Gustavus Adolphus College Top Questions

Hey, silly, younger me! Don't go in with your heart set on everything you're going to do; this is the time to reinvent yourself! Be open to trying new things, and it's okay to feel like you're making a fool of yourself. Everyone else feels really awkward at first, too, so don't be afraid to be the one to ask them to go somewhere. Have fun!

There are so many little insights that I wish I could go back and give myself looking back now. I think the greatest of these, however, is to just let go and take it all in. We as a culture tend to focus so much on the future we forget to live in the present. We forget to enjoy the little things until they are gone, and that is a shame. I have struggled up to this point, and at times still do, with trying to figure out what I am going to major in and what my future is going to look like. While, yes it is important to look ahead and make a plan for yourself, it is okay to not know every aspect about your future. That is what makes your life worth living! You have the ability to learn and discover as you grow as a student and as a person. If we knew what our life would be, it wouldn't be worth living. Life is about the journey. I remind myself that now, and if I could go back, I would challenge myself to have fun, explore different subjects, and just live.

Study HARD. Do as many different things in high school that you can possibly do. Maintain the highest grade point average you can. DO NOT DRINK OR DO DRUGS OR SMOKE OR HAVE SEX! DO NOT post stupid pictures on facebook that would defame or belittle yourself or OTHERS, your family, your church or your God. GET LOTS OF SLEEP. If you have to work outside of school, try to keep it to a minimum. Money isn't everything. SCHOOL is your NUMBER ONE JOB. DO NOT own a car. It is outrageously expensive, insurance is crazy and it does NOT make you look cool. VISIT every college campus you are interested in. You will know in your gut which one is right for you. Go to school EVERY SINGLE DAY unless you are violently ill. RESPECT your teachers in every possible way. BE KIND TO EVERYONE as you will never know who or whom just MIGHT BE YOUR BOSS one day. DO NOT burn bridges. When you are getting ready and packing for college and when you are all done, put AT LEAST half of it back. Dorm rooms are SMALL! last but not least, RELAX.

Dear High School Senior, You are about to graduate from high school, a very small fish leaving a very small sea. You have been accepted into a fabulous college and you are no longer in a small sea, but a very small fish in a very BIG ocean. My advice to you is that if you didn't score at least a 32 on your ACT, TAKE IT OVER and take it until you get a high score. The more scholarships you get, the less loans you will have to take out. Do EVERYTHING extracurriuclar that you can that might involve your major. Take PSEO and advanced placement classes. Take at least ONE foreigh language. Go out for the plays, the musicals... play in the marching band, sing in ithe choir, keep your cell phone locked up all day while you are in school. Learn what your :womens intuition: and gut feelings are and LEARN TO TRUST THEM. LISTEN to your parents. Listen to your teachers. Keep stupid pictures of yourself off of all social media. Do NOT let 5 minutes of stupidity be forever remembered on facebook. learn to prioritize, DO NOT SMOKE, DRINK, or do drugs. EVER

If I could go back and give myself advice about the major change I was about to experience I would tell myself to always have an open mind. Leaving high school, I left behind a part of the comfort I've felt in school for the past thirteen years. Going into college everyone meets new people from all parts of the state or country. I would tell myself to not be so narrow minded and expand my horizons and get to know new people. Another thing I would tell myself that college is the time to find yourself and to explore new things because you'll never know what may be the best fit. Being open minded will allow any incoming student to learn new things and will make the time spent in college much more enjoyable.

Even though everyone tells you that high school is the best years of your life, that is not true at all. College is so much more enjoyable than you could ever imagine. Don't worry so much about having to start over and make friends; they come with time. In fact, the friends you make in college are going to be very good friends that are going to be there for you when you need them. I know you're worried about not fitting in and about being thought of as the nerdy girl that you were in high school, but believe me when I tell you that college isn't like that. People here accept you for who you are and if you're smart and do well, people are actually proud of you and don't belittle you. Also, the classes aren't as hard as you fear and the homework doesn't take you hours. You have plenty of time - too much time, in fact - to meet people. Just remember, the most important thing about college is finding yourself. Keep an open mind and go with the flow and everything tends to fall into place!

