Adelphi University Top Questions

The grass is always greener. No matter how much you think your school sucks, they all suck one way or another.

Apply to a lot of colleges. Even if you only have one in mind that you really want to go to, apply to as many as you can that interest you. Take a look at the whole package - degree offerings, financial aid packages, average class sizes. Go to college interviews and take campus visits if you can. Call the campus and ask questions. See if they have a network set up for incoming students to get to know students at the campus. When you get to college, reach out and make friends. Find your advisor and set up an appointment just to get to know them. Don't be afraid to talk to your professors or your advisor if you're having problems. Above all, make sure you take a break from studying every once in a while to go out and have fun.

Make sure the courses are relavant to your career choice

I would give the advice that parents should visit as many schools as possible in the near vicinity area of where the student lives and when practical. Encourage the son/daughter to find information from all means possible through telephone, internet, high school counselor, teachers, etc. If the information is there, we just have to steer the youth into the right path and keep a watchful eye on them incase they get stuck on the way and your there to help them carry right along so the college searching experience can be an easier burden on the family when it is shared and not just entirely placed on the student's shoulders.

Make sure your child can afford the financial aid!

Look first for a college that would suit your academic needs and may provide support if you have challenges. Also find a school that will help out with a majority of your academic funding. Finally find a school where you fel comfortable. Definitely take a campus tour and if possible spend one weekday and one weekend day there on a normal week (not a campus activity week) to get a true feel of what the school will be like for you.

To get to know the college before you make any decisons

Make sure it's a place where the students will feel comfortable and be able to socialize well.

With our economy today, it is practical to go to a 2 year college first, then continue on with your Bachelor's Degree at a four year college. In our society today many students will not find a suitable career without their Graduate Degree as well, so do not forget the cost of that part of your education when thinking about your Undergraduate education. Many people believe that it is looked down upon to go to a commnity college the first two years, but in reality- it is a smart choice! You save tens of thousands of dollars, and your letter grades are what transfer (not your GPA). Consequently, your first two years of college can be used as a trial period so that you can better get adjusted to the college life without the pressure of earning a 4.0 GPA. Also, research the possibilities of Scholarships through various schools and the internet. Besides the money factor, GET INVOLVED! it is equally important to get involved in clubs and activites in your college. By doing so your chances of meeting people with your same interests increase drastically, as will your social life.

The advice I would give to parents and/or student about finding the right college is to visit the campus, see what the school has to offer. Also, while on campus ask students what they like about the school and what they don't like about the school.