My advice to high school students searching for the right college would be to think about what things they are interested in, things they like to do, and what they would like to do in the future. (Yes, it is the old “what do you want to be when you grow up” question.) The hardest part comes when trying to find an institution that combines them all in one place. The closer the opportunities at the college fit the interests of the student, the better chance they have of becoming engaged in the environment and becoming successful students.
Cost is also a factor, if the school that you want to get your four-year degree from is out of your price-range, there may be a way to decrease the cost by attending a community college first. (Sometimes, it is possible to get scholarships for your Bachelor’s Degree because of your performance at the Community College!)
Now that things have gotten out of hand on some college campuses, I would also suggest that safety be something that they consider. What are the college’s safety measures, is there enough security, how do they handle emergencies? I have two children looking at College’s and these are the things that we are looking at in considering college options. On our campus, we have the text message/email alert system, campus security is a constant presence on our campus, we even have security escort services if anyone feels uncomfortable walking out to their cars in the evening.
