Nicholas
Picking a college is practically up to you. Does the school give you a good vibe? If not then maybe it isn't for you. You should pick them not only upon prestege but also by how the campus looks, and how the people there interact. Only going there to study, you may get out faster, but you'll miss out on many of the fun aspects of college. On that note, when at college, go and join a club of some sort. This is one way to maximize your college experience. If not a club, there should be an activity board somewhere on campus. Go find it and attend the many activities that your college offers. Another way would be to start a lot of study groups. Not only will these study groups benefit you academically, but once the class is over, there's a chance to make great friends who have struggled with you. However, if you don't want to do any of these options, at least socialize. Find it in yourself to get our of your shell and just talk to people. Most of them wont bite, I promise.
Amber
Parents and students alike should seek as much information as possible. Students should apply to colleges they like--if you can't make campus visits, contact the admissions department. They very often send out free information packets for prospective students. Trying to find a college that fits 100{4a082faed443b016e84c6ea63012b481c58f64867aa2dc62fff66e22ad7dff6c} is both impossible and stressful. Just choose one that you're really interested in, and that offers degrees in your preferred field, and once you get there, you'll find your place. Parents shouldn't push too hard because kids will only push back, and it could stifle their ability to think clearly and choose the right school for them. Remember, it's the students who are attending, not the parents. In the end, the student has to be comfortable. Look at everything from academics to leisure activites, from dormitories to dining facilities. Finances usually fall into place, as long as you remember to file your FAFSA. Don't let money hold you back--nothing pays back like an education. They always say to apply to at least one ideal, and one fallback, but go ahead and apply all across the board. Be yourself when applying, and "your" school will find you.
Christina
(Students) My advice would be always be who you are no matter what college you attend. Make the most out of all the experience you can get. College life is fabulous no matter where you are, as you can see, I am a very optimistic individual. You can always find happiness if you have peace in your heart, soul and mind. Going to a new school, a new place is always hard, no matter where you attend college. So finding the right college is a very hard choice, however, prepare yourself; so you don't surprise yourself with what you see and what you feel. (Parents) Your son/daugther will make the right choice, will make their own mistakes, nevertheless, will be smart enough to pick themselves back up and move forward. It may take awhile or it may not, however, let them go, but always have your arms open to let them back in. Always be supportive, loving, passionate, positive, and praise them for good. Aloha!
Kellsie
Some advice that i would give to parents and/or students about finding the right college and making the most of the experience is to choose a place where you can get the best education for your major. You may also want to choose a college that meets your personal expectations. Another bit of advice is to choose a school that has good professors who don't not only deliver the information but makes the material interesting, this may make your classes much more enjoyable and may help to motivate you to do well. Most importantly for the student is to choose a place where you will be happy because the hardest thing is to try to focus on school when you're miserable with where you are.
Wayne
Start searching at around the ending of the student's junior year. Make sure that the college's environment fits well with the student's personality. But, at the same time, make sure the school has quality academic programs across the board.
Chanel
My advice to find the right college is to not only apply to the "well-known" schools, but rather to find and research which school best fits you as a student and person. Try to narrow your college list down and be able to determine your number one school to set a goal. It is much easier to decided if you have less schools to choose from if you get into all of them, but make sure these schools are clearly the right choices for you. To make the most of a college experience you must go into college with an open-minded and positive attitute because college is definitely what you make of it. If you go out and experience what any college has to offer you, you will not be disspointed but if you decided to just keep to yourself and stay in your dorm room or something, then you will be miserable.
Lacey
The best thing to do when choosing which college to attend would be to find out if you would feel comfortable spending 4 years or more there. You should take into consideration average class sizes, the cost of tuition, success rates, and overall reputation of the school. I decided to attend the college that I am in now because it is very well known in Hawaiii, our school is VERY diverse, which makes it unique, there are numerous classes that are offered, and by attending UH, it also gives students an opportunity to take classes at community colleges because they are all interconnected. As for making the most of the college experience, I can't tell you exactly how to do it, because it's all up the student. If you feel that you are comfortable where you are and enjoying every moment, then I believe that you are making the most of evreything.
audrey
i recomend that you follow your own path. Don't go to a school just because your parents went there or your friends are going. Make sure it is the right fit. remember you are going to meet alot of different people in your life don't pigion hole your self to early. do not go against you gut feeling. you will know what feels right. please try and strech your comfort zones in some things.{not partying} let your self be open to new ideas ans challanges. thats one of the best things about college they want you to think for yourself. and yes get to know your professors they love students who care about learning. I'm dislexic and my professors love that i think differently than most students. study hard, live life and have a wonderful learning experence. this is the chance of a lifetime don't waist it.
