Kelly
Figure out your interests and look for a college that will let you studying what you are interested in. If you like being around people and having places to always go, look at a bigger college in the city. also look into the extracurricular activities offered at the school. I know everyone says to get involved, but it is true. Be involved, it not only enables you to make lifelong friends, but allows for possible networking. By playing sport or being involved in clubs, you meet people who may not be in your major, also allowing for people to turn to when you need help in other classes.
Lisa
I would encourage students to think about every aspect of college (size, major, clubs, parties, friends, classes, etc.) and determine in their head exactly what they want for the next four years. They should make sure that they know what they want before they even begin their college search. It's hard knowing what you want in a school before you get there, but they should talk to college students that they know. Once they do that, that's when they should start narrowing down college choices and choose the one that matches most to what they have in their head. Once they are in college, they really should make the most of it. It sounds so cliche but it's true--college flies by, and if you decide two years into it that you want to start participating in all that college has to offer, you'll realize that you only have two years of this great experience left.
Alex
It almost doesn't matter. If you make the most of your college expereince, then you may find inner peace.
Jennifer
Find a college that meets your needs. Do not just go to a school because it is where your friends are going or because it is where your parents went to school. Go to a school that has the major you want, the enviorment you want and what you are looking for in a school. When you find that right school take advantage of all the oppurtunities that are available to you and always go and talk to professors during thier office hours. Talking to professors builds realationships that will not only help you in your class but will be important for recommendations later or for career advice.
Julianna
Visit as many schools as possible; even schools that do not offer your intended major because many times students change majors. Explore a varity of schools; small and large, in rural and urban areas. Finding the school you feel most comfortable at will greatly influence the time you spend there.
Sean
Do not worry so much about it.
Jess
To follow their hearts and find a school that fits their needs perfectly.
Ashley
I suggest they not limit themselves in any particular way. If you go into the world and decide it's not for you, you can always return, closer to home. If you never try anything new, you'll never know if you can. You can have your hometown roots and experiences, but you should grow some wings so you can go as far and do as much as you can. Don't just pick a college because friends are going, they have the best sports teams or are the highest level academics. These are your most formulative and informative years to come, to really step into the world. Support each other and know when to let go. From 'Hamlet', Polonius (the biggest worry-wart father ever) tells us; "Give all censure but few thy voice, reserve thy judgements and above all else, to thine own self be true."
samantha
My advice is do not let anyone influence your decision on what school you want to pick. You are the one that is going to the school you choose, you have to love the school or college wont be the experience that each person deserves to have. I made the wrong choice my freshmen year and went to a school I did not love and was pushed to go by my parents. When I finally relized that this is my life and it has to be my decision I got out of there as soon as possible. College is not only preparing you for your future job wise it is also a place were you establish long term friends, memories to last a life time, you may even meet your future husband or wife. Most importantly it is your last 4 years before you enter the real world so you have to have fun and live free, just make sure you pass your classes!
Matthew
Be sure to find out the freshman retention rates of the school that you are looking at, YCP's 2007 retention rate was only 77{4a082faed443b016e84c6ea63012b481c58f64867aa2dc62fff66e22ad7dff6c} and dropped significantly from that number for 2008. Additionally, look into the amount of commuters at the school as well as the school's alcohol and drug policies.