Jesse
I think students should select a college primarily based on the availabilty of the program of study they want to pursue. After schools have been narrowed down, academic rigor should be taken into account because the value of your diploma can be a direct result of the quality of the school it came from. Once a school is selected and acceptance is obtained, students should do as much research as possible about social programs, organizations, and clubs they can. As a freshman, it is very important to try out as many different opportunities as possible to find a "good fit." Many of the best friends people will make come through involvement in these organizations. Take full advantage of intramural sports, study groups, and free meals on campus. NEVER turn down a road trip with your friends, no matter how "last minute" it comes up. Some of the best college experiences are the random ones that come up completely out of the blue. Finally, never underestimate the power of using facebook to keep up with your new friends and to hear about events. Study hard, have fun, and realize that college is about learning "life" as well as "book smarts."
Matt
Regardless of what college you attend, you are going to get out of college whatever you put in. Keeping in mind the many financial aid opportunities that are out there, find an affordable college in a good location that offers the kinds of programs and activities that interest you. Don't go to some random out-of-state school just to get away from home. Sometimes the best (and most affordable) schools are the ones right down the street. The one piece of advice that any upperclassman will give an incoming student is to simply get involved. Join clubs, write for the student newspaper, go to sporting events, play intramural sports, meet new people, and just take advantage of the many opporunities that you will never have after college. Don't be afraid to put yourself out there. Try to get an idea of what you want to major in early on, so you can begin taking the necessary classes, giving yourself more time to consider picking up a minor or second major. And finally, have fun. The school part of college is obviously important, but don't miss out on the other activities that will mold who you become.
Leah
Students and parents should use all resources avaliable to them when searching for the perfect school. The best way to get a good understanding of what a school is like is to visit when school is in session (fall and spring are the best....and avoid the first and last weeks). When visiting talk to current students and visit classes. Go beyond the campus tour and do some searching yourself. If possible, hang out with a current student without your parents around.
Make the most of your college experiance by enjoying everything your college has to offer. Try out intermural sports, join clubs, and advocate for causes. There will be MORE THAN ENOUGH opportunities to get involved. You will not only meet friends but network with others and gain life long skills. Academically, take control of your own education. Research job options early in your college career. Be open to new people and new experiences. MAKE CONNECTIONS with professors, school staff, and other people in the workforce. These people will be such a treasure when you need recomendations and when applying for jobs. Volunteer!!! Most importantly, HAVE FUN and don't take everything too seriously!
cross
don't rule out anything until you visit the campus and meet the people. spend a couple of weekends staying with different students and let them show you around
Christina
Although it might take a few attempts, try to find the major or group that your are most comfortable with and have fun . Don't continue doing something just because you think it is the right thing to do. College can be stressful, so it is important to find people and friends that will support you through anything and will help you make good decisions. Also, be openminded. Being in college is very different than being in high school since you will be experiencing more diverse cultures and opinions. Embrace the diversity and be willing to try and do new things, since you may never have the opportunity again. As a college student, this may be your first time away from home. While you may miss your parents, this will be a great chance to learn things on your own and begin to develop your own identity and opinions. Finally, please take college seriously. Stay focused and go above and beyond the classroom to learn as much as possible; their are so many resources available on a college campus, try to take advantage of as many as possible. Despite the hardwork, college really is fun!
Christopher
Work hard to get good grade in high school to make the experience of getting accepted to te college of your choice easier.
Daniel
I was an undecided major for a long time so choosing a college was a bit difficult for me. But I think that if one wants a well rounded education and be exposed to any area of study, a liberal arts college college like the University of Georgia is helpful. One can have a taste of what one is interested in and wants to pursue further. I would definitely visit the school and do research on the school. Talk to some of your friends that may attend the college or email some professors with questions. Also, once you are in college, do not be shy and get yourself out there participating in social clubs and voluntary work. This benefits yourself but also contributes to your community. Active participation and courage to tackle any challenge seems to aid in one's success in college. Grades are not everything but it'll pay off when you work hard and be active.
Colin
Make sure you go to the school you are planning on attending. Make sure you know how financial aid works at your school.
To get the most out of your college experience, get your work done so that you have time to play. And do everything that your school has to offer. There are so many free activities that you can do where you can meet all sorts of fun and interesting people that you never would have met had you stayed inside your comfort zone.
Briana
Make sure you pick your school based on what fits you best, not what fits your friends. I came to a school where none of my close friends were going, and it turned out great. In just the first week alone I made so many new friends in the dorms that became my close friends that I still have today and I was still able to keep in contact with my friends from home that were important to me. I would also say to not pick a school too far away from home. I love that I can go home whenever I need to if I am sick or need something but I am also far enough away that I feel independent. I live only an hour away from home, while my sister goes to college six hours away. My sister got a severe concussion this year and was sent to the emergency room. We drove all through the night to come see her and by the time we got there she was already out of the hospital. It was really scaring knowing that she was so far away and that we weren't able to be there for her.
Lindsey
Everyone comes to school thinking they know who they are but nobody really knows. college is about trying out new things to figure out where you truly belong and where you are truly happy. It's about finding the people who will support you acidemically, have fun with, and who love you unconditionally.