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The advice that I would give myself is that college obligates more responsiblities. High School seemed to get me prepared academically for the next level, however, I am no longer in the comfort of my parents. I am on my own. Although, this seems cliche it is realistic. While being away from home I have realized the responsiblity of managing time and money. I have also grown to view life in many different ways. I no long have a funnelled view of my future, but a wide range of possibilities. If I were begin college with a broader mind set then perhaps I would be more involved.

be openminded, work hard but have fun

Always remember to balance school and your personal life. It is so easy to get distracted by the freedoms of college - living on your own, having friends around all the time, having tons of things available to do all the time. While it is extremely important to have a good social life and keep having fun to help keep the stress down, it is critical to stay focused in school also. If you don't spend enough time on school work and going to class, you will quickly see your grades drop and it is very hard to come back from that. Also, don't be afraid to meet new people. There is no better time to get out and meet fun, exciting, new people than when you're in college. There are so many great ways to meet people with similar interests and make lasting friendships. So go out and have fun!

Work hard, play hard.

I would tell myself to take advanced placement courses to get more used to the college level of classes. I would also tell myself to get more involved in both high school and future college activities to meet more people and gain more experience. Also, making as many new friends as possible and being open makes the transition much more enjoyable.

I would tell myself that I need to become more disciplined when planning out how and when to complete asssignments because time management is essential for success. I would also tell myself to create a good excersise regime and stick to it as it will definitley help with staying focused with academics, and to stay well informed on financial aid offereings and possible work-study/internships on and off campus; regularly visit the bursar office. Lastly, to keep an open mind to everything because it will make for some great memories.

I would tell myself to try to prepare mentally for entirely new experience that will shape your future even more than high school could ever do. Each decision that you make or don't make leads you on a different life path and you must be careful in choices you make. Also, it is important to realize that it is in college that most people meet their friends for life and their career connections; so there is greater importance on networking and socializing with others,

engage

If I could go back in time and give myself advice during senior year of high school, I would emphasize how important time management is. I would also tell my high school self that at times, it is going to seem really difficult, but that I would be able to make it through as long as I kept my priorities straight and my goals at the forefront of my thoughts. In addition, I would remind myself to HAVE FUN and take breaks...school is extremely important but it will drive you crazy if you don't enjoy yourself every once in a while. Lastly, I would give advice to get involved with school activities and clubs and enjoy the amazing student environment.

The first couple weeks are going to be hard, but push through it. This is a huge change, but it is a change that is necessary in life. Take everyday one step at a time and you can get though the hardest moments. Never doubt youself, and never think someone is smarter or better than you. Be yourself.

The advice I would give to myself as a high school senior would be to get involved in as many activities as you can because youre already behind. I would also tell myself that when school work isnt challenging find some extra curricular activity to keep you busy to maintian interest in school and avoid "senioritis". Finally, I would make it a point to appreciate the speed of classes and help available from the teachersm as well as friends, because those are the times and the people you will remember the most when you go to college.

Take *everything* into consideration and make the final decision on your own. Ultimately, that's what I ended up doing but I had a lot of input from my parents as far as choosing schools. I was pretty dead set on one school but after going and touring one that was much lower on my list, I ended up choosing that one and I feel it is the right fit for me. Less than a handful of people from my high school are at the same university as me, so don't make that a factor. Make sure you get to know the school and campus and see how you feel there. Attend an event and don't feel embarassed that you're with your parents walking around on campus. College students love to see prospective students walking around and will do all they can to get you to join their community. Overall, get to know the school and then make the choice that YOU want and pick the fit that is best for YOU alone.

I would tell myself that college is much more difficult and I would also try to be more involved in high school so I could be more involved in college. Also that I need to work hard if I want to have a successful college career.

College is nothing short of one of the most amazing times of your life. With that being said, "amazing," has many different definitions. The people are amazing, the campus' are amazing however, so is the work load and required study time. Right now life is great, fun, a bit uptight sometimes but you know after that test next Friday, everything will be fine. Wake up. Simply do the math. College is at the very least ten times the size of High School, and you will soon be entering a world where you have every opportunity in the world to succeed but its all up to you! Not your teachers, principal, mom, or dad. Your success is solely based upon what you make it. Just remember, once you enter College, every student you walk by everyday wants to be just as good as you do, so begin to take that extra step. Reach out, go beyond your comfort level, attempt the "impossible," and I promise you will have an Amazing experience at college.

