Houston
No matter where you go, make sure that it's a place where you are comfortable with and you feel like you can easily be yourself without worrying about what others think.
Chelsey
Make sure to do you research. Consider things like future housing, convience of necessity stores, etc. Also consider distance from home. You may be dying to get away from family, but remember that theirsupport is important too.
julian
shop before you buy.... dont make a choice based upon convenience or proximity to home. it is worth it to take a trip and visit a few places to find out which ones FEEL like home. that is where you will find success.
Jacqueline
All things depend on the individual. Every school has great things to offer for each individual, but I feel many students do not give enough time to get the most out of a university and do not put forth enough effort to find all the resources that universities may hold. If a student truly has the desire to get the most out of their college experience they will do so regardless of the university, location, major, and cost. As for finding the right college my suggestion is to consider all aspects of each university and what it offers and weigh the importance of the amenities to the student. I would also remind all student to look forward to the future and if expenses will be a life long burden to maybe reconsider. The final suggestion I have for all students is to remember that you are in college to get an education, studying helps and makes it much easier and less stressful; and the final suggestion for parents would be to relax and remember that your child isn?t you and support them regardless of whatever they may decide it will allow both of you to be happy.
Sheree
First you need to find a college that you think that you like. Somewhere where you like the environment of the campus. If you do not like the campus you most likely won't like the school. You need to decide if you want a small school or a big one, this is also part of the environment. If you hate the cold do not go somewhere cold. If you hate the desert then do not go there because you will end up hating school. The biggest thing in college GET ENVOLVED. You can not make friends just sitting in your dorm playing World of Warcraft all day. Get out do things go to a movie with friends, invite people over to hang out or go to lunch. Do something with other people. Yes you are in college to get an education, but you also need to have fun while you get it. Too many people are getting depressed and commiting suicide and part of it is because they think no one cares. Everyone needs social interaction to have better quality of life.
Sarah
Check out what the college is known for academically. Not all colleges are music inclined or teaching inclined
Ashley
Take a tour of the colleges you are most interested in. That was what really convinced me to go to UNT. Also, I think it is important to make sure that your major is one of their main focuses. Like at UNT, they are known for their college of education. I think it is also important to talk to friends or other students that already attend that university so you can get a students opinion of what the university is really like. Most of all, just have fun looking and picking out your college. Those are the most fun and important 4 years of your life!!!!!
Ashley
Find the correct college is all about making sure its the right school for you. Not becuase your friends are going there or becuase your parents went there. The best way is to look at the schools you are intrested and talk to the advisor they are normally alot of help, also dont be shy to ask other students that are in the program your are intrested in, it might help as well.
The best way to get a good college experience is to do you work, stay out of trouble, keep your self busy with work, friends or clubs and dont get into trouble, with drugs and alcholo like alot of people do. College is not about drinking and parting its about sucedding in life and growing up into adult hood.
Jonathan
In my opinion, it's not always about finding the school with the most prestigious name. Just because you go to a University that's a little bit "under the radar" does not make it any more or less special than those big name Universities in your state. There is almost always access to all the great activities you can find at a big University, from the comfort of a closer smaller University. To me, it's all about putting yourself out there and making the most of your college experience. There's a whole world out there within Universities, with endless possibilities, it's just about making the effort to find those great things you want to do.
John
First thing, DO NOT go straight to a four year University! Spend at least a year at a junior college. Jumping right out of high school and into college is too much freedom all at once. Staying at home for at least a year and going to junior college teaches you how to study and be responsible before you take that leap out of your parent's house and into college. Junior college is also a little bit easier so you can ease your way into learning how to be a good student rather than having everything thrown at you all at once. Once you do go to University, try not to go to an expensive one. Expensive schools do not carry much clout at the undergraduate level as they do for things like Law School and Doctorate programs. Last but not least where ever you decide to go STUDY! This isn't high school, even the smartest students can't just breeze by without hitting the books.
