Ian
Fins a college with lots of people and social oppotunities. The more connections one makes in college the more success a student with find in their life.
Stacy
College has been the best experience of my life. Encourage your student to be involved either with Greek life, sports and clubs etc. If you allow your student to do what they choose they will be happy and will make friendships for a lifetime, while recieving a great education. Encourage your student to balance school work and social life, it is very important to have both.
Natalie
Matching up a student to the college that would most benefit their chosen path is important and shouldn't be taken lightly. More than the reputation of a school, the true quality of education provided is one of the most important factors you should compare between schools. Whenever possible, try to stay local or at least in the same state as you reside. This will not only lower the cost of tuition and raise the chances of scholarships and grants for the student, but also will benefit the community in which you are located through the investing of your funds back into the community schools. Studies have actually been showing that community colleges provide great educations due to the generally lower student to teacher ratio, so start the student in a community college and then transfer them to the four-year university that specializes in the field of the desired major.
Jillian
When picking a college make sure you choose based on the size and what you would feel comfortable with. The surrounding environment is not as critical I have noticed over the past two years studying at Washington State University I have hardly ever left the campus or surrounding neighborhoods, there?s just no need. With all of the extra time join clubs, fraternities, sororities, do community service if there is anything I have learned so far it is what has made me happiest, my friends. The ability to make friends isn?t easy however if you get involved you will be surrounding yourself with many students sharing your same interests.
Teresa
Choosing the right college is one of the most important decisions you will make for your future. College isn't an extension of high school, but the beginning of your career goals and dreams, which is why picking the right one is so imperative.
I always say that whatever feels right, IS right. Visit the schools you are interested in, and see how they are. Do you feel welcome? Happy? Excited? Weigh those positive feelings strongly toward that school. Look at things you are interested and want to get involved in. Which schools have those things you want? And don't worry about price. If you want something bad enough, there will be a way to afford it!
So you got in! Start out by living in on-campus housing. It's the easiest way to meet people. Be yourself, and make the effort! Go to the local coffee shop to study with them, or work out together. Make sure you get involved, but not only by joining student government. Sign up for courses you know will require a lot of group work, like an art or PE class. Meeting new people will be that much easier, and fun!
Christina
When applying to diferent schools be sure to find out everything there is to no about financail aid, there are alot of htings that can help students that is not broadly advertised. If a university has sister campuses find out if your area of study can be taken at any or all of them. Another good thing to check is the area going to be livable for the duration of your stay.
Naomi
To perspetive students, I would say that it's all about finding a place where you personally will be able to thrive. Find a college that fits your personality and your lifestyle, as well as your course of study. Visit the campus and meet some of the people there before deciding, if it's at all possible. Make sure your school and the area around offers extra ciricular activities that you enjoy doing so you'll never be bored. Live on-campus for your first year, so you don't have to worry about transportation and food expenses while you're learning how to fit in. Get to know the people in your field, because when you get to upper level classes, it's a good idea to have some pals that can give you an in. When you graduate, make use of your Alumni Association!
To parents, give your children a long leash and let them ultimately decide where they want to go. If the really want to go there, they'll find a way to do it, and work harder to stay there than if there is somewhere else they'd rather be.
Nicholas
Don't go for a college that is out of reach. Remember college is not only academics, but social learning to. You learn to be a responsible active participant in society, too much academia can cause social imbalance in a person.
Mike
Before your student even arrives at WSU, tell them to get involved. The entire campus, its resources, people, registered student organizations (RSO's), and other resume-building opportunites will open up to them. Their work with other students in Residence Hall governments, ASWSU, and other large-scale groups can only help them to better their perspectives, open their horizons, learn to work in groups and individually, and imbue a great sense of accomplishment that will help them to continue their involvement beyond their collegiate experience. Work with the Resident Advisors, Greek Life affiliates, fellow students, your teaching assistants, and your professors to squeeze out more than just what is printed on that wonderful degree you receive when your work is completed at Washington State University. Make those lifelong connections and your students will be the better for it. Work with your student to make the most of themselves and in turn, the most of the opportunities that WSU can and will present to them when they arrive for that first day of worried parents moving their terrified students into their Residence Halls. The key is to have the mindset that college is what we make of it.
Cory
Visit the colege in pesron so you know what your getting yourself into and also dont follow your friends go your own way in life.