The reminiscence of time brings us back to the days of friendships, schoolwork, and serving our community, all with the ultimate goal of getting into college on our minds. Now that I have been in college, and discovered how different it is from high school, and the caliber of academic expectations, I would go back in time to advise myself to make some changes. I was always a great student all the way through school, striving for success and driven to complete goals, but there are always areas that could use improvement. I would first advise myself to take as many advanced placement (AP) courses as possible. They may seem hard at the time, but will only lead to greater success in college. Beginning to learn the workload, demand, and expectations sets you off on a better foot sooner than later. I would also advise myself to make stronger networking connections with local employers and community members. It always helps to have connections already implemented, because you never know when you may need to contact someone for advice, a letter of recommendation, or even future employment. Lastly, I would get more involved, because it never hurts to do more.

Don't sit by yourself so often it is a good thing to ask if you can sit with someone, especially if they are sitting alone too. You might just meet a few interesting people that way.

Make sure you set aside enough time for homework. It is important to actually re-study material throughout the semester instead of just right before finals. Don't be shy; be brave and go out and get to know people. Your first year will go by a lot faster than you thought it would, and you'll regret the times you missed out on hanging out with friends. Don't be afraid to try new things; even a game of football with friends can be fun and help you bond with people. It's okay if you don't get along with your roommate very well. There are plenty of other people on campus to be friends with and next year you'll get to choose your roommates. Enjoy college because you only get to be there for four years! Make the most of it!

Be prepared for changes-- some will be minor, but others will affect your entire life. College is supposed to be more challenging than high school, but depending on your major, your classes will be more difficult than your hardest AP class. In high school you were able to be in sports, maintain top grades, and be in countless other groups; consequently, because of the difficulty of classes, you'll need to use your time much more carefully. Dropping sports or extra groups does not make you a failure; it just means that you are prioritizing your precious time. Everyone is different, with various class schedules, preparation, and areas of study. The first year on campus is important for making connections and friends but don't overdo it; transfer students make friends just as easily as anyone else. You won't ace every test to come your way; in fact, you will fail occasionally for the first time in your life. What matters is how you change your study habits and prepare for the next exam. Lastly, truly cherish your final year at home and time with family. Once you leave, it will never be quite the same coming back.

I would tell myself that the transition to college is not as terrifying as it seems. All you have to do is be prepared for new things, keep an open mind, and be yourself. Your classmates will accept you for who you are and the professors are truly interested and dedicated in your life and helping you succeed. Never be afraid to ask for help!

I would say to my senior high school self, “Girl, you better start applying for scholarships NOW. If you wait until after you entered college to apply for scholarships, you will be sorry. Also, make sure you look at all possible was to get text books cheaper. And make sure you do the homework, even if it is not for a grade. Also, don’t take peoples ‘advice’ when they say not to take a mathematics class during the summer semester. With the amount of math you need you will not be able to get them all done in two years, no way no how. If you hear about a study session held by other students in one of your classes, MAKE SURE you ask if you can join. Do not, I repeat do NOT, allow you to talk yourself into procrastinating. Even if your homework is not due for a week, do it either that night or the next evening. I know for a fact you WILL forget and the evening before class you will be up until 11:00 pm trying to finish it. Also, when you enroll in Physics I, GET THE SOLUTIONS MANUAL! It will help.”

If I could go back in time to my senior year of high school, I would stress the importance of being confident in the person that I have become. College presents countless new experiences to incoming freshman students that they may or may not have ever encountered before. In my own personal experience, I had not faced many of the wide-ranging decisions that I was suddenly presented with in college. While many of the people around me started to succumb to peer pressure, I was faced with a dilemma. At times I started to question everything that I felt to be true about myself and my values. If I had been more confident in the strong person that I have become, the decision making process would have been a lot easier. I would not have even thought twice about the choices that I have always thought to be right prior to college life. College is a time of transitions and of struggles but being fully assured of yourself as a strong individual then a lot of the stress can be pushed to the side and the fun and exciting times can prevail.

I have learned so much from my time at Gustavus. The most important thing I learned is time management. I thought I was prepared when it came to time management, since I practically lived in a car driving from one town to another for athletic practice. I knew what it was like to have to get a lot done in little time and to do it well. Then came college and you say, “Hey! I only have 3-5 hours of class a day! I’ve got all the time in the world to get things done.” I hate to burst your bubble but that is not how it works. For example, they say to be successful in a science class you need to spend two hours outside of class for every one hour of class to be successful, add in lab time and you have about nine hours per week for just one class. Each week you have to say, "I have this, this, and this to get done", and decide when to do it. Time management isn’t limited to class. It allows me to pursue activities that enrich my life as well as the lives of others.