Bethany
This school is perfect for particular majors, but do plenty of research on your particular college of interest before coming here. Make note of the way counselors and advisors speak to you, and good luck!
RochelleTrachier
go to learn. My friends aren't really in my classes, and I like it better that way.
Candice
It doesn't matter where you go as long as you make the most of it.
Paige
Visit several colleges, even if you know exactally where you want to go. I didn't go to my top choice school and I couldn't see myself anywhere else. Walk the campus during the school semester and just get a feel of the campus, the people and the atmosphere created there. College has been such an amazing time in my life. I've matured and my perspective on people and the world has changed for the better. Denton is blessed with an amazing body of believers that reaches out to the community to meet their physically as well as spiritaul. Finding a good solid church would be my second piece of advice. It's the great way to meet people and more importantly to grow and lean more on Christ and his calling for your life.
Michael
I would visit the college talk to students and ask them question that you find are important to know like, " What is the educational level of this school?", " How many students are in your classes?", " What is the campus life like during the week and on weekends?", " What can i get involved in that can help me become more successful?". I would also visit areas around the campus to make sure you are comfotable with the area. You need to also find out if the students are connecting well with the teachers. I found out the hard way that teachers at my school are not helpful if you have questions about tests or how to prepare. For the parents i would find out how safe the school is, scope out the campus and make sure you are able to see officers ata all times. My school does a great job at prodiding officer. You need to be comfotable with the school and able to love it. If you are not in love with the school then you won't have a good time. I'd like to thank campus discovery for this opportunity. God bless
Sarah
In order to find the right college, make sure to do your research! Listen to what other people say about the college but also go there and see for yourself. Make sure to take a campus tour, talk to other students on campus. Take you or your student's needs into consideration. Look into what type of activities, clubs, and associations the college has to offer. Transportation is a very important topic to consider. Does the school offer buses? Is there off-campus housing close enough to walk or bike to school? Is the college a commuter school? Each college can be known for a different department or major. Is the college you are choosing support and have enough facilities and teachers for your major? Making the leap from living at home to living on your own can be a daunting step even for the most vivacious students that are ready to leave the nest. Finding a group to share your college experiences (good or bad) is also important. Make sure to find a sport, activity, or other club to belong to. Joining something is the easiest way to meet people and make friends. College is better with friends. :)
Kenneth
I would suggest to these parents/students that they research financial aid opportunities and undergraduate programs available at the universities they are considering applying to. Once at college, getting involved in spirit groups, intramurals, study groups, and work programs will help the student create ties to the university and allow them to meet people under both social and business contexts.
Jessica
Starting early is the best advice to give anyone. Brochures are great , but they lack any real showcase of what a campus is all about. Visit the campuses with your child and allow them to pick and chose the schools they are most comfortable occupying for 4 years or more. Apply for financial aid as early as possible; money problems can ruin the college experience. Avoid credit cards and high interest loans. Keep your grades up in high school, your wallet will thank you later. And when you arrive on campus come with an open mind, and be ready to experience things you might not be used to. Always be open to new ideas and respectful of ones beliefs, you will encounter plenty on a college campus. It is also important to have a sense of responsiblity on campus, you will have to attend classes on your own and will be responsible for your own actions. The most important thing to keep in mind, however, is not necessarily your overall grades, but what you leave with; whether it be friends, experiences, a great career, or a life changing choice.
Christine
In order to find the right college for yourself or your child, I believe that you must visit the campus and emerse yourself in their environment. Not only is it good to find a college that has your specific major and career opportunities, I believe that it is also good that you feel at home in the environment that the college provides. When you visit a campus, go on the little tour that the admissions office usually provides, but also try and sit in on a class or two, go eat lunch with students, and drive around the town, get a feel for the university as a whole. College is more than the flyer you get in the mail when your a junior in high school, it is your life for the next four years or more. You want to make sure that you can call the campus home and you feel comfortable being yourself.