Patrick
I would ask yourself what do you want. Do you want to learn, do you just want a degree, do you want to make friends, or are you just going to college because its what everyone is doing. I find in my experiance of college people are here for the last three but not to learn anything. If your one of those people I would suggest not going and getting an appartment off campus. It will save you a lot of money and time. But if your going to learn I would suggest you look at what classes you did well in highschool. Was it the small classes or the large classes. Was it the ones where you to apply knowledge or just memorize it. Then go and visit as many colleges you can to find the one that matches you. If you go to a college that doesnt your not going to have success. I would also suggest going out and being extrovertant. Let yourself shine.
Leah
I would say that the most imporant thing is to not forget who you are. College is a great place to express who yourself, but do not attempt to be someone you are not to fit in. Eventually people find you out. If you are worried about making friends - don't - because there is always at least 20 people just like you in each of your classes. Do not follow your friends to a place that you are not sure about. Follow your instincts. And always call your parents at least once a week. It is very easy to loose touch with the ones you love.
Melissa
I would tell them to always look far into their future and make sure that they will be happy in their school. Look at all aspects of life from money, living and social parts.
Kayla
The best thing to do when searching for a college is to visit and plan out your money situation beforehand. One of my only regrets is not knowing how many funds I had for the future and thinking that scholarships would come to me instead of going out and finding things to get my money before school started and I was stressed from working 30 hour weeks on top of full-time school. College is about learning about yourself--it will be one of the hardest and best times of your life. Enjoy it while you can! Take time to use the experiences it gives you.
Ben
Go to a college where you like the size of the school, its social envirnoment, and see how friendly the school is. Go to a college where yo know you'll fit right in with everyone else and be accepted. Go to a college where they have plenty of activites available, and get involved! That's how you will meet people the fastest. And just enjoy life!
Curt
Find a college that you feel confortable at when you visit. Your first instincts are probably right.
Ted
I think making the most of a college experience comes from looking at college for what it is, an investment. You don't want to pay $100,000 to get a degree in social work. When deciding on which school to attend, be sure to consider your life after the next four years.
Tim
Make sure you like the campus you are looking at in terms of size and style. You should also meet some of the professors in your major so that you know that you like them. It is never easy going through school with professors you do not like.
Shana
I would tell parents to try not to give their children too many preconceptions about what they should do after high school and to try to help them become aware of as many of the opportunities available to them as possible. Students shouldn't feel like there is a certain university that they will probably end up attending or a certain path they will probably end up taking in life. They shouldn't feel pressure to attend college at all. If college is their choice, I would tell students to take their time finding a college and deciding a major. College doesn't necessarily have to start immediately after high school. It's better to have a clear idea of what you want out of your college education before you dive in. You could end up spinning your wheels, wasting time and tuition money, because you didn't really know yourself and your goals before you started. Of course, once the decision has been made and you're at your chosen college working toward your chosen degree, remember that nothing is set in stone. If you're unhappy with the path you're on, you can always change it.