Not only have I received an awesome education so far, I have come to appreciate those around me and little things I used to take for granted. I am very close to my family so leaving for school was a struggle but it made me realize how fortunate I truly am. I'm so lucky to be able to attend such an amazing school, have a family that supports me, and friends that stick with me through it all. Although the interesting concepts and lectures I have listened to this past year will stick with me forever, one thing that has completely changed me is my love and appreciativeness for everyday I?m blessed with. Attending Gustavus College and experiencing that separation from my family and old friends has given me this opportunity for self growth, and I wouldn't change it for anything.

What have I gotten out of my college experience? All the tools I need to be a great nurse. I thought about taking my classes online in fact, I took a few online. When I started the nursing program things changed, it was one of the hardest things I have ever done and still strive to do. The personal contact with my classmates has made the whole nursing experience worth the attendance. Breaking the barrier of touching people is one of the hardest yet most basic things we have to do as a nurse. Getting out of my comfort zone and laying my hands on my friends was extremely difficult. Contact is hard for a lot of people and as a nurse our contact is with strangers which makes it ever harder. Attending at a campus helped me and my classmate break out of our shells and into the healing world. I have made friendships that will last a lifetime and gained everything I need to be successful. My only regret is that I didn't do it sooner, sure it's hard but it's worth it!

My college experince has strengthened my confidance and taught me to never give up. I remeber my first year in college, I felt so overwhelmed with homework, exams, classes and everything else that comes with being a student. I knew i wasnt doing my best in class or studying as hard as I could. By my second year I was determined to be more organized and self motivated. I went to the student help centers, I got myself a tutor and talked to my professors more often. Thats another thing college taught me, hardwork and scarafice do pay off in the end and also to surround myself with others who have similiar goals and high expectations for themsleves. My last semester was tough, my classes werent the easiest especially my chemistry class. I remeber when I took my my first exam, I was so confidant I would pass with flying colors, to my surprise I got a C. So i changed the way i studied and by the final exam i was making A's. That class taught me to believe in myslef again and made me realize that whatever i put my mind to i can acheieve.

I have attained a wonderful love of learning, an amazing group of friends, and the determination to have an amazing life. I will use my scholarships to attain a higher education, and use that education to see the world, find a job I love, and continue learning throughout my adult life.

I would like to suceed in Life , actually be something and make something of my self.I would like to have a Job a house,& my own truck/car.And Not have to rely on other people,I would like to be self sufficient & make my own income. And above all I would like to have a Education that will help me suceed in my future career.

I have grown up alot through my year at college. I had a daughter and worked part time but always like to go to class. it was the one thing i got to do for myself. its very important to me to go to college because me and my sister are the first to get an educated for five generations. I hope to someday make enough money to pay for my son and daughter to go to college.

College has been so important to helping me push my limits and challenge myself. Starting college was a completely new experience for me and really put me out of my comfort zone. Being away from my family was very difficult at first, but it forced me to meet new people and make new friends that I can rely on. Another thing that I have gotten out of my college experience is the ability to accept people for who they are and to recognize the fact that I can't change them. Meeting all of these new people opened my eyes to many new opinions about the world and what goes on in it. I have learned that it is okay to have your own opinions and to be able to respectfully disagree with someone else's while accepting this as their point of view. College has been so valuable to me in teaching me to become my own person with my own voice. It has allowed me to conquer many of my fears, and it has forced me to push myself to my limits. All of my experiences so far will help me to define who I really am.

As a college freshman, if I could go back and talk to myself as a high school senior I would tell myself to be ready, the transition is quite the change. Advanced Placement classes will help prepare you for the course work that you will recieve in college, but don't think that you will immediately know how to manage everything. Take time to learn how to manage your time. Focus on your studies, but still try to make time for extra-curricular activites. Don't bite off more than you can chew, better to do too little and keep your grades up for the first semester than be on overload. And most of all, as cliche as it may be, be yourself. You will find a group of people who appreciate you for who you are, don't change to please a group of people who don't even like you in the first place.

Make sure you know what fits you: campus size, class size, housing. I found out the hard way that attending a larger campus with larger class sizes was not the fit for me. I need my class sizes to be a lot smaller in order to concentrate and feel like I'm involved. Also, being at a smaller campus allows yourself to get to know others (both students and staff) at a more personal level. At bigger campuses, you are sometimes just a number and might not feel like you are important. Also, make sure the campus you are staying at have residential halls or apartments that suit you! Some campus dorm rooms are very small and make one feel clostrophobic.

