college because it will effect the student's acadamic goal. For example, if a student attend to a discrimation college or a very high expection will gives the student stresses and less focus on school works. The right college will give the student a better chance to be successful.
Mary
My advice is for future students. When choosing a college or university to attend, really find a school and program to study that meet your needs. My problem initially was that I started in a large school and had no idea what I wanted to do. So I became unmotivated and in involved with my school. Finally, I decided what interested me and that I wanted to become a teacher. Now that I know what I want to do and study, I am able to enjoy the college experience. Get involved! Join clubs or Greek life! I have made so many friends by getting involved and you can too!