Maggie
Make sure to thoroughly research all schools you are interested in including visiting the campuses.
Sarah
Don't just look at the big name schools and don't be discouraged if you don't get in/aren't going to those schools. Harvard and Yale are great, but they aren't great for everyone. Think about what you truly want, and where you will truly be happy. Are you fine in large lecture halls, or do you really need personal attention in a class? Do you thrive in an extremely competitive environment, or are you happier in a more laid-back place? Listen to your heart, be proud of your choice, and know that the most important thing is not the name, but rather the experience and the knowledge you gain.
In terms of making the most out of your college experience - have fun! Remember that your major does not determine your future, and that college is a time of self-exploration. If you don't know what you want to do with your life that's OK. Concentrate on expanding your horizons, on meeting new people, on trying new foods, on learning new things, and on reading new books. It will all fall into place when the time is right.
Kara
Talk to your college counselor; Decide if you want to go to college in a city or not (this is a more important decision than you think); Decide if you want to have a small learning environment or be one of many (which is better for your learning?); Decides what majors you are interested in not just one and look at schools that have good departments in those majors; Decide what kind of weather you can live in because it has an effect on studies. Email professors in the majors your interested in that work at variious colleges. How they responde will give you good insight to what the college will really be like. Visit! 95{4a082faed443b016e84c6ea63012b481c58f64867aa2dc62fff66e22ad7dff6c} of your decision should be if you feel comfortable on campus; that is where you will be living for the next 4 years but at the same time choosing a college does not mean life or death; you can transfere and find a better college. Plus, if you are worried about money going to a community college for 2 years and then transfering to a better college gets yo u the same diploma.
Don't stress. You will end up at the right college!
Uzoma
Be patient and do your research. It is important to find a school that best fits you both academically and socially.
Emily
Make sure that you really think about what you as a student wants, and trying to make it a realilty. Don't settle for less because most of the time you can make it work. Go for your dreams!
Bharat
Make sure it's right for the student. Make sure the college has a good career center. Make sure alumni of the chosen school work and are successful in the area/field the student wants to eventually pursue.
emily
jGo where you feel led and to just to embrace every opportunity and not to just coast through. You have to try to be involved and study what you want to study. Work hard, play hard.
Brianna
Choose the college based on many reasons: academic, social, the campus.
Marta
Not to rush a high school graduate into college immediately following graduation if they have any doubts as to what they want to do. Encourage trial and error and support a change in major if pops up. I have spent over 10 years trying to figure out what I wanted to do with my life and was forced to start out learning business. Quite frankly had I been supported and given time, I think I may have reached some direction and focus in my life sooner. Be supportive of your childs career interests, don't force your dream onto them. Encourage them and allow them to grow and makes changes as they study. With support they can excell and achieve great things, sometimes the major that seems fruitless, is actually the most rewarding financially. It's not just one particular major like business.
Erika
Personally, I believe ambiance is the greatest indicator of future comfort and happiness when trying to decide how to pick the most suitable college. College atmosphere and the surrounding life are two of the most significant deciding factors, atleast those were things I paid attention to when choosing my school. When I first visited USF and walked around campus there was something that just made me feel excited. I knew USF was the right school for me when I could not stop smiling. I just felt so happy! The energy was so positive and the people made me feel so welcome I did not have to think twice about my answer. My advice would be to make sure students visit as many school campuses as possible before making a final decision on what university or college they plan to attend because school atmosphere can really impact your health and overall emotions once the reality beings.