Holly
The advice I would give to parents and students about finding the right college for them, is to embrace the journey. I serve as an Ambassador at my university and am giving prospective students tours all the time. Many are very overwhelmed at the large decision that is needing to be made, which determines the rest of their life. Instead of getting overwhelmed, it is important to take note on how you feel when you visit a particular place. Ask yourself if the campus feels good and has a good vibe with your personality. Does it offer everything you would like to be a part of or experience throughout your degree of study? All questions are important, and that means don't be afriad to bring them up to faculty, staff and students when touring the University that could end up being your home for 4 or more years. Embrace the journey of choosing the right and college, because it is the only time you get to feel the rush of emotions you do now with your first college. It's a lot like finding that perfect glass slipper to make the right fit for you.
Josh
The advice that I would give parents and/or students about finding the right college is take campus visits and see how that college makes you feel about being there. If the university makes you feel welcomed or gives you the feeling of being safe and secure like at your own house usually a good chance that, is the right college for you. When making the most of the college experience, try everything that the college has to offer. Go to sporting events, join organizations, find something to your interest because college has some sort of experience for everyone and make some time to socialize with others because without socializing with others one will never experience the full college experience.
Kelly
I would tell potential college students and their parents that it is important to tour many different college campuses to make sure they find the college that the student feels most comfortable in. Being in a comfortable environment makes the transition into college much easier and usually coinsides with academic success. College should feel like a home away from home. I would also tell them to get involved in campus organizations and programs. Each campus has a lot to offer in the ways of intramural sports and service oriented programs, and the best part of it is that most of them are offered for free. It's important to branch out and try new things, but it is also important to stay true to your morals and beliefs. It's very beneficial for a student to take advantage of tutoring programs and study groups as well. Most importantly however, is for the student to become a well rounded individual, so chose the college that can offer him/her the best overall education and prepare them with the necessary life skills to succeed later in life.
Jaime
Don't worry about tuition prices. The right college shouldn't be based on price but what you can get out of it.
Cassandra
VIsit a lot of colleges before you apply to get the feel of the campus - look around campus for class size, study space, affordability, etc.
Mindy
In order to make a smooth transition into college, I suggest incoming freshman find a university setting that they feel comfortable in. Living away from friends and family can be frustrating enough. Why add on to that frustration by allowing students to submerge themselves into a university that dosen't relate to their lifestyle? Whether freshman plan on attending a college far from home, or nearby, they should make sure that at least part of the campus they choose reflects their personality.
I lived out in the country durring my high school years, so I have always been accustomed to peace and quiet. The university I attend lies just outside the city, leaving the campus quiet enough for my taste. I wouldn't be able to stand staring at nothing but buildings outside my dorm window. When looking for colleges, I made sure that my campus had plenty of plant life to view.
Students should keep in mind how the life of the campus they choose compares to the life they have known at home. Students will be able to make the most of their college experience only when they can feel comfortable in the new college setting.
Alex
go where you want to go and will be successful
Mari
I would tell them to look around, visit all of colleges that are on their minds. Do not go see a college that you like just because its a little too far, or a little too expensive. Finding a college that is right for you and what your parents like as well is the most important. Also, do not let where your other friends are going affect where you go. I've seen that in my school, where half the class (of 30 kids), went to the same college. I think that is disappointing because they are missing out on many opportunities to make new friends and see different places. Put a lot of emphasis on doing well, because you will regret it later. Do not overload yourself with too much to do, like working too many hours at a job. Do not leave every weekend if your campus gets to be a little deserted. Stay and put forth an effort to make friends, and do fun things around campus. Talk to your professors! Most of them time, they will give you a better grade if they know you are worried about how you are doing in that class.
Amanda
Finding the right college is about physically going there and getting a feel for a day at that college. You will know it is right for you as you walk around and try to picture yourself going through your day to day activities. Whether you visit on a campus preview day or just on your own, take the time to visit. It could change everything! It did for me! It is easy make the most of your college experience! Get involved! There are so many clubs and organizations on campus that you can be a part of. I joined a community service based sorority and I love the rewarding feeling I get when I help out my community and campus. Being involved helps you build relationships with the faculty and staff that may help you down the road as well! As parents, you need to support your child with whatever it is they decided to do. You need to let them pick a school that is right for them, not you. As long as they know they have your love and support, they will do great!
