Afiqah
Learn how to be disciplined, learn how to use finances appropriately, learn how to choose the major that you really, really want to do, prepare to face reality as it really is, prepare to work hard, prepare for the survival of the fittest, smartest, richest, or the most talented, prepare for dissappointment and also great expectations fulfilled.
Kayla
Most importantly, you need to consider the field of study that you wish to pursue. Do your research and find a school that will provide you with the best education that you can get in your desired field. But you also need to find a school that will fit your personality. I would encourage students and parents to visit different schools, small and large, community colleges and universities. Go on the guided tours, but also sit in the student center, walk the campus, talk to students and get a feel for that school. Find out about the different clubs and activities, and when you get there, make sure you find a way to get involved. Parents need to encourage their students to become involved in some way, and make them stay at school and not come home every week-end. Remember there are alot of other new students who are wanting to meet people, so be friendly, speak to strangers, share your umbrella (that's how I met a new friend!), and put yourself out there. Go to games, cheer for you team, and wear your school colors. And never be afraid to ask for help when you need it.
Andrew
When parents are trying to find the right college for their kids to attend, they should definitely consider the academic involvement of the school, the amount of financial aid it offers, and the location of the school. When it comes to what students should look for in a college, there are many different options. The first thing I looked for was what graduate programs the school is known for. After that, I considered the student body population. The bigger the school, the more likely it will be a party school. Other things to consider are the price of living, job availabilities, and student life. To make the most of your college experience, you need to get involved, make friends with students and professors, STUDY, and have a good balance between your school and social life.
Holly
If you are looking for the right college, take time to talk to students and professors. Ask what current students like and dislike about their school. Make sure all of the things that are important to you (sports teams, activists groups, study programs, etc.) are available.
Once you've started your first year at the school of your choice, don't worry if you don't settle in right away, it takes time to get used to your new life. You'll get the hang of it, but feel free to talk to the on-campus psycologist, and call home to Mom as much as you need to!
sara
make sure they offer their major and that they analyze or take into consideration the environment. check to see how much financial aid the school will provide and look for any programs that may be related to your major.
Rachel
Make sure you go to a school that has many different majors you are interested. Many college students change majors several times, so be sure you have many different choices! Also, college is about earning a degree, so be sure you make that the main focus of why you choose the university you attend.
Matthew
Finding the right college requires one ability above all others. That one attribute which an individual absolutely must possess is an open mind. College-seeking parents and students most likely, statistics standing, hold a bias towards a certain institution. This of course is natural and in order with societal, personal, and peer beliefs and values. The trick, however, is not to close possible doors and avenues of success. The academic prowess, sporting power, and appeal of a school of higher learning may be great but if one fails to experience a campus tour and truly immerse oneself in its environment then the danger of an incorrect fit presents itself. Keeping options open and realizing the benefit in alternatives may save a college man or woman from a wasted year in education. Making the most out of the college experience differs from person to person, but I firmly believe that the best way to discover this personal path is to become involved. By joining clubs and organizations, asking fellow students about their hobbies and interests, and truly traking an interest in the lives and careers of teachers, a student will grow exponentially and gain more from these sacred years.
Jill
As a student, you should keep an open mind to three or four schools. Schedule an appointment for a visit to each school. Before the visit, you and your parents should make a list of the requirements and expectations you have for your college experience (i.e. campus size, location, activites, academic opportunities, etc.). During the visitation, be sure to ask about your concerns and take notes. After the visit, compare the notes you took to your requirement list. For each college, make a "pro" and "con" list. Once you have visited all the schools. Compare the "pro" and "con" list of each school. Hopefully, this will help you to narrow your decision.
To make the most out of your college experience, you really need to live in the dorms or campus housing. Here, you will meet a great number of students that are about your age. At the dorm, look for flyers for activites on campus. Apply for a campus job as well. Having this job will make you more knowledgeable about the university and help you to feel more involved in the college.
Justin
The advice that I would give parents and/or students about finding the right college and making the most of the college experience would be to believe in themselves. I think its so important for parents and students seeking an education to believe in themselves because without that they have nothing. When looking for a college, I think its important that they find the best one suited for THEM, not the best one thats suited for their friends or parents. A lot of people today focus too much on what everyone else wants for them and instead they need to put forth the effort to focus on themselves and what they want. When they find the college perfect for them, they need to enjoy their experience because before they know it, its gone, so go out and live the life they are building for themselves.
