Austin
First, visit the campus. Second, make sure that you understand how much everything is going to cost, and if an in-state school can offer the same opportunities, without the high prices. While it may not be your dream school, it'll save you A LOT of money, and still get you the degree you need, and no matter what, it's college, you'll have a good time. Calculate how much tuition, if your going to live on or off campus, food, entertianment, how much a date is going to cost. Include everything, and make sure it's ok. Also, go into a major that is right for you. I'm a dance major. I'm not going to make a lot of money, if any, but I know that this is what I want to do. Just because you get a degree in one thing doesn't mean you'll get a job in that field, that goes for all majors; business, medicine, law, english, pychology, everything. College is about furthering your education, and getting a degree. Some people see it as learning life lessons, others see it as getting a job, some see it as both.
Heather
-know what is best for the student
-know yourself
-explore your options
-find out what it is you want to major in quickly but not too quickly where it is not right for you
-everything is about the right fit for the student
-know what type of student/personality you are and pick a school that suites you
-participate in clubs or IM sports, there is always an option for anyone's interest if you look
-dont be shy
-dont be close-minded
-dont be afraid of change
-talk to your classmates
-use the library!!! (you dont always have to buy books you can check them out too)
-do not be afraid to ask questions
-form consistent study habbits and stick with it
-learn from your classmates and the other cultures and diversity
Kaelen
For starters, absolutely visit the college you are thinking about. If you can't see yourself there, you won't like it. It may also help to talk to kids from your high school or who you know who already attend. They can give you an insiders opinion on what it is actually like to go there. Take advantage of orientation programs, social activities offered, and even residential programs. You can find something out there for you, you just can't be afraid to look.
Stephanie
As a high school senior, I was terrified of finding the right school for me. What other students and parents need to understand is that your college experience is completely what you make of it. I love the University of Michigan, because I put the time and effort into joining clubs and programs and meeting new friends. I work hard at my schoolwork and love to be involved in the school's athletics. The only way to enjoy a school is by being proactive and positive. While Michigan wasn't even my first choice, I now cannot imagine myself anywhere else because of the experience I have had. I also know that once I leave this school, my degree from such an accredited university will be highy favorable. I also cannot wait to come back for the alumni weekend football games! Students and parents should try to find a school that is well rounded and can provide everything for them.
Ariel
definitely visit schools before applying to them, and most certainly before deciding where to matriculate.
Kelsey
To find the right college you should definitley make appointments for college tours because although you may be sure of a certain university after reading about it, or seeing pictures of it, or knowing the background and opportunities available there, you really never know what it's like until you are there and you are experiencing it. Once you have seen it and imagined yourself actually attending there and knowing what it would be like, then you will know if it is the right choice for you. Also to make the most of your college experience I would suggest to try anything and everything, there are so many activities and club and events around campus, that you might not have ever heard about before or been around, and college is the perfect time to try and see if those are hobbies or even possible future careers that you might be interested in. Just don't let anything pass you by!
Jennifer
It's not all about the brand name because there is no much more to a college than just its ranking. Visit the college first, ask questions, stay open-minded.
A
Visiting a college is very important in making the choice. Getting a feel for he location, the buildings, and the people on campus can definitely make or break a school. Try to find potential extracurricular activities at colleges you're looking at and meet some people who are involved to get an insider's perspective. When choosing a college, it is very important to evaluate what is most important about college life to the prospective student: whether it's the quality of education, class size, sporting events, extracurricular activities, the "party atmosphere," or other factors, be sure to weigh them accordingly. Weighting these factors and sitting down and constructing a table to compare colleges is a very effective way to find the college that's right for you, or at least eliminate ones that aren't.
To make the most out of college, find something you like and do something constructive with it! Don't languish in the dorms playing video games or watching TV, and don't blackout every weekend. Find something that you like, or that you're good at, and join a club. You'll enjoy college much more if you participate in something you enjoy.
Mallory
Make sure you can afford to go to this school it is very expensive.
Alexandra
I believe that it is important to attend classes before hand to see how accessible the professors are. Although this may seem awkward, you should either wait for the students to ask the professor a question or ask him a question yourself to see how helpful his/her response is. Alot of professors at the University of Michigan are condescending when answering questions. I would also ask students what it is like to live at the university, especially if you don't like drinking and expect to stay in on the weekends studying.