Craig
Spread out your search and try some schools you didn't think about. OU was actually pretty far down on my list, but when I came for a tour of the college, I was blown away by what they had. After that, get plugged in. Join clubs, go to the games, make friends. These people are going to be life long friends and who you turn to when you need help before and after graduation.
Ryan
Coming into college stay on top of your studies. Work now play later. Don't give into peer pressure because the decisions you make today are the ones that will decide your future. Choose a college that is stong in your profession. Live your life one day at a time and always know whatever you put your mind to you can do it.
Stephen
Choose one that feels right. Study hard and enjoy the ride.
Kathryn
One important piece of advice that I would give is to visit as many potential colleges as possible. Because I did not visit many schools, I was not exposed to all the possibilities that universities could offer. In addition, it is very helpful to visit the campus of a school while it is in session because you can get a very different feel from being there in the midst of classes. Because I visited my current university during a dead week, I did not realize that the majority of students belong to fraternities and sororities, which is not something I am interested in. Although doing research on schools helps narrow down the vast possibilities, interaction with current college students is probably the best method for finding the right college. Once you do select your school, it is best to involve yourself in extracurricular activities so you can make friends and familiarize yourself with the school. Also, making friends of different ages helps you to obtain many points of view about college life.
Leah
Acquire as much relative information as possible. Don't just rely on the shiny pamphlets of laughing people. In order to find the best college, prospective students should first compile a list of things they absolutely must have in a college, such as wireless internet across the campus or affordable student housing, and a list of things they absolutely can't live with, like large class sizes or inadequate library resources. Check schools against these lists. Look at desired programs of study-is this college strong in these areas? Also, whenever possible, students should audit classes or take a tour of the prospective campus, and ask currently enrolled students about programs, social activities, and dorms. The official tour intentionally shows the campus in the best possible light, so go ask someone who will tell you what it's really going to be like. Estimate expenses, and be realistic. Factor in everything, including quarters for laundry. Decide if the school will be worth attending in terms of finances. Can you get enough financial aid? Are you okay with tons of debt? Apply for every scholarship possible. Overall, remember that this isn't a life or death thing-you can always transfer.
Maggie
I would have to say that realize that state schools are just as good as any other school, you can get a good education with less money. Think about how you will feel when your away from home, because I know a lot of people who have gone out of state then transferred back. I would also say to be careful with what you choose as your career choice, what you've grown up wanting to do may or may not be what you've always wanted to do. Take a variety of classes your first semester to figure out what your really interested in. Also, get involved on campus, its a good way to be well rounded , meet people, and get yourself out there.
Kathryn
Apply to a lot of schools. Apply for as many scholarships as you can.
Taylor
When choosing the right college, a person needs to choose it for completely selfish reasons, otherwise they would be choosing for the best interest of someone else (parents, boyfriend, etc.) and can create a completely negative experience. To make the most of a college experience I would recommend to meet as many people as possible, teachers and peers, who become your family and support system. Also get involved in every aspect, work hard, set goals and achieve them. Those guidelines set you up for success and a great career and life ahead.
Elisha
My advice would be to not go to a school just because someone else thinks or wants you to go to that particular school. This is a choice that could potentially determine the course of the rest of your life, and you need to choose carefully and wisely. In the end, if you choose the college that makes you happy, then the people who really love you will be happy for you.
To get the most out of the college experience, students definitely need to have an open mind. I grew up in a small town, so when I first arrived at my large university it was somewhat of a culture shock. I quickly learned that if you have a good attitude and an open mind, you will succeed and end up loving the school you chose.
Roger
Don't go to a college just because your best friend is going there or because your parent(s) is/are alumni. Visit many in-state and out-of-state universities with an open mind but most importantly don't let someone else dictate which college you go to because it could be something you end up regretting. When you get to college, make sure to get to know the people on your floor or at least within your immediate vicinity because you'll be spending a lot of time with them. Also, don't spend all of your time sitting in your room or in the library because while learning is a big part of college, there's also more to it than just the learning.
Tanya
Know that no matter what school you end up at it is what you make of it that creates the college experience. Take advantage, meet new people, strive for excellence, and learn a lot.
Nathan
There is no right answer. You or your student could most likely be perfectly happy at multiple campuses, so choose the school that just feels right. Look for academic or extracurricular activities that excite you and simply a campus that feels a little bit like home.
Jessica
Find a college that will have all of the resources you will need to pursue your degree. Meet the faculty of your degree department, make sure they are friendly and helpful. You need to find a college environment that will make you feel comfortable and motivated to work hard. Also, find a college that has great financial aid plans because it's always good to be prepared.
Claire
GO OUT AND MEET PEOPLE!! Follow your gut when choosing the right school. It will work out for the best. And if you don't like where you end up, then switch! Have fun and do things outside of your comfort zone. Skip class to go play tennis on a beautiful day. Go to symphony concerts and football games. Experience EVERYTHING!
Allison
While it's imporant to think about the academic programs available at your school, you should really think about what the social experience will be like there. Visiting a school is important, but it's also good to talk to some students (those who AREN'T leading your campus tour, because they will likely have a scripted answer) about what life is really like there. And consider the size of the school you want to attend - OU has wonderful opportunities because of it's large size, but it's really easy to feel lost, and there's almost no personal connections with either professors or other students.
Megan
I would recommend really thinking about what you want out of college before deciding on something you may not end up liking. Once you narrow down your goals for college, take the time to visit a few campuses and watch how others interact. Being from the South, I love that the people on our campus are so friendly and always smiling or waving at others. It's a very inviting environment, and you should feel comfortable around the people you attend school with. I had no idea how much I could fall in love with a place that is not my hometown. I truly cherish this campus, and I only wish that others could find the same thing in the college they attend. Get involved, learn the community, show school spirit, and try things out of your comfort zone...you never know who you might meet or what you might learn about yourself. Afterall, isn't college about growing as an individual just as much as getting a good education?
Haley
Make a visit to campus, when you're "home" you'll feel it!
Emily
go to ou! its the best college
Melissa
I would say to just choose a college that you think will accomodate your own learning needs. If you know that you cannot focus in large class sizes, then look into a smaller university. Also, apply to several universities to leave different options open as far as financial aid because you never really know the amount you will receive so if you have options open you can find the one that best suits your capabilities. Lastly, I would say to look at the implications your college choice may have on your future. If you go to a really expensive university where yo will have to take out many loans you will be paying for a long time afterward, and possibly delay grad school plans, and if you choose an easy school it may effect your ability to get a job after college.
Garrett
I would urge each and every future college student to look past the power of grades.