Prioritize. Sometimes it can be difficult to balance your life once you start University. There are so many different types of activities going on, on campus. There will be facilities there that you will want to use on a regular basis, an example being the gym. You will be attending classes, working a part-time job and be involved in many church activities. It will be difficult to balance your life unless you prioritize it. Find enough time to study, work and worship every day. Only after you have completed the things that are essential should you continue on with the things that are less important, but enjoyable. Campus activities are a great way to meet new people and to socialize, but if you haven?t completed your homework you shouldn?t be attending. The entire purpose you are at school is to earn a degree. Spending time at a dance or a sporting event is not as important as studying. Study/work should always come before play. It is a hard thing to do, to prioritize and to be disciplined enough to follow a schedule. Yet if you do it, you will have less stress and better grades.

I would tell myself to take more AP classes. I would want to do this so that I would have more credits transfering into college my first year. This could have saved me a lot of time and money. I would have been able to take less generals and focus on my major more quickly. I also would have possibly been able to graduate sooner which means I would be saving much more money on tuition fees.

You are ready. You have been contemplating the college decision for years. You have worked hard and often done better than most others believed you could. The only thing you are lacking now is confidence. Stop worrying about the decisions others are making and don't let them make you second-guess yourself. People are going to tell you that college is so grueling that your main focus that first year will be survival. Don't listen to them. Of course it will be difficult, being away from your family and friends and having to meet all new people. The classes won't exactly be a walk in the park either. But you can and will do it. As cheesy as it sounds, this is where the life you want begins. Here is where you lay the groundwork. There is a reason for me being so straightforward. I don't want you to hold back when you start school. I want you to know that it will be hard, but it will be worth it. Work hard, stay true to your beliefs, live in the moment, but keep one eye on the horizon. We'll talk again in four years.

Shakespeare said it well: ?There is more in the world than you have dreamt of in all your philosophies, high school self.? Ok, well Hamlet was talking to Horatio, not that poor adolescent version of myself with a limited imagination. I entered college with great plans?I had loved English in high school and planned to keep loving it all the way to a career. It wasn't until I'd been around the liberal-arts block a few times (and snagged myself an English minor in the process) that I knew how much more was out there! Our options in high school tend to be limited to the basics: history, science, and yes, English. Making a career choice is a ?choose one, fill in the bubble? affair?doctor, teacher, lawyer. But college taught me how expansive the ?other? option is. So I say to my high school self and to all the hopeful and frightened prospective students out there to break out of that box. Don't pin yourself down just yet. There's so much more out there to hope for!

If i could go back in time, there would be many things I would warn myself about. As a senior I felt as if i was on top. I had a heavy load of classes, but I could have tried harder. I got very caught up in the social part of school and slacked off. I would tell myself to get motivated and get prepared for college. I did not apply for many scolarships either, and I now see that was a mistake. I am now paying for those mistakes that I made. I would also tell myself to not take anything for granted, because having to take care of myself was a big change. The responisbility was much greater in college then when living with my parents.

If I could go back in time and talk to myself as a senior in high school, I would inform my younger self on the many things to be prepared to deal with the moment he set foot on campus. One of the most important things I would tell my younger self is that those who tell him that the first-semester of college is extremely difficult are not lying at all. So in order to avoid the stresses of the first semester in college, I would inform my younger self that he should go into college ready to do a lot of studying because that is the foundation for any amount of academic success achieved in college. Furthermore, I would inform the younger me that from the moment he steps on campus he should immediately start looking for extracurricular activities and clubs that interest him, then join them so that he can live out the full experience of his first year in college. Then, I would inform him of the professors and classes that he should take that would interest him the most so that he does well in them and obtains a lot of knowledge from those classes.

If I could go back in time and talk to myself as a high school senior I would tell myself to stay calm. College is hard, but it is bearable and at the same time it is a lot of fun. I was incredibly worried about going to a prestigous school with a good reputation and now I know that it really doesn't matter. While I love my small college that I attend, I know that I also could be happy at a big university or even attending community college. Everybody's paths are different, and as long as we stay positive everything will be fine. I was too caught up in proving that I was smart; I felt like being accepted to a good school would prove that. The most important thing that I would tell myself if I went back in time is this: Do what makes you happy.

I would tell myself is not to worry so much; don't worry that you chose the right school, don't worry about picking a major, don't worry about who your roommate will be, don't worry about paying for school, don't worry about making friends, don't worry about what people think of you. I was so worried about what college to choose, but I've realized that so many people transfer, its not the end of the world. Same for choosing a major, every other day my major changed, but it didn't matter. Since Gustavus is a liberal arts college I was able to try out a bunch of different classes to find out what interested me; you don't have to go into college knowing what you want to do. College costs a lot of money, but there are ways to afford it. Everyone has to make new friends and is open to meeting people. Just be yourself and open up; soon you will have so many connections. Know that you don't have to go into college knowing all the answers to life, because this is where you find those answers.

