Robin
Choose based on what YOU want. Take the opinions of your friends, family, and advisors because they know you and have invested time and interest in you, but only you can make the choice. Be sure to find a school that offers the courses and programs you are interested in, but your choice cannot be purely based on academics. You HAVE to find a school with the support you need both academically and socially. Most of all you have to be comfortable. You have to find an environment that will enable you to push yourself and your limits without feeling too much pressure. It's all about finding a balance.
Megan
College is a place where a student is able to do whatever he/she desires. Independence and personal responsibility are expected. Nonetheless, each decision you make is your own. Do not hesitate during college, dive right in. College is such an unique life experience. Where else are you able to meet so many people and study so many different things. Have fun. Enjoy yourself, but do not forget that learning is your key priority.
April
My advice to high school students would be to find a college that best fits your personality. The college needs to reflect your personal study habits, future goals, and beliefs in your life. I almost wasted my first year of college because I wanted to be perfect in my academics. It took me a semester to realize that I could have a social life and still make excellent grades. My advice is to manage your time wisely before your college experience passes you by. The right college is out there, it's just the matter of finding that special connection with the campus.
Kimberly
College is one of the most important times of your life. You need to make it count. Don't consider a school just because it would "look good" on your resume. Think about the whole picture - academics, socialization, extracurriculars, the community. All of these factors and more go into your college experience. Sometimes, the fancy school doesn't turn out exactly as you pictured. Don't sell a public school short just because you have images of that private-school lifestyle. And once you find a school that you like, stick with it. Find every scholarship and financial aid opportunity that you can, and don't be afraid to dig a bit deeper. Sometimes the best opportunities just require a little extra effort. Most of all, figure out what it is that you enjoy. I ended up hating my original major, but I loved one of my electives, and I changed my focus because of this. Above all, college is a chance to find out who you really want to be. Go into it with an open mind, and be open to ways in which it can change your life - for the better!
Chris
Parents, remember, this is your child's college experience, let them be who they want to be and do what they want to do. And don't be shocked if they come back how with different colored hair, it's normal. Students, keep yourself active but always put your school work first. Social life is important but if you are unable to do well in school, everything takes a hit. You're here to both learn, grow up, and have fun. Never take your eyes off of your goals.
Jasmine
My advice to all parents and students on finding the right college would be to go where you feel comfortable and are able to afford it. Visit the campus if you can or talk to a representative about a virtual tour so that you can get a feel for how college life will be like. You can also talk to some people you might know about the campus and get their opinion about your school of choice. However, do not follow everything they might say about the college, especially if they don?t like the college of choice. You are going to college for your own education not someone else's. Just make sure that while you are in school, you schedule your time wisely to ensure that your college life a good one.
Price
The first bit of advice i would tell an upcoming freshman would be to step outside your 18 year old body and try to look ahead six years. Ask yourself what path you want your lif e to be headed down and attempt to choose an educational route that would best lead you down that path you see for yourself. And don't hesitate to choose a lofty path, the only thing that will slow you down is you. Be confident and go for it!
Parents be the boost your kids need to get to their higher education, and once they are there do everything you can to guide them, but don't decide anything for them. Let them take the responsibilty upon themselves and they will grow as an individual. Also, i would urge all parents to be patient and tolisten to their children with an open mind.
Lauren
Make sure the child takes part in college visits to make sure that school is the right school for them. Help children to find an area of interest and find schools based on that information as well as what they expect from their school.
Erika
Make sure you are comfortable with your decision. Do not try to follow a friend because you will not get anything accomplished. Make your own decisions and make sure you will be able to do your work and not be bothered by different distractions
Sarah
You need to know what your goals are and what college offers the best opportunity in that field. Don't limit yourself to a place that is close to home or that your parents attended. Let it be about the student and what they hope to accomplish during college and after.