Kari
My advice is to have some sort of idea of what you want to accomplish during your years at a university and where you want to go with what you learn. If you are worried that your family cannot afford tuition at a school that your heart is set on, don't be afraid to take the leap and go for it. I have personally known many students, that from the time of the start of their freshman year, they got loans, scholarships, financial aid, etc., as well as worked one or more jobs in order to support their dream here in Hawaii. Research the professors at the universities you are contemplating attending, as well as any activies you may want to participate it. Make sure that you have options at your school so that you do not end up sitting in your dorm room, wishing you were somewhere else. College is not only about learning and gaining knowledge in a particular field; it is about finding your true identity, having fun and meeting people from all walks of life. College really does fly by, so don't waste your time wishing for something different; you only live once!
Sean
just to make sure that the student is going to be able to live and be comfortable with his or hers' surrounings with the campus. and to be ready to go to the next leve.
Elise
As a collegiate athlete, my college experience has been a little different compared to the average student. My advice for any student would be to make sure you find a school that can accomodate what you want to do and what courses you want to take. I originally went to Long Beach State and it turned out they didn't have anything close to what I wanted to study. When I was looking for other schools I made sure they had the classes I wanted to take and the resources I needed. After I found the educational path I wanted, I looked at the location, environment, and the overall bigger picture. For me, Hawaii was a no-brainer. I have family there, it has a great marine biology program, and Hawaii has a great culture. Sometimes when you are looking the perfect fit, you find a school and you just know it's the one for you.
Chelsea
When trying to find the right college to attend it's really important to first find one that is good for what you want to major in. Also you really need to visit the campuses and make sure you feel comfortable there. You'll know which one you like the best just from being there. Also, once your there don't limit your friends, try to meet everyone and engage in relationships with people from not only your dorm building but others, and even people from your classes. Meeting people from your classes will not only aid your social experience but your academic one too. It's good to know people who can help you out if you miss class, or just get lost in general. Parents need to let their kids have their freedom and don't be overbearing but let them know that you expect good grades and decision making. Sometimes just knowing your parents are still watching you and keeping tabs can be just the push you need to make you go to class!
Steve
choose the place you feel most comfortable going to
Leatapo
Do a research first and take everything into consideration like cost, convenience, and attitude of staff and students
Christina
To both parents and students.... No one will make the right choices about college, do your best to fit in, study hard, make new friends.... don't pick a college where all your friends are going. You need to expand in life, be bold, fly, spead your wings... and perhaps you will find yourself gliding through the sky without even knowing that you can.... College is all about making stupid mistakes and picking yourself back up... maybe making the same mistakes, however, live and learn... You only live once! ALOHA!
Garritt
Research as much of the school prior to enrollment.
Janina
The adivce that I would give to a young student, is to start dreaming early. The younger you are to have a dream to solidify and work towards, the easier it will be to figure out the path to get there. Start in at least your junior year looking at colleges, and find out what school will benefit them most, and the fastest. What type of environment will they want to live in the next four years, and will that environment help you along your way of reaching their ultimate goal. Also, look beyond the campus. The city itself will be where they will learn just as important lessons. The last piece of advice that I would give is to dream big, and never let it go. The second that the dream is let go, that is when there is a chance it may not happen.
Falasha
I would advise parents to let their child decide where they want to go to school; higher level education is what you make of it. Don't push for the name of the school, really look into what the school is about and find out what they can do for you in the long run.