Emily
Take your time and make sure you are ready to be serious about going to a school otherwise you will not do well.
Shannon
I believe that while looking for a college you should consider what you are interested in and what that school has available to help encourage your interests, how much financial aid you will receive from the school, how far (or how close) the school is from home and what kind of ratings the school has. You MUST visit the schools you are interested in/ want to attend! There is nothing like actually being on the campus. While you are visiting the school, ask a lot of questions. You could even think up some questions before you get there. The more information you have about a school the more prepared you will be to make this very important decision!
Deborah
Make sure you look at all of your choices and don't settle for any one college just because it is popular. Make sure the college you end up going to has all of the things you are looking for in a college.
She'la
Finding the right college for YOU is critical in creating a future for yourself. Make sure you pick a college that meets of of YOUR needs and wants. Make the most of your college years and take oppurtunities as they come. There are wonderful oppurtunities offered to you as a college student and you have to determine which ones an help your future. Make the most of your college experience by making great friends. There'll be so many different, diverse people to befriend and you'll have new, exciting experiences with them; especially living on campus near or with them. One thing i learned was to ALWAYS follow what my mind told me to do first. You stay out of alot of trouble that way.. If you have a feeling that maybe you shouldnt go to that party, maybe you shouldn't. But college is a great experience that should be used to full extent. It's blessing to be there, so enjoy it :)
Erica
I would definately visit colleges that you are considering attending. This will help you get the feel for the campus atmosphere and what the people there are like. Remember that the most expensive college may not be the best for you. Research the program that you intend to go into for the colleges with the best reviews for that certain program. Once you choose your college, meet as many people on campus as possible. Most will help you tremendously. Get involved in campus activities. This will help you meet the people that are going to guide you through college. Make sure you take advantage of all campus resources. Work extremely hard and stick with it!
Ryan
I would advise students to choose a school that best fits their needs going into college. One of the biggest mistakes a student can make is going to a school for the wrong reasons. Just because a particular school is right for one person does not mean it is right for another. Financial situations, programs offered by prospective schools and campus lifestyle are all considerations that should be taken into account. That said, college is a bridge from being a teenager to being an adult. It is arguably the most important four years of a person's life, making it a decision that should not be taken lightly. For parents, I would recommend helping your children out in the selection process, but ultimately leave the decision up to him or her. For those who need financial assistance, scholarships, grants and loans are things that should be looked into early if they are needed. The most important advice I can give, though, is to find a balance between your academics and your social life. College will be what you make of it, so jump in and enjoy the ride.
karin
Get the most for your money.
Amy
Always go with the school that offers to help the most.
Brittany
Getting involved and branching out to everyone in your university, students and professors, would be the best advice to give someone who is interested in making the most of their college education. Getting to know people and building a rapport can open doors to getting more financial assistance, possible employment, or longlasting friendship.
Madison
Talk to your high school counselors, they really know what they're talking about and will help out and answer any and all questions you may have for them. They can show you books, websites, and set up campus visits and advisor meetings.
Jene'
Make sure you have an idea of what you're getting into. If not, mistakes can be expensive. Figure out or have an idea what you want to study before enrolling. Work hard, but don't forget to enteract with those around you. You'll learn more from others than you will in any classroom. Lastly, always have a plan. Know where you want to be by graduation and save $$$!!!
Ryan
Don't jump at promising sums of money. Go with a school that fits your needs and has a similar on-campus culture to your own preferences.
Ebony
Just follow your heart. Don't settle for anything. Settle for what you want to do!
Shawn
The most important part of searching for and choosing the right college is to utilize every single source offered to you. This means you need to visit college websites where you can explore the academic majors offered, find out what types of financial aid are available, and get a feel for the college mission and purpose.
Also, the student and his or her family should visit the college campus and surrounding areas. It is really impossible to understand the atmosphere of the college until you visit. Be bold and ask students how they like the college and inquire about extracurricular activities and social events that take place at the college.
Last, take advantage of all the advisors at the campus. Ask to speak with an academic counselor, as well as a financial aid counselor. Advisors are the most valuable people on campus because they have the "inside information" and are willing to share it with you to make your college transition and experience more enjoyable.
Sara
Visit all kinds of different colleges. It's hard to know if one school is what you really want, if you've only seen one type of school. Public, private, big,small; Each and every university is so different and caters to different kinds of students. Small schools give more individual attention, but sometimes they're harder to fit into. Big schools seem to find a place for everybody, but also make it easy to get lost in the crowd. It's about finding your niche and finding a school that fits you, even if its not what you originally wanted.
April
It must have everything you want in a school as if they were someone you will date because your're looing at a long commitment ahead. as far as getting the best of it learn ....Time management!
Alyssa
I would tell the student to write a list of qualities that are important to you and try to find colleges based off of that. To go where best fits you not what anyone else is saying whether its a parent or a friend because its your education. Also do alot of research on schools before you decide which school you want to be at. Go and tour as many schools as you can so you can get a feel for what you are looking for and what that college is like. The college application time is stressful but stick in there because it won't last forever. Also don't give up. If you don't get into the college that is your first choice then just keep going. Your education is what you make of it. To the parents I would just tell them to support your child no matter what because deciding what college they want to go to is a major thing in life. Just encourage them to not give up and do everything you can to make this experience go smoothly.
Adrienne
The right college is different for everyone. Throw out the rating books. The best college can't be found by a book. You need to decide what you want from a college, a city, the country, academics, research or involvement. Then find a college to match. Never make a decision based solely on money, you would be surprised what can happen after applications have been sent it. Scholarships and grants are more common than people think.
Katherine
The advice I would give to parents and/or students, about finding the right college, is do not go in to it thinking that you are going to make a choice over night. It takes time to find a college that meets your needs, and fits your life style. You want to find a college that it going to work for you, and that your going to gain the most from. At times, it may seem frustrating, and you may want to say "the hell with college," all together, but don't give up. Have patience and faith that you will find a college that works for you. Once you find that college your experieces their will hopefully be the beginning of a bright future. Make the best of your college experiences, work hard, and pursue your dreams.
Andrea
I would tell any prospective college students to visit as many campuses as possible. Try and make these campuses be as big of a variety as possible., and at each campus tyr and speak with many different students (do not limit yourself to just the tour guide, remember they are trying to sell their own school!!!) That way you can see first hand what campus life is like for a variety of people, maybe even someone who has your same goals and direction. Also, during your last year in highschool really try and find out who you are and who you want to be, that way it will be easier for you to spot which school can help you achieve your current and longterm aspirations for yourself.