Hattie
Don't worry about the "brand name" of the school. I know I wanted to attend a glamorous private school, or a popular public school, but once I looked around and looked closer, I found that the best school for me wasn't necessarily the one that's best for everyone else. Look for a place where you can really see yourself living and being happy.
Wilhelmina
I think visiting the college is highly recommended and try talking to some current students to find out what they like about the university. Make sure you find out if the school is more science/research focused or liberal arts focused because that matters in what school you'll want to choose. Also, make sure you can enjoy the surrounding city area, depending on if you're a city person or not, location (and the weather that frequents that area) will matter for your own well being. Also, check to see whether the department you are interested in (i.e. business, journalism, pre-med, etc.) is strong at the university you plan on attending.
niina
If there is a particular major you are planning to study, make sure the school you apply to has that major. Also make sure you and your parents talk about the funding for your school, so you don't get stuck in your senior year with no funding and no money to pay for graduation.
Jane
I would advise students to talk to the college students to find out about what the experience at that respective institution is like. They will know from their experience what they enjoy and regret about their choice. Once you talk to about five different students at a college what they think of their school, you will start to get a good idea of what kind of place the institution is. I would highly reccommend the prospective-freshmen programs that many schools offer. I went as a prospective student to the programs offered by certain universities, and had a wonderful time meeting other prospective students and current students. Attending classes and hanging out on the campus for a day or two is really the best way to get a feel for how you'll do at that school.
Chelsea
When it comes to figuring out the "right" college, you probably know best. Are you the type that would feel most comfortable in the intimate community-atmosphere of a small campus, or enjoy the adventure and independence of a large one. It's definitely easier to get lost at a big university, however there are also a lot more choices (of both activities and degrees). Of course, you also want to keep in mind what academic programs appeal to you the most, and which colleges are strongest in their fields. The most important thing is to figure out what YOU want in a college.
The best advice I can give to make the most of your experience is to get out there and try new things. Interested in swing dancing? Check out the club. Love movies about mad scientists? Be a research assistant or take a cinematography class. You never know what is going to strike a chord with you and there's no harming in finding out. You can join a dozen clubs and just stick with the ones you end up liking the most. Have fun! But don't forget to study, too.
Desiree
Consider most factors when choosing the right college, but alsp keep an open mind.
Amy
I would tell parents and students to visit the campuses. Also, if there is any sort of program where the potential students could stay in the dorms overnight just to get a feel for how living there would be I would tell them to take advantage of that. Talk to students on campus about their experiences there. Figure out what you want most out of your experience and then ask the questions to determine if the school will offer all that you need it to.
Joel
I would have liked to participate in this scholarship process, however:
"exploitation throughout the universe, in perpetuity"
"each Survey participant irrevocably waives any and all so-called moral rights they may have"
The phrases above eliminated my trust for the organization. Please change the way you think about your student customers.
Alan
As a parent, this is a challenging time to find the right position in your son or daughter?s life to be the support he or her needs. There are hundreds of different kinds of colleges, each with their strengths and unique focus in areas of academics. However, the most important aspect that parents and students can have a look at together when searching for a college, are the opportunities to find a community within the college student body. A living learning community often takes the form of residence halls, Greek system, and off-campus housing. The living learning community takes on the role that your family and high school had as a support system for your student. Your student will learn and grow as a young adult more from the people around them through exposure to diversity and life challenges than they will ever learn in the classroom. For the student, embrace this milestone as a chance to be open to challenging your values and beliefs. Put yourself out there and keep an open mind to learn from people that are different than you. You will get the most out of college from exploring outside your comfort zone.
Jennifer
Many factors need to be considered before students and parents make the crucial decision regarding college. The college application process is a confusing whirlwind. It seems like the student just started senior year when the time to submit the intent to enroll arrives. Each college offers unique perspectives and experiences; consequently, not each university is the right choice for each student. During this period, the student and family are bombarded with opinions surrounding college choice. However, the student needs to look at all the characteristics of the college as well as carefully examining her aspirations and personality. The most important thing is for the student to thoroughly research the school: the intended department, social activities, and quality of guest lectures, location, and general environment. This advice may sound trite or generic but looking back on my college experience the process of self-examination and cautious appraisal of the school is crucial. The college years should be exciting ones full of discovery and growth, but to be so, students need to chose the right school for them. Once there, students need to reach beyond their comfort zones and experience all the school has to offer.