Go with the flow. Relax, but keep up the hard work. It will feel great being on your own and being responsible, and you have the responsibility part down pat. You will grow so much as a person being away from home, but soon things will become too tough to deal with so far away. If you are able to make close friends that don't party, it will help you tremendously, because it's nearly impossible to get through all the hard times when all your close friends and family are back home. I am transferring, and I don't know if you can do better than me, but please try, because I know if i had a better support system here, I would be able to stay for 2 more years. This is a wonderful college, and I know I will miss it. Oh, and you'll have problems with EVERY roommate. Some of the issues are all in your head, so you'll do best to live alone your second year. You need a roommate the first year to help you with the transition though.

Leaving home and going to a school three hours away from me was a tough change. I was used to having my own room, being able to shut the door for privacy, and saw my parents every day. After coming to college that all changed. If I were to go back as a high school senior I would try to prepare myself a little better. Moving from home to college is a major change; especially living in a dorm. Not only that, but Penn State is also very diverse and I was not used to seeing so many international students. I feel that the only thing I could have done to prepare myself before coming was to let go of my parents a little more. We are very close and it was a big step to be the first child moving out. Once at school though I got involved in a service sorority and now I feel at home at Penn State. Making new friends that I know I will never forget and focusing on academics has changed me and it?s what you do when you get to a school that really makes the difference.

Don't be intimidated, everyone is welcoming. Don't assume that because you thought high school was a breeze, that college will be the same way. You have to work for everything you do, and professors don't give you as many breaks as they would in high school. Things are due when they say they're due, no excuses. You have to study for hours every week, you won't be able to do well on exams without studying and focusing hard. Being stressed out just make things worse, just organize things the best you can and set up a shchedule for yourself so not everything is jammed together.

Be careful about your roommate

If I could go back in time and give myself advice I would tell myself to get more involved in school. I should get more socially involved with other people that I go to school with. Get involved in as many clubs as possible. Check out some other social organizations such as greek life. Its amazing the people you meet and the doors that are opened when you start meeting a lot of different people. When you get involved in more activities you will meet people you never thought you'd meet in your life. You will meet the most amazing friends that you will have for life and will always be there for you. Keep working hard and never lose sight of your goals and let nothing get in your way.

It's okay to not know exactly what you want to do when you come to college. Although some people will tell you it's important to have your major and your life planned out, you'll be just fine if you don't. When I looked at 12 colleges before my senior year of high school, I was indecisive, but I weighed the pros and cons of each and decided on Penn State. I had full ride scholarships to three other schools, but I knew I wouldn't be happy there. My out-of-state tuition is incredible now, but the experiences and degree I will get here are irreplacable. Since I have been here, I have changed majors from biobehavioral health to biology to finance to business. College is a time to find your own interests and abilities, which will lead to your career. Don't focus so much on the money or time; you'll have plenty of time to find your way. Good luck!

In high school, I was incredibly involved and over-worked. If I could give advice to myself as a high school senior, I would tell myself to calm down! I was so over-worked in high school that when I got to college I didn't want to join any clubs or committees! I realized when I got to college that besides stocking up my college applications, half of the things I was involved in during high school meant little. I would also tell myself to really, really enjoy where you're from while you are there because the second you leave and are surrounded by different people that do not know you like the people you grew up around, you will start to miss it. Don't take for granted the diverse town you grew up in, because not everywhere is like that and you will quickly learn that. Oh, and dress better.

The one thing I always wanted to change about my college expierence is a bit strange. I would actually plan on going 5 full years instead of the normal 4. The reason for this is because most times going into college you dont know what you want to study let alone what you want your career to be for the rest of your life. Taking extra course so that you can test out the waters, may set you back and you may not want to stress over finishing in the 4 years. Taking the minimum credits each semester of your college career allows you to get your studying and homework finished while allowing time for extracurricular activities. Being envolved is one thing I wish I could have done more of especially when I was in my younger years of college. Being timid my freshman year, not knowing anyone, and being away from my parents for the first time - it was hard taking that extra step. I completly encourage anyone going into college for the first time to take that step. Doing all the extra activities takes up time. Thats why I suggest going to college for 5 years.