Amber
Whatever school you decide to go to, even if it is not your first, second, or thrid choice, make the best out of it. Parents, do not prevent your kids from persuing their dreams, students, do not let anything keep you from what you want for yourself. Do your best, study hard, and have fun.
Miki
When searching for the college that will give you the best experience, the student should never settle for a school just because it is near home or because all their friends are going. It's great to have a support system near by, but I feel college is the time to explore new places and meet new people while furthering one's education. Knowing you major is a great start to figuring out what school is best, but other big factors are class sizes and location of the college. For example, if one is more reserved, then maybe a smaller college is best for them, because teachers are more accessible and it maybe be easier to talk to classmates in that type of setting. Students should also remember that to get the most out of college, they should try to get involved in something, whether it be sports, student government, or other clubs. Its these types of activities that will help make more lasting memories of college.
BillyLynn
Finding the "right" college for yourself, or perhaps your child, is tough. There are so many good schools out there. Don't limit yourselves to schools in a certain price range. There are tons of scholarships and financial aid opportunities. If you really want to go to school, you'll find a way to make it work. I suggest that you, the student, be true to yourself and choose a school that would help you the most. Find a school that will allow you to be your true self openly. If you're coming from a small school, don't just dive into a huge school. It'll take a while to adjust and hinder your academic progress-- believe me, I've been through it. If you do end up going to a large school, put yourself out there and get involved in clubs and organizations, whether it be a social organization or not. It would definitely help you feel some sense of belonging in a new and strange environment, thus keeping you on track and helping you to make the most of your college experience.
Garritt
I would advise parents and students alike that regardless what school they attend to stay there for a full school year. I think too many time students drop out or transfer prematurely. It might take a couple of sememsters to familiarize onself to a given university. In order to make the most of the college experience you need to get to know facutly, university behaviors and who you are. You cannot do this if you stay at your first school is short.
Christopher
Be practical. Go to a college that you feel fits you best. At my previous University I felt that the school was a very organic mesh with my own personality, but upon transfering to a different school, I never felt that feeling. As a result I have regreted transferring, but what is most important is that I never let it bring my academics down. I just simply viewed it as a learning experience.
Derek
During the process of finding the right college, be sure to consider all aspects of the college in mind. Every college has its own advantage and disadvantages. Being able to distinguish and select the college that is most suitable will be very beneficial in the future. Brochures and catalogs are freely available for most colleges and is a great source in the decision process. Also, campus visits, if applicable, are very effective. It will provide a brief overview of the experience a student may have during their college career. Another great source is the internet. Many web sites, such as CollegeBoard.com, can assist parents or students and provide valuable information. There are a number of ways to find the right college, so don't hesitate to explore. There is a college for everyone!
Attending college is similar to an investment. Remember, the amount of effort and commitment you put into your college career significantly determines the outcome. Therefore, choosing the one that fits best will allow any student to achieve success and happiness.
Danielle
Don't limit yourself. Base your decisions off want you want your life to be like and everything else will work out. Don't worry about being too far away or where you don't know anyone....these are the places you'll learn the most about yourself and grow.
Jennifer
I am a student who has done everything by myself to go to university. No one in my family has ever attended nor has helped me. To find the perfect school, select a location where the scenery/lifestyle would best fit you. This is what will make you the happiest. Next make sure they have the major you would want to have a degree in. Also find out about clubs and activities they have available to you. Lastly, make sure they have enough finacial aid to help you further your education!
Tiffany
I think a very important part of the decision is choosing a school with a diverse faculty and student body. This not only fosters greater learning potential, but also creates a healthy environment for studying. In this type of college, students are more likely to take their new friends surfing or go to see a foreign film than to stay up all night drinking at campus bars. It also invites a cultural curiosity, and study abroad programs can be one of the most enlightening and fulfilling experiences of any college career. College will always be a time for experimentation and new experiences, and choosing an environmentally and culturally conscious school will ensure that those new experiences are positive and productive.
Kellie
As unknowledgable parents and incoming students whom do not know much about the college experience, the advisor i would give, is to first visit the school and see if you like, if it suits your personality or lifestyle.
Mercedes
I work as an academic advisor at my university and, from my experience, the most important advice that I can give you, as a parent or a student, is to keep in mind your financial situation. It is often the case that when entering the world of work the university you went to is less relevant than the job experience and social connections you have. Having to pay off student loans the rest of your life will put a damper on things. Students- pick a major based purely on your interests and not on your parents' recommendations, apply for as many scholarships as possible, and seek regular advising. Parents- do not try to coax your child into a Business or Engineering degree if it is not what they want, encourage them to apply for financial aid and scholarships even if you might not think you are eligible, and let college be your children's chance to learn independence, they will come to you when they need help. College will be fun no matter where you go as long as you follow that simple advice.