Jonathan
Of course you need to be sure the college you choose has the academic major(s)/courses and/or sport(s) that you intend to pursue. Beyond that simple qualifier, the most important thing to look for in a school is comfort. You need to find a school where you can be as independent as you want to be; you also need to be able to be as dependent as you want to be. You need to be sure to find a school where you can communicate with old friends and where you can make new friends. You need to be able to get work done at your school, but you also need to be able to relax and have fun. Of the schools where you feel comfortable that have your major(s), your courses, and your sport(s), you can't go wrong. Once you've narrowed down this far, my advice is to choose the one that will cost you the least amount of money.
Bryanna
First and foremost, students and their parents have to prioritize their needs and wants. Not all colleges offer the same benefits, obviously, but after weighing what each potential college has to offer, one can better have an idea as to the right match. What is the student's desired major? This is also a huge factor in deciding which university to attend; is the program at the school high-quality and does it offer opportunities in research and internships? Academia comes first, so you want one that offers a variety of benefits, a low student-to-teacher ratio, and a plethora of scholarships to help ease the financial stresses that always come with attending college. The main point is to weigh the benefits of each college in order to find the best fit for the student and his/her parents.
Cassie
Deciding a college to attend can be very confusing and difficult. When searching for a college keep your options open. You may decide to change your major after you have begun school. Pick two or three different majors and then looks for schools that specialize in those majors. Look for a strong academic institution because in the end the reputation of the school will help you in your job search more than the quality of the recidence halls or the activities of the greek life. If you are unsure of a major, look for a solid liberal arts school, because this will give you the most rounded education and also give you the most options in finding a major and ultimately a career that you enjoy and can thrive in. Once in college remember that academics are important, but so is the experience of college. Do not worry only about your grades, make sure you leave time for friends and a social life. Make responsible choices, but also have fun along the way. Always remember that you are spending a lot of money to be in this institution so you should not waste it.
Dexter
The best way to attain a feel for how the college really is, is to visit the university and talk extensively to current students who will be completely and totally honest.
Jenny
Visit, visit, visit - and sit in on classes.
Carissa
College is about finding the path in life that fits best with who you are. I didn't know what I wanted to do when I entered college and it took me three semesters to figure it out. I considered several different majors, all having aspects that I really enjoyed learning about. However, it wasn't until I sat down and talked things through with a career counselor that I began to really understand what would work best with me. Now, I've taken charge of my college career. I am solid in my choice of major and how to get where I want to go. I know the experiences that I need not just for my benefit but also for my future job. I am very secure in what I am doing and where I am going. I think the key to all of this is to not be afraid of not knowing what you want to do. Don't be afraid to make the journey that college offers! There's so much to learn and enjoy and experience; don't hold yourself back.
Christine
Make sure to schedule a private tour- open houses often are 'show'. Private tours give more of a personalized feel for the campus.
Caitlin
Parents: Step back. Allow your students to make this decision on their own. If you must, suggest a variety of schools within a reasonable price range. Money is the only determinant you should be concerned with in this process, other than encouraging your students to do this alone.
Students: Choose a college that will challenge you and make you feel slightly uncomfortable, whether this means being away from home and familiar people, learning to live with a roommate, or learning to coincide with people of different races and religions. Search deep within yourself to see what your you would be able to handle because you don't want to make yourself so uncomfortable that you hate your decision.
Once at college, get involved in something?Greek Life, Religious Life, a volunteer organization, intramurals?anything.
Talk to your professors, cooks/servers in the cafeteria, and maintenance men. The people will make or break your experience.
Even if the first days or weeks are tough, hang in there. Push through any immediate discomforts and hesitations. Make the most of it. Everything will improve if you maintain a positive attitude. My mother always says, ?Faith it until you make it.?
Katelyn
Make sure to visit and go by how you feel, not what the name of the school is, this is what helped lead me to where I am the happiest I have every been in my whole life!
Roger
Colleges have their own personalities and so do students. You should try to find a college which has a personality that compliments the student's own personality. Not a match, but a compliment. You will thrive, not in world that is catered to your weaknesses, but rather in a world that will push you past your weaknesses. Gool Luck.