I would have to give parents and children advice about finding the right college and making the most out of it based on my experiences. When I was choosing a college, I didn't worry about how much it would cost, if my friends were going there, where it was, or how big or small it was. I chose where I was going to school because it was the best place for me to be academically. Finding the right college is a hard decision to make, but your decision should be based upon what's best for your future, not if your bestfriend is going there or not. As for making the best out of your college experience, you should get involved in activities, make new friends, go out and have fun, and most importantly keep focused on your studies. In my first year of college, I had a really hard time having a social life and doing school work. Once I learned how to balance the two, I enjoyed my college experiences alot more.

Find the right college is not always easy. To find the perfect college, you should visit as many as possible. Try some schools local, try some at a distance, or even try one out of state if that interests you. Visit each campus carefully and see what each school offers. You don't want to go to a school and be disappointed. Making the most of your college experience can mean anything. Never have a dull day, this is the best time of your live. Support your team, go to each and every varsity game. Join a couple clubs, meet new people. Be friendly and give it your all. And you will do fine!

To students trying to find the right college for them, I would recommend listening to their "gut". Don't be afraid to want a school that is different than what your parents want. It's ok to have requirements for a school (i.e. size, location, school spirit), but don't rule out a college just because it doesn't appear to be what you want at first glance. One of the best things you can do is to visit as many universities as you can to learn what you like and what you don't. To parents trying to find the right college for their children, I would like to remind them that it is their children going to school, not themselves. So while it is important to be their for your child, remember, it is their education and their life, not yours. However, many parents went through this process themselves, and the best thing they can do is to offer support and friendly advice. It is a stressful decision for everyone, but it can be easier if you discuss with your child what they want to get out of university.

I would tell parents and students not to choose a school based on school ranking or based solely on academics. Choose a school that feels right, because if you're destined to succeed, you will make the most of your resources and do well no matter where you are. Visit schools, and weigh in on every aspect. Things outside academia like size, location, or extracurricular activities can seem unimportant when you have just taken your SAT and are looking for the best school possible, but those are the things that will make you uncomfortable as a first year student.

In order to find the college that fits you you need to find campuses that fit your personality. you can do this on many surches that are available on line. then go and visit the campuses that the search sugests. Parents please do not push your sons and daughters to go to the same school that you did. the school that was a great fit for you may not be a great fit for them. i encorage you to not only visit the campuses but try to go to one of the overnights that many campuses offer to see if you like how the campus life feels and go to more than two so that you have something to compare and contrast agains. make a list of the things that you want out of college and see if the colleges you are looking at stack up. and my last peice of advice, go with your gut. you are making a decision on a place to live for your next four years so it should feel good to be there. good luck!

Before you look for the right college, you should first determine two things: where you would be most successful and where you want to be. There are so many colleges and universities out there, with your own criteria, you will find a place where you will love and be successful. I believe where you would be successful and where you want to be go hand in hand when looking for a university. Where you want to be may not be the same place to cultivate you for success. You are most likely to be successful in an environment where you want to be and enjoy being, with the right balance. To make the most of your college experience, you should continue to be a well-rounded student. Being well rounded would include studing, socializing, working, and volunteering. The college experience should be a full one: taking advantage of the good and amazing people placed in your life through school, doing this that you enjoy, and giving back to those who helped you. The college experience will make the way for your life experience.

When the search begins for ones ideal college there are many things that run through a persons mind. Such as how far is it from home?Want inga big campus or more of a small high school populated type of school? Many questions or doubts that make such a big choice that much harder.Finding the right college really depends on the students likes.Making sure that the student visits the campus and is comfortable with how big or small the classroom setting may be.The majors that the school offers is also a big give in,depending on what students want to study and what school would best fit their career goals. Making the most out of ones college experience is critical.As a student myself I believe that getting a look at other cultures, school sports and even campus entertainment plays a part in getting a vast exposure of the major aspects of the campus.Experiencing both the cultural diversity to a campus and the school spirit at the sports events is a good way to come together with other students and enjoy something as one.

