Robert
When it comes time to choose a college, after the applicatoins have been sent in, acceptance letters recieved, it is now time for the biggest choice throughout the whole proccess: picking YOUR school. In picking a school as a student you must keep in mind how being on campus made you feel when you visited (visiting is a must); did the school have the key thinigs that you are looking for, and did the school make you feel at home (giving a feeling that you belong and could thrive).
Parents, it is so important that you go along with your childs ambitions in deciding which school he/she will attend. The most imparative thing a parent can do is to help their child see the good and not so good in each school; pointing out what would be helpful and not to them is a simple and affective way of being a part of the proccess in the selection of the school.
No matter what choice is made, make sure that it is made together. College is a major step for both student and parent. And the choice is only made easier with understanding from both sides.
Jaden
My advice to students would be to find the college that fits their needs. If they like colleges with smaller campuses and smaller classrooms then they should apply to a local university or community college. Students will get the same education as a bigger university but will enjoy it more and get more attention from professors.
My advice to parents is to make sure they go along with their child to scope out the college. They should not choose a college just for its name. Also, parents and students should make sure the college has the student's career option and will provide them with the best education possible.
Making the most out of college does not mean partying and socializing all the time. College can be fun without the parties. Students should join clubs and get involved with extra curricular activities that interest them. Watching athletic events can engage students in conversation as well as be fun. Students should try and meet other people involved in the same career path because they will be able to help them with classes and will probably be in most of the classes with them.
Phil
Look around, explore options you may not have thought about before. Look out of state, try new things, be open to new ideas and places. Choose a school that you want to go to, not where your friends want you to go, you'll be much happier choosing a school you really want to attend. Visit campsus, make appointments with advisors, especially for transfer students, ask if/how your classes will transfer. Look at on and off campus housing and do not be afraid to look into financial aid, it can be a life saver. Most important, the student and parents need to be on the same page, have good communication about what the student wants and what the parents can do. Keep open to new ideas, both student and parents, and parents need to listen closely to what their kids want, not what the parents want. College is suppose to be a fun and exciting learning experience, both parties, student and parents, need to work together to make that dream a reality. College is an experience not to miss, for the education and social gains. Both are very worth it.
Dominique
I would advise students and their parents to go visit different colleges before it is time to make a decision. The students should sit in a class or two as well as spend a night to get a feel for the campus. The parent and student should make sure the student is going to get the best schooling for what they want to do. The student should pick a school where their academic needs are going to be met as well as a place where they feel comfortable and at home. When it comes to making the most out of college I would tell a student the best way to make the most out of college is to get involved. You will never know how much college has to offer if you do not get involved.
Kontara
Insist that your child do the research necessary for finding the right college. Guide them through the process do not leave the search for college purely on them. Keep checking to make sure they do all the things the should do in a timely manner
Chad
The college experience first off is not what everyone thinks it is. It is not going to be sunny everyday on campus with everyone smiling and frats running around inviting you to their parties. It is just raw work. Everyone eventually gets tunnel vision in the direction of what needs to be done on their task list. There is an abundance of responsibilities to juggle and only the most prepared can make it through. In order to be prepared one has to be well organized in every aspect of life. Stay healthy, fit, spiritual, dedicated, friendly, and ect. Sounds fun right. To the untrained eye it may not. But for me it cultivates large rewards. I work hard and play harder. I enjoy the results of tedious scrutiny in my studies because when you put in the time and effort there is nothing better than achieving your goals. You can sit back and realize that you are of the upper echelon of society because you have dedicated your life to becoming a smarter and more resourceful individual of which your family, friends, and community can profit from. ThatThe college experience first off is not what everyone thinks it is. It is not going to be sunny everyday on campus with everyone smiling and frats running around inviting you to their parties. It is just raw work. Everyone eventually gets tunnel vision in the direction of what needs to be done on their task list. There is an abundance of responsibilities to juggle and only the most prepared can make it through. In order to be prepared one has to be well organized in every aspect of life. Stay healthy, fit, spiritual, dedicated, friendly, and ect. Sounds fun right. To the untrained eye it may not. But for me it cultivates large rewards. I work hard and play harder. I enjoy the results of tedious scrutiny in my studies because when you put in the time and effort there is nothing better than achieving your goals. You can sit back and realize that you are of the upper echelon of society because you have dedicated your life to becoming a smarter and more resourceful individual of which your family, friends, and community can profit from. That?s life in college and it gets no better.
Kelli
The best advice I can give is stay on top of deadlines and ask questions. I have also found it very helpful to keep a folder with all the important papers concerning financial aid, loans, and scholarships that way when you need to know where you stand you can easily look it up. Make sure to visit the campus more than once and talk to students who attend. Find out little details from how the professors are to how bad the parking can be. Although these things may sound minor, most people do not think of them and its a big part of your college experience. Find out about volunteer opportunities on campus because many employers look for volunteering on resumes so it will help you out in the long run. Remember to have fun and be responsible. Make sure school work comes first before the social life but still have a social life. Talk when you need to talk and don't hesitate to make an appointment with a professor or an advisor if your unsure about a course or if your having a hard time adjusting. College is a great experience and you will learn so much.
Deonna
Meet with the faculty in that particular college program that you are interested in, and do they offer what you are looking for. Since what post programs/ jobs they offer for. Make sure the campus life is fit for you also because that is somewhere you will be at the next four years. In college will you see new things that you mat not have seen before so try to be open minded, and don't be afraid to step outside your comfort zone. Check with size of class rooms, so universities have large classrooms and some don't. You also want to see what it is like around the campus. College is also what you make of it, so try to make the best of it, but remember you are in school to get an education.
Amanda
I would tell students to look into all aspects of their college. Everything from sports they enjoy to participate in or watch, clubs they want to join, and most importantly the program of their major. It's really helpful to talk to someone who went to that school or who is attending the school. Ask them everything you can think of! Another very important thing is to visit the college. A more enjoyable experience is to visit while it's warm outside, but also go back when winter comes. I think this trip shouldn't scare you away, but it will help you understand what you will have to go through when it does come. Also, drive around the town where your school is. Many students, at least at Wright State, do things outside of campus alot of the time.
Dane
Make sure it is a college that is diverse and gives you many options of extra-curricular activities for you to do.