Frank
Make sure you know of all of the costs of going to a university and plan accordingly and financially. Make good friends that follow your interests. And get a diverse education, all those extra classes will help you in the long run.
Chelsey
I would suggest the student evaluate how much work they intend to do in college before choosing a program of study or even the university.
Michael
I would strongly recommend that students and their parents go on college visits to Universities that clearly are of different sizes and seem to offer different experiences. Even one day at a campus can form a connection with the student which shows them that this is the University for them. Also, don't simply follow your friends to a college. What might be right for them, won't necessarily be the best for you. College is a time to begin making your own path and while the experience can be challenging at first, what you gain from your University will certainly be worth the initial struggle.
Michela
I believe that finding the right college depends upon following the dreams of the future student. This prospective student should never settle for a location where they are unhappy, or a school that they know would never feel like a home away from home. Searching for activities that the student would be interested in joining on campus is another way to find the best college. Becoming involved on campus is the best way of meeting new people and consequently, having a great college experience. Even if a person becomes dissatisified with their college choice, their extracurricular activities can make college life better.
Dana
I would tell someone who is trying to choose the right college to make sure it is a place where they are going to be comfortable in whatever is most important to them; whether that means in academics, friends, location or something else. For me, the most important consideration was size and location. I based my choice on this instead of picking a school that other people might have selected for me. If you choose the college based on what's important to you and take that responsibility upon yourself, good things are likely to result. Because you have decided who your fellow students are going to be, you will be more likely to feel open and friendly to them. You will also be more willing to take your schoolwork seriously, instead of feeling like it has been forced on you by someone else. Finally, you will probably already be aware of at least some of the activities open for your participation because you have been looking forward to your time there. This means that throughout your college experience, you will be making the most of all of the opportunities around you because you are where you want to be.
Brooke
Make a pro and con list for all the colleges you are seriously considering. Make sure to consider how known the school is for partying and if you can avoid that enough to study like you need to in order to succeed. Also consider how far from home the school is and how easy it would be for you to be with your family when they need you to be there for them. You think you just want to run away from home at this point, but you need to consider how different college is going to be and how much support you will need from home. Good luck!
Deborah
I would say first of all go to a college that is where you want to live for the next 4 years. If the student is very close to family then chose a place closer to home so that homesickness doesnt become a big issue. I would also say that dont go to a place because other people want you to go there because they arent the ones in your shoes that will have to deal with the university for the next 4+ years. Go to a place where they offer a great program for your intended major and if you dont have one, chose a colelge that has a great advising team.
Stacey
If you live in the residence halls take advantage of your RA or Hall Director. They know about the programs and personnel on campus that can get you involved with what you are really interested in. If you don't know where to start... ask. Also, don't let the financial aid or advising departments ignore you. You, as a student, are their business and they need to make time for you no matter the circumstance. They should be helpful and caring, if they aren't voice that to the department.
Nicolette
I suggest that when touring colleges just go with your heart and which college feels the most comfortable for you. Also I suggest the students participate in as many on campus activities as possible, this is the best way to meet your lifelong friends and not feel so new to the college.
Emily
The most important thing to remember when choosing a college is, "Am I comfortable here?" Do you feel safe? Do you see yourself having fun? If you can honestly say that you would brag about going to that school, then you'll be set. Don't feel too much pressure! Selecting a college can be fun. And attending college is even more fun.
Alyx
Don't ever let someone tell you where to go to school. You are the one who knows you best. Go on plenty of college visits, and choose the college that you feel is best for YOU. When you find that college, everything will just click, and you will know that it's the place for you. Everything may seem overwhelming at first, especially at a major university. If you're from out of state, live in the dorms your freshman year - you'll meet more people that way. Get football season tickets, you'll regret it if you don't. If your professors have office hours, stop by once in a while and chat with them, they like that. Don't wait till the last minute to write a 12 page paper, the professor will know. Be yourself and don't try to impress other people - it makes you look like a goof. If your school offers intramural sports, participate. It's a great way to make new friends. Just make sure to get out there and get involved, because college is the best four years (or more) of your life; make the best of it.
Allyson
It is not all about what the other students are doing, or choosing. It is about the right fit for you. Every campus you visit do not think about your high school, think about where you would want to see yourself for the next four years. Also ask what the school can do for you, your giving your money, what are you going to get out of it besides an education! Do not be afraid to look out of state, it is not always more expensive and it wil be the only time in a students life that you can try something new without having to worry about transfering your job and anything like that if you do not like it! Be exciting and try something you think you will like, you can always transfer home. Parents, be supportive of your childrens choice even if you think it might not be a good choice. They are only to go to college once so be supportive because you are not the one going to college!
Kristen
Finding an affordable price for the best classes and extracurricular activities available.
Jamison
The adjustment from high school to college is both exciting and scary. It can be especially hard to determine as an undergraduate what career path to take. The best thing to do in determining a school and major is to be comfortable and flexible about your decisions.
When choosing a school, go on campus tours and pick the school that feels right. Don?t let distance or cost be the ultimate deciding factors. Do what makes you happy. Remember too that you can always transfer schools if your first pick wasn?t what you expected.
When choosing a major, select a field that best describes you. College is the time when you can do whatever you want to do; just be happy with your choice. If you have no idea what you want to study, just take general studies courses until you decide. There should be no pressure in determining a major.
College is the beginning of the rest of your life. It can seem scary but it is most definitely exciting. Take things slow if need be. Be open-minded with your options and most importantly be happy with your decisions.
Nicole
I would suggest to take the time to get to know as much as you can about the school. Take tours of the campus, sit in on classes, talk to professors, and get to know some students if possible. The best feeling is going the first day fully prepared and knowing what to expect. Also, if a student is comfortable with the facilities and staff, they will be able to fully concentrate on their education. It is important to take the uneasyness and unknowing out of the equation, and it is truly important to enjoy your exoeriences.
Sarah
Start by looking at a variety of schools, ranging from community 2 year schools to 4 year universities or colleges. Don't just look at the campus but look at the cost, the financial aid offered, the sizes of classes, and the community around the college. FInd something that fits you/your child the best. Do not send applications to just one school, either. Keep your options open!
It is important to make the best of your college experience. Be serious about your classes, but don't go overboard. You have to relax and have some fun sometimes, too, or you may loose your mind. If you get too serious about school, it will seem to take forever and will not be as enjoyable. However, do not party too much or make that your way of life. Too much partying and not caring can lead you to failing grades and possible expulsion. Find the right combination of studying and having fun and you will succeed with flying colors!
Kate
Go where you feel at home and that you can thrive. Find somewhere you fit and are comfortable! And make sure the university has what you want to do, or enough choices if you don't know yet.
Daniel
Dont censor your self because of fear of other's reaction. Never apologize for a part of who you are. Keep in mind that if you are the exact same person you were last week you have learned nothing. Life is change, there is nothing wrong with change as long as you are not allowing others to make your choices for you.
Janna
talk to your guidance counselor, its their job to help you know/find stuff. VIST LOTS OF DIFFERENT SCHOOLS. budget your money
Lindsey
Go visit your schools of choice, multiple times if needed. Talk to as many people at the school and in your areas of interest as you can. Talk to an advisor and a financial advisor. Look into groups on campus in areas you are interested in. Visit as many of the dorms as you can so you have an idea of where you want to live when it comes time to apply for housing.