Visit the school and get feedback from current students, that way you have the prospective of someone who is actually going through the process.

Make sure you find a school that fits your interests, not just academically. Explore the environment to see if it fits your personality (drinking, sports, etc.).

Visit as many cvollege as you can dont go into a school without ever being there and being surrounded by the people that make up the school.

Research, research, research. I did not do enough research about the colleges I was applying for. I got lucky and ended up at Penn State and loved it, but I still should have known more. I decided to apply to PSU on a limb and I'm glad I did because I wouldn't take back a minute of it. To get the most out of your college experience I say get involved, and get help when you need it. Those two things will help you pull through and be happy while doing it. Good luck!

Finding the right college is extremely stressful. I would suggest visiting as many colleges as one can. Another way to learn about colleges is to contact the school and get phone numbers or email addresses of the local heads of the alumni association. One can email them or talk to them about the specifics about the college and usually get pretty honest answers. One other way is to contact on campus groups such as the student government. I have found that if you contact them during the summer, they will be more than pleased to answer any questions one would have. Anyone going to college wants to make the most out of their experience. In my opinion, in order to make the most out of one's college experience, one must do as much as they can. Go to partys, study abroad, meet as many people as one can, join as many clubs as one can, and especially study hard. Studying hard would be the biggest thing for me. You will enjoy college so much more if you have good grades.

Finding the right college is not an easy task. I would advise students as well as parents to always visit the college before making any final decisions, you can't tell a lot about a school from brochures and pictures. I would also advise students and parents to come up with a financial plan. This plan should include how much the family would need to have available to assist the student. In order to make the best out of the college experience students and parents need to plan ahead. College is a difficult transition for both parties involved, parents and children alike, having additional worries like financial aid only makes things harder. Being prepaired, financially and emotionally, for college is definetly the first step toward having a successful experience.

When trying to pick the right college, the worst thing that you can do is to pick a school based on its reputation or how it looks on paper. What you really need to do is go around and visit your options- the right one will just feel different. Good luck!

Choosing the right college is one of the biggest decisions that a student has to make and it can be one of the most difficult one as well. There are so many things to consider about the school when deciding. The campus feel, the financial aid, the academic program of choice, the food, and many others. When it all boils down to it, I would tell the student to close their eyes and picture themselves at the college. See themselves walking to class, cheering for the football team, or attending social events. The college you choose will be your home away from home for the next four years, so choose wisely. In order to get the most out of the college experience, you have to get involved in as many organizations that you can handle and find your niche. Even on a large campus, you can find your group of people or your interests within groups or organizations that you can join. Take advantage of the resources and don't hide under a rock. Your college experience will only be as good as you make it, so enjoy yourself, but remember what you're there to get, a college degree.

The key to finding the right college and then succeeding while you are there is involvement. First find a school that has the activities and courses of study you are passionate about. once you are there you must makes these into your pathways for success. Tackle your course load with vigor, use the many resources a college offers to find out career options within your major. Your extracurricular activities are also critically important. Don't join every single you happen to come across. Pick two or three and give them everything you have to offer. Become an officer, offer ideas to improve the club and then implement them, actively recruit new members. College is a time to explore yourself and attempt to reach your potential. I caution you to not waste a minute of your college years sitting idle or observing. Go, learn, do, and succeed. If you take on a policy of action and always try to do your best you will truly make the most of your experience at whatever school you choose.

Make sure you visit all of your choices to truly see what each campus looks like; visit a small campus and a big campus to get a feel for what you feel more comfortable. Also many colleges have a program for prospective students where you can stay over night , take advatage of that so you can truly see if you can picture yourself going there. Other than that go with your instincts and you will make a good decision.

Go wherever the best program for your major is (that you are able to academically and financially obtain). I went to a VERY small high school and ended up at Penn State because it had one of the best programs in the country for me. I didn't think I would like it but because I'm mostly around people in the same major I seem to have alot in common. Sit in on some classes and talk to other students before making up your mind, though. This can give you a good idea of the students and teacher enthusiasm and work ethic.

Dont worry about if they offer the major you want because you will probably change your major. Look for the school with the most choices of majors instead.

