Hayley
Make sure you visit the schools first, and talk to the students there. Talking to the students is most likely your best source of information. Also, be aware of the different "cliques" that are on campus. Some schools are extremely cliquey while others are more tolerant of everyone. Advising is also something that is important. Advising at large schools is usually not up to par. Smaller schools tend to have much more intimate advising, and it is difficult to find a mentor or someone who will help guide you at larger schools. However, larger schools have their advantages too. It is important to decide where you feel most comfortable.
Brett
Let your son or daughter find the place that fits them best by visiting campus and talking with students that attend the University already. It may also be a good idea to sit in on a lecture and a discussion to see if it provides a good learning environment.
ASHLEIGH
DO WHAT MAKES YOU MOST HAPPY.
ALWAYS.
LIFE IS TOO SHORT TO BE ANYTHING BUT
James
Picking a college is much like picking a movie to see at the theatres. You can listen to the movie critics all you want, but what do they know? Ultimately, it is your decision based upon your needs, desires, wishes, and goals. Picking a university is not a "one size fits all" approach. Only you can decide what is right for you. Once you've found that special place, you'll know it. Make the most of your college experience by trying new and interesting things. Something that sounds like it may not be cool or fun may just turn out to be your hidden passion. Check out the resources that college has to offer you. Last, never pass up an opportunity that you may not receive again. Just remember, you have roughly 4 years in college, and 40-some years of work afterwards. How do you want to remember your college career? Leave your mark on your university, and let your university leave its' mark on you. Let your passions dictate your actions, and take every opportunity to learn something new.
claire
Facts, statistics and advice are great when selecting which colleges to apply to. But, when it comes down to it the thing that made the biggest difference to me was the school tour. As soon as I arrived at this campus I realized it was right for me, as opposed to the other schools I applied to.
Finding your place at a university, no matter what the size, is about choosing an environment you are comfortable in.
ANY college education is a good education. Find some place where you can apply yourself and where you will feel comfortable enough to really be engaged.
Alex
College is the place where young adults become adults. The college environment is one of the most important factors when calculating the pros and cons of various institutions. The most important step in finding a college that is right for you is identifying what you want to get out of your college experience. Are you concerned with a College's academic or athletic prestige, or do you want to have a guaranteed job after graduation? Would you rather learn from the best, or learn from the best teachers? These questions are examples of the kinds of decisions you should make before you begin to look at colleges. When you have decided what it is you want from college, then you can begin to look for colleges which fulfill your criteria.
When you get to college, the most important first steps are; adjusting to the college lifestyle, establishing a network of friends, and developing good study habits. If you do these three things by the end of your first semester you will be happy with your choice.
Thomas
In order to find the right college, the parents need to give their child a chance to interact with each school visited. Make sure you have a solid of schools in which you would like to attend, and make an effort to go visit all of these schools and find the best environment for you. Remember that this is going to be your school for the next four years, so it is a very important decision. Parents also need to be involved with this decision as well. You need to pick the school that will be the best fit for you, and this cannot be done without personally visiting each school that you have interest in.
Laura
I think that no matter which college you choose, if you have the right mindset it will be amazing. College is what you make it. I love the University of Wisconsin. Yes, it is challenging, but I know every day that I am learning information that will help me make a difference in my future. College is not only about academics, but also about making life long friends.
Prathayini
Parents need to understand that, more than anything else, the student needs to be happy at whatever school they decide to go to. Students need to understand that they might be surprised as to what makes them happy. I came to this school because I was not accepted into the other schools I applied to, and my family was able to afford the tuition here. I thought I would be so unhappy at this university, but I can honestly say that I love it here and can't imagine living anywhere else. Find somewhere that feels right to you when you visit...sometimes that feeling can mean so much more than prestige or class sizes or even financial aid. Once you decide on a school, work as hard as you can to get scholarships and an on-campus job that will give you job experience and an income so you can come out of your undergraduate career with as little debt as possible. Above all else, remember that you're going to college for a college education. The "experience" is definitely a part of it, but it's also important to strive for academic excellence.
Christine
It is important to find student organizations that you mightb e interested in and actively participlate in those activities. College is what you make of it, and you need to make the effort to be part of the community. Most students and faculties are very helpful, when you need help, do not hesitate to ask. When choosing the right college, it is important to pay a visit to the prospective college. During the visit you can explore around the campus and talk to students and the faculties. It is also important to make sure that they have the academic facility you want. You may want to visit the counselors in your intended major to find out how they may help you to achieve your goals. Finally, you should keep on thing in mind always: college is where you should not only learn, but also have FUN with what you're learning. It is the world in miniature, enjoy and be part of it!