Abby
I would let all parents know not to force their child to attend a college only on the basis of "Family Tradition", but to allow their child to branch out and grow as an individual. I would let all students know that their college experience starts with their own attitude. If a student is narrow-minded then he/she will have a much harder time of not only choosing a college, but of also making friends and maturing. Students, don't decide on a college based upon a relationship, but based upon your future. Don't make your college experience all work or all play, but a balanced combination of both. College is an amazing experience, but an open mind has to come from the parents and the students. Parents, you need to let your children fly from the nest and test their own wings.
Hazjel
Go visit the campus before you make a decision. Have someone on the inside assist you of your college of choice before you accept.
Angelo
My advice to the students would be to go where you want. Don't let money limit you in your dreams. Go to college and make the most of the experience while you are there because college will give you some of the best years of your life. Do all that you can, and if possible, stay on campus. There is nothing like living on campus where you get to experience the full effect of everything, and everyone. Understand that while having fun is a part of the experience, you still have to focus on doing your work. Work hard, have fun, call your parents from time to time, and live it up because you only get to once. To the parents I would say to let their child be free. Some parents want to force the kid to stay home but they have to realize that leaving home is a big part of becoming independent. Your child will grow to become an adult much faster if they see that you trust them away from home. Now is the time in your child's life where the best you can do for them is let them grow on their own.
Corey
Take time to visit each campus before choosing. Talk to some of the students that already attend and ask specific questions about the staff , facilities and campus activities.
Joshua
The right college is a college which is, in quality of education, on par. In other words, the "right university for you" is that university which exhibits a baseline standard of excellence. Choose an accredited college.
For example: a relative of mine used to attend a particular community college. While there he took a "psychology" class. The professor never lectured on the text. Some days he would tell stories, bring in his guitar, play and sing some songs he had composed, and ask the class how they felt about all that. That is not the right college.
So choose the right college. And be at college in the right way, the way which makes the most out of your college years. That way is not beer. Rather, it is this: refuse to let your studies be a chores, but find what interests you and dive into it. Let your studies be your "play," your "toys," your "videogames." Enjoy them. Learn. And thus you will be not a leech on your parents and your society but an asset to your family, to your university, to your country, and to humanity.
Christopher
Take your time. If something feels not right about a particular college figure out what it is. This is going to be one of the biggest decisions of your life so use your instincts. If you really feind a place where you are going to belong. You will know. But take your time and explore as many options as possible. Do not get caught up in where your friends or your boyfriend is going because that might not be right for youy. Pick a college with your interests in mind.
Britney
To find the right college that is best for you is to follow your heart. Do go and vist each college university you are interested in and look into them as much as possible. Look for which will give you back the most. Do not just follow your friends go where you see yourself in the future. Start early with college applications and have yourself covered financial. Financial issues are a big worry and steer away from stressing yourself financialy. Joining a Sorority has been a huge part of my college experience and has brought out the most in me. It isn't like your stereotypical movie puts it out to be you are not paying for your friends and is so much more and has honestly changed me for the better. While in school keep you studies first your family close and have fun with your friends to get the most out of any college experience.
Shane
I would tell them to research all the colleges they are considering and choose a few colleges that are a good match for them. Things that define a good match would be the quality of their teaching, location, and price. Visit any college considered to see if it "feels right." Look at the housing because a bad housing situation can really make college a drag. Look for extracurricular activities of interest as well. Once you get to college develop a good study habit that allows you to get all your work done but doesn't neglect your social life. After you find a great balance sit back and enjoy your college experience.
Ashtin
During your 11th grade year begin researching the possible colleges that the student would like to attend. Visit the campus, go to ballgames, just start looking at the colleges. During the 12th grade year really research the different colleges regarding the majors. Does the majors fit the student? Does the college fit the major? Does the college fit the student?
Have the student talk to the student counselor at the high school and try to find out as much as possible regarding the cost of the colleges and begin the journey of scholarship applications and FAFSA.
Look into what the colleges have for Freshmen to help them fit into the college. That is really important in making the first year.
Meghan
Choosing the right college to attend is one of the first big decisions high school students will have to make (In addition to finding the best prom outfit of course). My advice for parents: let your child choose and support their decision immensely. Let them enter into their adulthood knowing they "own it" (even though you might be paying for it) and that you view them as a responsible adult capable of making great decisions. I know for me, it gave me a sense of responsibility and drive to show everyone I can and will succeed.
For students, take college seriously but don't forget to develop relationships with your classmates and even your professors (you'll realize they're human and even know stuff outside of their field...who would have thought!). Everyone always told me that college would be the best time of my life. During college, you'll probably think that whoever said that never went to college . When its all said and done and you walk across the stage with friends you have studied all night with before and see professors that you swore were just trying to make you go crazy, you'll finally agree.