Kelley
Parents:
College is a time to let your children go. Your task is support their decisions and give them advice when they ask for it. I often hear stories from friends about how their parents forced them to go to a certain college. The majority of the time this happens, the kids will end up at their choice college regardless. Just remember it's not your college experience it's theirs, giving advice is ok, they want your input. Just don't try to make the decision for your graduate.
Graduates:
I know the deadlines and the endless scholarship applications can make the beginning of your college career seem horrible...don't worry it gets better! The best piece of advice I could give you is to LIVE IN THE DORMS. I was ready to be on my own in my own apartment making my own rules, but I am grateful my college required me to move into the dorms. I had the time of my life and met the most amazing people in the world. The cafeteria food and bathrooms might suck, but in the end the people you meet and networks you create are worth it. Good Luck!
LISA
Twenty-one years old seems far too young to be giving this kind of advice, but I can share my personal experience. The thing that was the most important to me when considering colleges was that I didn't want to go into debt. I am debt free. There are three reasons for this: living at home, attending a community college to obtain prerequisites, and attending a nearby state institution. My parents have helped pay for my education when I was not able to do so on my own. I realize that this doesn't work for a LOT of students, BUT if I was going to share anything with parents and students it would be this. The best education in the world is not worth going into debt over. It's like starting life with strikes against you. In today's world it seems impossible to do, but it's not. I'm doing it. The purpose of college is not to discover yourself (that is what LIFE is for), but to equip you for a carreer. If you are unsure about what you want to do WAIT! College will always be there when YOU are ready for it!
Jaci
Always go with what your heart says. Try not to worry about money. This is a once in a lifetime opportunity and you need to make the best out of it.
Jean-Marie
Research! Just because a university offers a particular major does not mean it is the best or only university for you or your child. Take the time to go on a campus tour, ask students about their experiences at the university, check out online reviews of the university. Don't be afraid to ask tough questions, this is yours or your child's future. Remember that college is not about the name or prestige of a university, but about laying the foundation of your future. Your goal is to get the best education for your money, not a fancy piece of paper with the name of some fancy college pasted all over it. Research, take your time, and choose wisely.
Making the most of your college experience requires alot of hard work. and disapline. College is not the same as highschool and the impact on your future is serious. Attend the oreientation offered by the university you choose, take time and stress management seminars, they offer great advice. Have fun and meet new people, but never forget why you are there... for a bright future, doing something you love, and being the best at whay you do.
Sana
I would say, just go to the one you like, dosen't matter if its the biggest school in your area or not. Choosing a school would be one of the biggest decision in your life. Make sure you are going where you have always wanted to go, because you will do good in your studies too because your heart will be set at that school. Try you best to look for the schools as early as you can because it will take up some time. Go talk to the advisors and the financial aid advisors. Take the advantage of all the opportunities that come by because once they are gone they are hard to come by. Get involved in extra activities. Just keep a possitive thought, be nice to everyone and try your best because even if at the end you fail for some reason, you will know in your heart that you tried your best. Be open minded, it 's a big world filled with good and nice people. Be strong and be Positive.
Kelsey
My advice in choosing the right college is to choose the college you feel most comfortable at. Once I visited Wichita State University, I knew right away that I would love it. Everyone there is very helpful and friendly, students and faculty. Pick the school that "fits." Dont settle for just any college. Pick the one where you feel you will look forward to going to class. My other piece of advice is to be as involved as you can. You will meet so many new people and make so many new friends. By doing so, your chances of walking in to class on the first day and not know anyone is slim to none. These are the best years of your live. Being involved on your campus will allow you to truely make the most of your college experience.
Jessica
When you visit a college, find the one that feels the most comfortable to you. I knew right away that Wichita State University was where I was supposed to be. Go to a college where you can talk to the staff like they are people. Find advisors that are willing to help you succeed. Make the most of the college experience by living on campus and getting involved. Be sure to make friends in all of your classes so you can work together in school or just be friends. It is very important to make friends!
Kaitlyn
Look for a college that is going to bring out the best in you. Don't find a place just to learn, find a place that will help you LIVE.
Amanda
Converse with a variety of students and faculty. Besides gathering a feeling for the everyday campus experience, ask about any special programs, facilities, networks, or opportunities that the university might provide. Keep focused on what you wish to glean from your college experience and evaluate your choices thus. Finally, should you find yourself faltering or leaning in another direction, conduct a self-assessment and listen to your instincts. Don't be afraid to switch majors or schools mid-way! : the time you spend delaying your decision is time lost.
Brooke
Take campus tours; attend the college you feel most comfortable at.
Matthew
Do not just go my the amount of a scholarship that a university gives you but take into account how much the university costs too. Decide by the ratio of scholarship/costs