Celia
The biggest thing for me when choosing a collage was that I was caught up in senior year and my friends, instead of paying attention to what I really wanted and maybe needed in a collage. So I didn't look into schools as well as I should have. Although I was lucky and fell in love with the school I am attending, I wish I hadn't taken the easy way out and I wish I would have really reached for the stars and pushed myself to really find the school I knew I wanted to be a part of. So in retrospect and as some advice to those searching for the right collage, make sure you are looking into a school for all the right reasons, don't let friends or money restriction or athletics influence you on where you truly want to pend the next four or five years of your life and aquire your higher education.
Therese
When looking for the right college, it is important to make sure you know what it is you want out of a school. Look at all aspects of the college- the location, cost, resources available, academics, extracurriculars, etc. It is also important to visit the school before you make your final decision. College is a time to grow both academically and personally, a time where you really get to know who you are and what you want out of life, so you want to make sure you choose the school that will best help you achieve your goals. In order to make the most of the college experience, don't be afraid! Get involved, meet new people, try new things. There are so many amazing opportunities available to you in college. You'll discover who you are and where you're going in life, while making memories and friends that'll last a lifetime. College is all about new experiences and learning, both inside and outside of the classroom, so don't hold back- go out and have fun!
Monica
Be sure to talk to people at each school in the program you intend to enter.
Parents, let the student make the final decision, but students listen to your parents advice.
You make your own expierence. Go to school with an open mind. Invest in your experence, get involved.
Timothy
The right college to choose is hard, I knew I was going to the UW after a few visits to other colleges, I loved the campus along with rave reviews about academics I choose UW as my first pick. As for making the most of college, get involved, I am the president of a fraternity now, and love it. Get onto some IMA teams, football, basketball and get involved in some clubs that interest you. Also, look for research opportunities, the UW has a great deal of research internships and I'm starting one this winter. The more involved you are, the more people you meet and the more fun college is, don't forget to study enough to do well in all your classes and don't forget that "all work and no play makes jack a dull boy", so make sure you get your partying in too. The last thing I'll say is: The UW is amazing, great gym, football fields, tennis courts, extra curricular activities, classes, study tools and study centers, great people, and in a great city.
Jennifer
Think about what size of school you would feel most comfortable in. The University of Washington has over 30,000 students which isn't for everyone, although I loved it. Other school are like a little community and everyone knows everyone else. Also look at the surrounding areas and where you might want to live off campus during your junior/senior years.
Rosie
Research the college before you apply.
Tanner
Don't sweat it, take your time but start early. It doens't have to be a stressful experience. As for the college experience as a whole, find your people, find your passion and pursue it with all the vigor you can muster.
Jeff
Searching for the college that fits your needs best can be a very difficult process. From personal experience, the most effective way to find a great college was a three step process. First, write down a list of three or more priorities that you deem necessary in whichever college you will attend. Second, visit several colleges that you believe might be a good fit for you. Third, look at your list, and compare it with your experience on your visit. Don't go just off the list; also really listen to your gut feeling that gives you a good or bad feeling about the college. For example, my top priorities when selecting a college was to find a four year university close to home, with a great business program, and a wide variety of extra-curricular activities. I found a school that fit my needs at the time, and today I am still very satisified with my choice. My advise to parents - don't push your son/daughter to go to a college or location in the country that they aren't fully interested in. Their college choice should be completely independent of your influence.
Sara
Get involved on campus in what ever way you find interesting. Be willing to look outside of your comfort zone, you might find friends who will be there for life. Know your professors and never be too afraid to ask questions, even if they may seem out of place. Volunteer or work close to campus to stay connected!
Dilys
Where do you want to be in the next few years? Do you like the surroundings of the campus of your choice? Have you looked into all of their financial aid options? If you have a major in mind, what is the national or international ranking of that program?