Carla
Finding the right college takes time and is really about the student. The college should fit the student's personality and goals. For example, UNC Charlotte has a beautiful campus and I instantly fell in love with it. I knew once I arrived that it was the school for me. The people were friendly, helpful, and I just enjoyed the whole atmosphere there. The student should vist the school to get a feel of how it is there because it helps in the decsion process. To make the most out of the college experience, meet new people and have fun. Take your school work seriously, but do not forget to hang out with friends. College is about learning the most you can from the environment you are put in. Make the most out of college by taking advantage of every good oppurtunity that comes your way.
Jessica
Prepare yourself. Without thorough research of each school on your list, you do not have the answers to future questions that will indefinitely surface. Be aware of your own self needs, preparing for the basics such as finances, academic integrety, and safe housing, but also research the school's counseling department, career center, and spiritual guidence centers. Above all, know that as a student, you will change a great deal while in college. Allow time and patience for those changes, and don't forget to remind yourself that no matter what happens, no one can take your education from you.
Daniel
As a student and resident advisor, I meet new freshman every year. I tell them all to go and visit as many school as you possibly can before you graduate from high school. And do not, just visit the college campus, visit the city around the college also, get a good feel for the area, around the school because it could be your home for the next four years or more of your life. Pick a school that you can feel at home and that you can see yourself being true to yourself and successful.
To make the most of you college experience make sure to take advantage to all the opportunites given to you for example, living in a learning community, free tutoring, Supplmental Instruction, and most of all setting up a good core group of friends/students to study and work with. College can be extremly hard all on your own for most majors. But most of all try your best and I believe that hard work and deadication, you will bring you success. And remember, study hard, work hard and relax...
Katy
If your a parent helping your child find the right college, make sure to visit the campus of the colleges you're able to. To experience actually being on the campus is different from what you see in pictures. Also, finding the right college takes time. Some students transfer and some find the perfect place in the college they choose, don't lose hope in finding the right education and an equally fun college experience. So, apply to as many colleges that you truly want.
Sherard
Choose what feels right, and don't just rely on pamphlets and the school's website to make that decision. Visit the campus, walk around, and get lost in the atmosphere of that school. Get a tour guide and have them talk about the school, and if possible ask students that go there what they think about their choice. Choose what feels right in your heart and your mind, because even though some people change schools multiple times throughout their college career, some are lucky enough to find the perfect school for them the first time around. And also, there's nothing wrong with changing majors, because you will only be successful in a major that you like. (However, don't wait until your junior/senior year to change majors!!!) Finally, make the most of college!!! Don't stay stuck in a book for 4+ years. Make friends, have fun, and live life to the fullest. Most adults say high school was the best years of their lives, but personally, I feel that my college days have been the most amazing time of my life. College sets you on track to becoming an adult, so have fun while you can!!!
Frank
In finding the right college, don't just visit on a "tour" weekend. Visit when the school isn't expecting visitors. That gets you a better view at what life is like as a student there, whether the weekends are boring or busy, and how crowded the school is during normal hours.
Nam-Thi
My advice would be how the staff and faculty on campus interact with their students. I think their interaction is important in a student's education to becoming successful.
Cynthia
THe advice I would give to parents/ and or students is too choose a college that has a high successful post employment rate in your job field. Look at the cost and decide if it is affordable for you and your family, because getting yourself in a lot of debt just hurts you in the end. Also if they are looking in to staying on campus make sure that the dorms are safe and clean. These are important things to remember, because they can make or brak a college.
Tim
Figure out what kind of person you are, small town or city. Find a college located in that same type of area. This will make for an easier transition from home life to college life. Save your money before you go to college. Don't be afraid to try new things, but keep your head on straight. Never loose sight of your main goal. Mine being graduating with lots of knowledge in and around my area of interest and finding a good and fun job.
Christopher
College is, to a great extent, about the acedemia. You go there to get a degree, and that is the major basis upon which you should base your college choice. A college that has a good reputation academically and fits you or your childs needs should be at the top of your list. At the same time, college students will be college students. It is a time of experimentation with the world. A time of self discovery during which they can put to use everything that they are taught as childeren. A lot of people say that you should live life to the fullest, and that college is the best place to do that. I would say that you should live life so that you have no regrets. Live according to what you believe and leave nothing to regret. College isn't right for everyone, but if you decide to go there, know that college is hard, but it is fun. You have to work, but you get to do what you love and pursue your own happiness. Embrace it and live the best that you know how, and don't forget to ask others for help along the way.