Speaking as an upcoming sophomore and easily remembering the days filled with college applications, dorm-life worries, and packing lists, I can relate to any students looking at colleges. Remember to visit the colleges- don't just look at one aspect, but consider the location, the size, the academic possibilities, the dorms, and the opportunities. If you're going into mechanical engineering but are considering physical therapy, make sure to go to a school that has both options. Parents, let the student choose- demanding their attendance to a certain school will not help them if they don't desire it. Students, take consideration of your parents', counselors, and college students' advice. Once you get there, don't just think about the party scene or academics, but find a balance. Remember the goal for the end of your time there, enjoy the short time you have by finding friends in and out of your major, and find time to both relax and study.

College isn't about where you go or how you do, it is about the experiences you learn. If you are going to look for a priority system in finding the college that fits you best, it should be based on what experiences the alumni were able to recieve and where it has taken them. A big college may not give you a personal experience and a small college may not give you valuable experience, but find the balance between them and you may have a school that you will be able to have pride in for all of your life.

It is important to visit many different colleges and universities because the feel on each campus is so different. If you know what you might want to major in, make that your first priority in choosing a college- afterall, that is why you're going! To make the most of your college experience, get involved in some kind of social group right off the bat- whether it is religious, academic or social. It is important to get involved in a smaller community within your school and is an easy way to make lifelong friends! Also, to make the most of your college experience, STAY IN TOWN on the weekends! You may be tempted to go home the you st few weekends, but that is how you will get to know people and truly integrate yourself into the campus community.

Visit colleges and universities, and make sure that your son/daughter is comfortable with the university culture and feel and the location of the school. Also, chooose a place where your son/daughter can adjust well and make friends easily.

Find a place that your child loves. He/ she is going to be spending the next 4 or 5 years there. To the students; live life to the fullest there, make as many close friends as you can, study hard, but reward yourself. For many of you this is probably the first time you will be on your own. That means your going to have a lot more responisbilty than you have ever had before. One last note, make sure you learn how to do laundry before you go. Best of luck.

My parents dragged me through the process kick and screaming. Just know that in the end, everything will work out. You will find a school that you feel you belong to and if you don't like a school five minutes into the tour....just leave.

Look at choosing a college as one of the most important decisions of your life. Be well-informed about all of the schools you apply to. Visit the school, sit in on classes, tour the dorms and apartments, and talk to students and faculty. Too many students make their decisions based on other's people opinions, but in the end, your opinion is what counts. And if you can't decide, even make a pro's and con's list for each school if you need to. After you've done all of this, let your heart and your mind decide on your school. Once you have found the right school, strive to make your four years as fulfilling as possible. Be flexible, well-rounded and spontaneous. Don't spend all of your time partying, because you will regret it. But also don't spend all of your time worrying about school, because you'll regret that too. Manage your time well, be involved, and don't take yourself too seriously. I like to live by the motto "work hard, play hard." In the end, the college experience is what you make it. I say, chose to make it unforgettable!

The best way to test whether a college is right for you is to spend a day or, even better, two there. See how the atmosphere feels. Go to the student union, walk through the library, sneak into the back of a large lecture class, and talk to a few students walking across campus. Speaking with students who attend--especially those other than tour guides--will help you get an honest image of the school. And most students will be more than happy to share their experiences at the university, whether good or bad. Getting involved right away is the best way to take away the most from college. What you study is important, but learning is more than just books. Getting involved not only introduces you to new people, but often it gives you opportunities you would never have without being in a club or organization. Being involved also helps you to leave your mark at college, and there's nothing better than knowing you've helped to leave a legacy. Study--and study hard--but make the time away from the library count by finding an organization where you feel like you belong.

Finding the right college is a balancing act. Students and their parents should decide what qualities are most important before choosing a school. For example, things to consider include distance from home, tuition costs, the programs that the school offers as well as the size of the student body and the ratio of professors to students. Students should also visit the colleges so they get a feel for the different campuses. As for making the most of the college experience: Have fun but not so much fun that you forget why you're at college in the first place. Get involved. Join clubs or intramural sports teams. Join a sorority or fraternity if that interests you. Wherever you decide to go, make sure that it is either your ideal school or a place where you can adjust easily to the next chapter in your life and enjoy the ride.