I should not procrastinate as much and start learning about different ways to study. By learning different study skills throughout highschool and by learning different note-taking skills I will benefit a lot from this. I should take more action in class and ask teachers questions and be more attentive in learning the material by meeting up with my teachers after class, etc. Participate in study groups and compare my thoughts with other people around me.

Being a first-year at Gustavus Adolphus College, I have learned many things about college that would have greatly helped me if I had known it in highschool. When my first classes began, the material I was learning seemed quite easy. It wasn?t until I received my first exam when I realized the mistakes I had made. If I could go back in time to my highschool senior self, I would advise her to add more hours for studying as well as focusing more on exams. Grades in college are mostly determined by exam scores, rather than homework assignments or extra credit. As a first-year, I have also realized the importance of choosing a school with great financial aid. When looking at schools, it is very important to look over the amount of scholarships and grants a school has to offer. Not only that, but prepare yourself for college by applying for as many scholarships as possible. Many colleges may lure you to their school with the amount of financial aid they offer, but as you get older, that amount may begin to dwindle. Even after senior year, I still strongly advise her to apply for more scholarships.

I have often wished I would have the ability to go back in time and talk to yourself as a high school senior because I transferred after my freshman year of college because I was not pleased with my first college decision. The most important advice I would give myself would be to place less emphasis on where the college is located. I grew up in a small town and desired to attend college in a larger city than the one I had grown up in but what I realized is that although you live in a certain city while attending college, it is the college and its respective atmosphere that one deals with on a daily basis. I learned this the hard way because my whole freshman year was spent at a college whose atmosphere made me uncomfortable although I enjoyed living in the city where the college was located. When I started looking for places to transfer to, I realized that it is the atmosphere of the college itslef is more imporant than location because the college is its own community and is the one in which you will be living.

First I would tell myself not to be afraid of future me, and explain that time travel is but one of the many wonders awaiting "us" at college. Then I would tell him what teachers to have, because a truly good professor can make a college class infinitely more beneficial to the student. If a teacher works with a student to unlock their best work the student will always remember what they were taught, and they will remember that teacher for a long time to come. Another important issue to stress would be sleep habits, I would tell him to learn how to wake up to an alarm clock and ignore the snooze button comletely, a snooze button is a college students worst enemy. Also to stay away from the Tilapia in the caf becuase it wont sit well with you. But most importantly is to be yourself, worrying about finding the right social niche can be very nerve wracking but if you just do what you love and engage yourself in the community your friends will point themselves out to you. Don't fake who you are to make friends it only gets you in trouble, just be you.

I know it's hard to imagine not being able to go on without your parents, but it'll be the best thing for you. Don't worry about your friends making fun of you for talking to your mom at least once every day, and even two or three times some days. Everyone accepts you for who you are, and you'll make some of the best friends of your entire life. Don't worry when your first roommate doesn't work out...you two will stay friends, but you just couldn't live together. Have fun and don't worry about your first semester ever and its grades....You'll get better at studying. Have fun and don't take anything too seriously! :)

Your transition will be fine! You'll make friends sooner than you think and you can still stay connected to your high school friends too. Go out and meet people. Walk around and say hello to people in your building and don't wait for them to come find you. You'll enjoy yourself more if you just get involved and go meet people. Also, read about your professor on ratemy rofessor.com but take it with a grain of salt. And don't go into college with your mind set on a certain career or major. Take some classes and find what you enjoy. Don't try to do too much! Pick a few extracurriculars and balance them with homework and time to get to know your friends. Learn to say "No" when you can't take on anymore. I promise that even your professor will understand when you can't take on extra work outside of class. And make good choices on who to room with each year. It's not fun when you don't want to be in your own room. Enjoy J-term for all it's worth and enjoy college! You'll do great!

I know that college seems like a scary prospect, right now. I know the fact that you're (dare I say it?) 'growing up' scares the crap out of you. But guess what? You're only as old as you feel! Haha. But seriously, Melissa, college won't change anything. Sure, you'll be in different kinds of classes, and you'll be away from home. But you'll still be YOU, and that's all you need to be. You don't have to act older, or more mature, or hide your love for anime. In fact, you're going to meet people just like you in college, and you're going to have a great time with them! So stop panicing. Remember to breathe. Keep smiling, and always, always be yourself. Things will be okay, and college is going to be great. I promise. (PS. Pack cereal. You eat a lot of it.)

