Jackie
I would share to the parents to start while in high school, junior year preferrably, talking with the counselors about career choices, there GPA and most importantly the SAT or ACT scores which will help narrow the decision of which college could best accomodate the student. If finances might be challenging fill out as many scholarships application during there junior year to help lighten the load some. Once a college has been found your enrolled and classes begin, to help the transitioning position, get to know your surroundings, make sure to keep a schedule of any assignments due to keep you focused. And finally which is most important ween yourself from home, because you will become homesick alot, make friends, find your nitch or personality which will help you know who you are.
Delora
Look around for the colleges that have the degree plan or field of study that you are interested in. Visit campuses and get to know instructors. Begin looking for scholarships and financial aid options during your junior and senior in high school. Make the most of your college preparation time. Attend seminars such as Studying techniques, How to write A papers and How to use Proper apa format. Join study groups and get and use telephone numbers of classmates. Ask questions!! Meet with your instructors during their office time. Attend class and take notes, try not to miss too many lectures. Read the assigned chapters in you textbook. Become involved in campus organizations and try to volunteer as much as possible. It is possble to have a very rewarding college experience as well as achieving higher education...
Myranna
Make sure to look for the right school that fits not only the pocketbook but also the needs, wants, and environment of the student who will be attending. The school has to fit the student just as much as the student has to fit the school.
Jill
Parents need to sit down with their college bound kid to discuss their child's reason for selecting a particular college. Both parents and child should list their pros & cons on each college with the hope that they could come to an agreement that they will all be happy with. I would prepare them for life away from home. I would let them know that college is nothing like high school. Your professors do not care whether you go to class or not. If you miss class, it is your responsibllity in finding out the assignments. I would tell them how they are going to be responsible for things that they always took for granted. I would tell them how money does not grow on trees and to be happy with whatever extras they get. Have fun and make the best out of every situation!
Vanesha
Spend your first year making sure youve picked the right major for yourself
Guillermo
If i would have to say anything it would be that parents, you should encourage your child in anything that they are interested in doing so they don't have stress coming from home, school and possibly work. Also don't put so much strain on them about their grades, the more they have to worry about the harder it is to keep focused on the grade due to the amount of anxiety possibly produced by fear of their performance and if their parents will be pleased or not. As for the students, take your time in declaring your major because in the first two years you can just focus on the core classes. This will make things easier and prevent you from taking classes that you may not need if you ever decided to change your major. Besides that, choose a college you think represents you, have fun, don't be shy, and try to enjoy your college experience as much as possible. Also try new things be unjudgemental and open minded to let yourself be able to experience things and look at them objectively.
Jamal
I would recommend that students move out of there parents house to obtain a more fulfilling experience. This will allow you to learn how to take care of yourself and actually prepare you for the real world. It doesn't matter what college you go to, but what you get out of the college experience. So therefore, when you start your classes network as much as possible and join as many clubs and organizations as possible. Eventually you will find the organizations you like the most and will be surrounded by advisers, friends, professors and people that will want to help you succeed.
Robyn
Visit every school you wnat to apply to. You can't really get a feel for a school without seeing it and walking it. Tours help a lot.
Stephanie
I think the best way to choose a college is to research specific programs at a school. If you want to study a specific field (music, philosophy, business) it is important to make sure that that specific department at the college you want to attend is a good department meaning the professors are well-respected in the field. It's also important that the program is small enough that you will get to know your professors and work with them, but not so small that the department has no prestige - you want your degree to mean something to other people in your field.
To make the most of your college experience, it is important to remember that, while getting a degree is important, you are attending college in order to learn. The university is not a degree factory - it is a place of learning and growth. Don't get so focused on getting out of school that you forget to learn!
Sarah
The best thing to do when choosing the right college for you or your student is to tour the schools, ask questions and attend events. Talk to people on campus; students, professors, administrators, anyone who will take the time to give you the answers your looking for. Get to know the campus, traditions, events, and the like and attend any functions they offer to students who are considering their school. Also consider what you intend to study in college. Even if you're dead set on going to your hometown college, or your favorite team, what's the point if the program you wish to enroll in isn't offered or isn't very successful? You should be happy on campus, both in your social life as well as your academic life. Don't be afraid to travel away from your comfort zone. College is a learning experience and you'll make so many new friends that they'll become your second family and will comfort you when you miss home.