Nicole
Go with whatever your instinct is.
Hylke
From what I have heard from my friends and what I have experienced myself I would say that you need to relax. In the end everyone's college experience is remarkably similar. I have not seen evidence that there is a significant difference in term of the level of education that various universities provide. The advice that I would give is that you need to choose a school that matches your personality. You should not choose a school just because of the prestige that the name carries with it. As far as making the most out of your college experience, I would say don't take it for granted. Time flies by and there are so many opportunities to broaden your perspective that you shouldn't waste it partying every single night.
Brenna
Apply to as many schools as possible! I simply messed up the application process and ended up not getting into my top school because I didn't allow myself enough time. Start researching early so you know what you want. (That's a big one; I waited too long.) And really think about what size school you want and what kind of city you want it to be in. Even though my school is massive, I really love that aspect of it even though small schools are highly praised. And definitely check out the transportation in the area surrounding campus and make sure it's accessible. Basically, allow yourself a LOT of time to figure out what you want most so you can make the best decision for you. And again: APPLY TO AS MANY SCHOOLS AS POSSIBLE!!! *Then* take time deciding.
andrew
DO NOT GO TO A SMALL LIBERAL ARTS COLLEGE!! go somewhere with lots of grad students. find something that you are excited to learn about and that you think could lead you to a career, then follow it. ---------GET HELP! go to office hours. take classes that will teach you new things and challenge you in ways you could not have imagined in high school. get a bike if there aren't lots of buses around the city, explore your new city.
Jessica
If you can, visit the college you are planning to attend (many schools have programs for prospective students) and check out the department you plan to be studying in. If you don't know what you want to study yet, try a bit of everything you're intersted in. Read throught the class catalogue and see what pops out. Then picture yourself there as a student. Your perfect school will have you thinking "I was meant to be here." Chances are, you'll know right away if the school is right for you, just by how excited you'll be about starting college there.
Abby
Do not go where your best friend is going. Go where you feel in your gut instinct that you belong. I have made all of my best friends at College and have become so in love with Boulder, that I could not imagine being unhappy or going anywhere else. And for the parents, don't convince your kids to go where you want them go - let them decide.
kate
visit schools - talk to the students!! stay in state!!!!!!! especially if your not sure what you want to do
Kristie
Let your kids find themselves in the four years they have at college. Not only will it be the best four years of their lives but they will find themselves in way never imagined possible. You find you at the end of those four years.
Dont decide their future. let them decide on their own and let them be happy. You've already lived your life. Let your kids life theirs.
Landon
Visit the campuses you are interested in and meet with the faculty members of those campuses.
Kyle
Do a lot of research about the schools and more about the social environment and the availabilities the school offers. The environment is very important because if you do not like your environment, you will most likely not like school. So make sure to find an area where you will feel comfortable, happy and able to enjoy the people and environment around you. Also take size into consideration when applying to schools, because that will directly affect how large your classes are and how much help and attention your professors will give to you as an individual student.