Chill out. Go to Gustavus. You won't regret it. Love, Future You =]

Make your own decision. Your friends, parents, and other family will influence you during this process, but in the end, this is where you will hopefully be spending the next 4 or so years of your life! If you get to your college and you really don't like it, make another giant step and look for transfer schools! A lot of people's minds change after their freshman year. Don't be too afraid to find the BEST place for you - socially and academically.

One thing that surprised me in my college search was how helpful college visits were. I had done a lot of researching online about which colleges met my "requirements" and offered interesting programs. After visiting over ten colleges I found that my number one online pick turned out to be the worst fit for me. Most likely you will switch your major at least once during your time at school. You need to feel confident that the people you surround yourself with will help equip you to reach your goals. Visiting a campus while school is in session helps you get a real feel as to the academic and social life. Don't forget, touring the town is just as important as touring the actual campus. Finally, don't be afraid to look at the more expensive private colleges. With financial aid and quicker completion of programs it might end up to be about the same as a public school.

Know what your passions in life are and then find a school with similar values. Not only will you enjoy the school but you will find people from various backgrounds have your same dreams and ambitions. This will create foundations that lifelong friendships are built upon.

To any graduating high school student and their family, I would strongly recommend going on an overnight visit to the top colleges they are thinking of attending. A student can get a much clearer idea of the social and academic landscapes of their potential home for the next four years when he is allowed to experience the students and campus from a less sheltered and manufactured version than the admission office would allow. Also, when a student is without his parents, he may be able to ask questions and interact with students more genuinely. Furthermore, many schools will set up individual meetings with new students and faculty members, coaches, and head residents, which can help to answer questions you may not have even thought of yet. Schedule an overnight visit. You may be surprised how much your ideas of a college may have changed from a slightly extended visit. Regardless of whether your thoughts of that school were improved or tarnished from the overnight visit, you will be glad you did it.

Start early Visit colleges while in session. Make sure you sit in on a course, talk with a professor or coaches, etc. Don't be afraid to ask questions.

I am an admissions tour guide at Gustavus Adolphus College; therefore, I have an enormous and direct effect on students choosing whether or not to attend Gustavus. I am frequently asked why I chose Gustavus. The number one thing I tell students is that you will only be in college once and you want to enjoy your college experience. Consequently, I feel the biggest contributing factor for me in choosing a college was to find a school where I felt comfortable and could see myself living for the next four years. The college experience involves a maturation process including the ability to become more independent, rely less on your parents, and acclimate yourself with the transition to the real world. On top of academics, sports, and other facets of college life contributing to a college decision, I strongly believe that to enjoy your college experience you need to fully immerse yourself and relish everything about being a college student. It doesn't matter if you desire the large college atmosphere in a metropolitan city or the close-knit family feeling of a small private school, the college experience is one worth remembering. Don't miss out!

Don't be afraid to apply just for the heck of it. That's what happened when I applied to Gustavus and it happened to be the best decision of my life so far.

Anywhere you choose to go you need to give it a chance, a fair chance. Things tend to work out for the best.

There really is a "feeling" you get when you are on the campus of the college you know you want to attend. Be patient and be willing to work with admissions and finacial aid counselors when deciding on a financial aid package from the schoool you want to attend. Also, be proactive about getting all documents and requirements done as early as possible. Good luck with your search.

In terms of finding the right college I would definitely schedule campus visits to any college you are considering. In terms of making the most of the college experience, be sure to get involved in a lot of things on campus. Try to find something that interests you. If you don't find something right away then keep trying different things. This will help you discover what you like doing and help you make friends along the way.

visit the colleges beforehand, make sure it is your childs decision, don't worry about cost (you and your child will be in debt no matter where they go, consider it an investment for a better education), prepare for college during the junior year of high school (start saving earlier for spending money), understand that location is important (big city vs. small town and distance from home), i didn't want to be too close to home, but not too far away. college is not like high school, you need to work hard for your grades, or you will be booted out (a gpa below a c is not accepted). understand how to manage your social life and academic life in a balanced manner. be social, don't be afraid to make new friends because they will be some of the best people you will meet in your life (high school was fun, but college is 10 times more fun). the key word for college is balance, you must balance your life in order to get the most out of your college experience (studying, friends, going out, dating, work, drinking, down time/relaxing, etc.).