Kellie
Just remember it's not about what friends are gonna be there or who has the best sports team. The most important thing is that the campus you choose has the major you are looking for and that you like the area and buildings. College is as great of experience as you make it, no matter what you need to have a positive attitude. You will meet some of the greatest people in college and there is just so many opportuinites that you just can't miss!
Emily
Use college not only as a time to grow academically, but to experiment with the real world. Find a college with flexible schedules so that you can work (even just part-time) and still have time for a social life. Pick a school that matches your interests; if you like big cities and the cultural experience, pick a school located in a big city or one with a large campus. If you like saving the environment, find a smaller school, one that sits outside of town. When the campus and students are cohesive with your personal interests, both personally and academically, you'll find ways to grow easily.
Alex
Don't be afraid to be yourself and enjoy new activities
Kevin
To make the most of your college experience try new things. Branch out from your safety zone and you will meet many interesting people and form lifelong relationships.
Melissa
Make sure you look into everything. Know the Fininacal aid of that school. and make sure it is a place where your child will be happy for they will be at that school for 4+ years.
Jennifer
The advice I would give students about finding the right college is research, research, research. I know this may seem like a daunting task in the final moments of ones high school career, but this added leg-work will have considerable payoff if executed properly. After all, college is a privlage as well as an opportunity to explore the world through educational pursuits. Consider your financial situation, take this into account when deciding on a college and be an avid advocate of your own finances. Visit colleges you are considering, take organized tours, and maybe mingle with some of the current students on campus; pick their brains about what they think and feel about their own college. Lastly, when making the most of the college experience, try not to over-do the drinking. I know to some this may sound silly, but like i stated earlier, college is an opportunity and a chance you will want to remember. Socialize with others and find your niche; talk with your professors and get to know them, they could be your greatest asset some day. When finding the right college, research will go a long way.
Ben
Go and visit the schools you're thinking about. The pamphlets and articles they send you can only show you so much, you really need to visit the campus to figure out of its right for you. As for making the most of your college experience, I say be open to things you may have never tried before. Its a great way to make friends, ust be friendly and they'll come to you.
cara
i would suggest starting at an inexpencive college and taking a variety of classes, to see what you really enjoy doing. most students change their major at least once. the more exposure you get to different subjects the better you will be able to see where your strength and enjoyments are. when you are ready to move on the a 4 year colege or a larger college. pick one that has a good program for your interests, but dont forget to take the environment into concideration. Does the school offer the activites you want. are jobs available. are there plenty of opportunities to make friends. the happier you are the more productive you will be and you will get more out of your school experience.
Sam
Visit, and visit schools you wouldn't originally think of.
joel
Intitution, your gut, and excitiment I feel would best help in deciding which college is best for someone. There is this certain spark that I feel hits someone when they know they have found a place that is just calling out to them to go. It's an amazing feeling to find a university that right when you get there you are like," whoa, this is where I totally belong". Never try to second guess yourself and don't go somewhere because this person from your high school is going or because your parent went there, so they think that you will too. Just imagine when you go from dreaming about living on campus to actually waking up and being there, that feeling too is one of the best you probably will ever have. When you actually get here is when the real fun stuff happens and all of it will be soaked up at certain times, but my advice is to be like Spongebob Squarepants and become a sponge and soak up the college experience.