Stephanie
Don't stay close to home. Students will have to find ways to fend for themselves and won't rely on parents. The farther away from home makes a stuent more independent.
Alisha
On the finding a right college, I would advise them to choose a campus that makes them feel comfortable and at home. I would also tell them that they should choose a school that has the class propotions that they feel comfortable with. For the making the most out of their experiences I would advise them to have fun and meet as many people as you possibly can.
Sarah
Look for a college that you could see yourself in, that has the kind of food you wouldn't mind eating, the living environment, the class curriculum, and the size of the classes are a great place to start looking.
Nicole
If you go to a college that friends are going to and you do not feel like you could make it your home do not force it upon yourself. You need to feel comfortable. Look at as many colleges as you can- so you take some of your time and get some free stuff for checking them out and you get some inside tips about going to college. Once you do find that school that feels just right, apply as soon as you can to optimize your chances of getting accepted. To make the best of your experience in college make friends and try new things, you might just find somthing new that you are really great at. Keep a positive attitude, some times are difficult such as finals week and doing projects, but a good attitude will make everything go much faster and easier. Keep an open mind, many of the things you will be taught are things that you have never even thought of before, but try to relate them to the real world and you will see and notice things that you didn't see before. Most of all- have fun!
Matt
WHen I was searching for that special school that would change and expand my future forever, I looked at how personal the school would be, and how well would I be able to focus on my studies while still have a lot of fun at the same time. You need to look not only at class size and class diversification, but also the outlook of employment after school is done. Some people choose based on the prestege of the school or their amazing football team, but I think that the education can be just as adequate and rewarding at a smaller school as a larger school. You must think of your future and remember that this is a very important choice that needs time and consideration from many different possibilities.
Samantha
I would suggest to tour any schools you may be considering. The campus tour could help make or break your decision. Be open to meeting new people, they will become life-long friends. When choosing a school, be sure to research as much as you can about the schools you are interested in. Use all the resources you can; teachers, parents, councelers, etc. Have fun while in school, but be sure to focus on your school work as well, though it may be hard.
Dustin
You should visit the campus before you begin attending it, and make sure that you are going to enjoy yourself at the place you choose. Academically challenging schools are more exciting then schools filled with slackers. Having an idea of what you would like to become before college is a good idea, you don't need to know for sure but a good idea about it does help. Go to a school good in the feild in which you would like to study. Finding a place with things to do in our around it is a good idea; boring places generally don't lead to good times. Choosing a place not too far away from home might be a good idea, because getting to know your parents before they die is both fun and interesting. Finding a diverse place is more interesting then a place with the same type of people around that you grew up with. Going to a university that promotes travel abroad is a great idea, you should try to travel at least a little before you get tied down with a family and a career. Parties are fun, don't get addicted to them though.
Maureen
In terms of finding the right school, students and their parents should not let the price tag decide where you go to college. There will always be scholarships and financial aid and maybe you wont be done in four years, but I would rather be happy and in school for an extra year or two than miserable and with a lesser education as a result of four or fewer years.
As for making the most of your time at college, find out how much time and effort you need to stay on top of your studies as soon as possible. This will change every semester. Once you figure this out, and it doesn't take long to do, you can focus on what will make you happy. Like writing? Join newspaper. Like running? Get involved with sports. Have ideas to make a school better? Student government is calling. There are too many opportunities available to pass them up.
Jamie
My advice for parents and their students when finding the right college is to go visit the schools. The worse thing to do would be to apply to a college and think the student will like it, when they have not been there to visit. It is better to spend a couple hundred on a trip to visit instead of a few thousand on a miserable year. Also I would suggest that they look at the area and majors the school offers to make sure that the child will get the best education possible while enjoying the area they live in. While attending college, I would tell the student to get involved. Whether in band, sports, or student council, getting involved allow students to meet others and form lasting friendships. Also, I would tell the student to keep up on school work. Even though it may seem better to go to parties and hang with friends, they need to know that they are here to prepare for their future. If they get ahead in school there will always be time for fun!! And another small piece of advice for all students - Connect learning to life!