Latoya
When looking for a good college compare graduation rate, job success,then finanical aid, and class sizes. Consider what the current students think of the classes.
Rebekke
If you want to get the most out of college, become active early! It helps to create pathways not only socially, but for your job down the road. Just remember not to over load yourself with things on campus so you don't have time for yourself or your homework.
For finding the right camps, if the student feels comfortable and welcomed, chances are it's the right campus. Make sure that people are honest with you and willing to answer any question you have with out hiding anything.
Lauren
Not every college is for every student, so make sure you pick the college you want based on your own values and opinions. If you do this, you will recieve the best college experience you can imagine! :-) What's more important? The college school work or the college party?
Chaconna
Research financial aid options to make sure college provides what they say they will. Tour the campus. Meet faculty memebers of the program of choice. Learn about school replayment plans and payment options. Ask about book voucher program. Learn of what sororities, fraternaties, library and audiovisual resources. Look at parking available to students.
Davetta
During a students college search the student should focus on finding a school thats right for them not their parents, best friends, or etc. A school that fits their way of thinking, their religious beliefs if needed, their financial standings, and their level of comfort. They should make sure the school is well developed in their major as well as what the school is rated as for their major. During their college experience the sudent should make the most of it because it only comes around once and once its gone its gone. If their is anything the student wants to be involved in then do it, get involved dont stand on the side lines wishing, because opportunities that are available during a students college experience might not come back again.
Lina
Find a school that fit your needs. They should make you feel comfortable and meet the standards you set for a school where you are likly to spend 4-5 years. If you feel like a fish out of water, you are likly to feel that way the rest of your time you are at the school. So take your time and really get to know the schools you look at and visit!
Heather
The best advice I could give parents who have children entering college would be to make them live on campus, at least for the first year. Freshman year of college is where all of the bonding begins. College is the place to find yourself, to discover who you really are; and how are you supposed to do that when you're still coming home every day only to hang out with mom and dad for the evening? That's no fun, honestly. It may be hard for you to rationalize letting your child live on campus and it costing nearly $4,000 extra, but in the end, it's worth every penny. Dorm life creates academic support, which leads to success, and unbelievably strong friendships that last a lifetime, not to mention those are the friends that can be called at one o'clock in the morning just to be asked if that paper was supposed to be five or six pages long. Ultimately, by allowing your child to live on campus, you're giving them opportunity.
amber
really think about your needs. do you need alot of attention, can you work well in big classes, do you think you'll need study groups..can you live with a roomate, is the campus close to department or grocery stores. most importantly is your financial aid package acomidating enough to your needs. there is nothing like going to a school you will never be able to afford and letting the worry of expenses drag your grades down.
justine
Let the student go to see many school to make sure they are on the right campus. If they don't feel comfortable at a campus let them look at different schools. Everyone has a place to fit in...they just have to find it.
Micaela
Find a place that makes you feel comfortable. Look at colleges that have what you want and make you feel like you can belong. Make a list of pros and cons and try to narrow down your final decsion between two schools.
I definately suggest that you get involved with any kind of organization on campus, whether it be sports or any other kind of group or club. It helps in meeting new people and getting involved in the college community. Make sure you take advantage of all the things the college has to offer in order to get the most out of your experience in college. And remember to put your studies first and put your whole heart into everything you do.