Alfred University Top Questions

You might think you need to enter college with a specific plan; a specific major or course of study. If your intended major isn't what you envisioned, don't be intimidated. You'll be able to change your course of study after your first semester with little or no impact on your overall 4-year plan.

If I was given the chance to travel back in time and talk to my former self, I would tell myself to not change a thing. During my freshman year of college I learned to let go of the restraints I had put on myself when it came to my academic work. I did my best but I also gave myself time to relax, make friends and do my thing. I remember that as a high school senior, I was terrified of going off to college and living on my own. If I were to return to that time, I would reassure myself and tell myself that there was nothing to worry about, and that everything would fall into place. However, I would tell myself to get a summer job, because college life isn't cheap!

Go and work as hard as possible as you can while enjoying your self also.

I don't think I would give myself any different advice. I believe that the path I've taken since my senior year in high school has led me right where I want to be. My high school was probably one of the best "transitions" to college I could have asked for. It was not set up like the average American high school; rather it was modeled on a college. The students were entirely responsible for their attendance and homework. There was no safety net of detention or phone calls to parents. We had to be organized and aware of our own education. We chose our own classes, we only had to be on campus when we had class. Some very non-traditional classes were offered, which fit well with our school's non-traditional students. We were required to participate in the school's government. All said and done, I feel very privelaged to have been able to attend Liberty School, and I think it prepared me for college far better than any college prepatory school would have.

Take a look at the colleges in person, you cannot get a full grasp of what they are like from the internet or brochures. If possible, talk to current students. Nobody understands the workings of a campus both academically and socially like the students. Be mindful of location as it can have an effect on what activities are available, what the weather is like, and how easily available help is when needed. Once there as a student, get involved by joining a club or a sports team. Be social, work hard, and make sure to try new activities like karate, playing an instrument, or singing lessons. Do a Study Abroad program, even if its a short-term program like a two-week trip to Europe. It will all pay off in the long run. Overall, have fun and enjoy everything you can. An enjoyable college experience will stay with you for the rest of your life.

I would say once you've chosen your top schools, compare their best and worst features. Also consider a college with different options for a major in case you change your mind a long the way. A big thing to think about is the size of the school. Keep in mind that a small school can still have big opportunities and even better, there's more chances for you since their is less competition. Unless you're into the big name school which is good too, but don't go to a school because everyone's going there. It's very important that you choose the school that's right for you, and once you're there, be part of everything. Let the school remember you like you will remember it for everything you learned from your valuable experiences while attending.

I believe that one of the most important things that students and parent should consider when selecting the "right" college and making the most of the college experience is making sure the college offers soild academic preparation in the student's chosen major and soild career counseling. The goal of any student selecting a college should be to chose the college that will best prepare that student for their chosen career. This decision should not be made upon how "pretty" a campus looks or what famous person attended the college or how old, well known or how much or how litle the tution may be, or in some cases, how close or how far from home the college is located. In these difficult economic times, it is vital that the workers of tomorrow be prepared to compete in a technologically changing, highly competitive employment arena. Due to the highly specialized and competitive nature of the world today, it is vital that the investment in higher education result in an strong return. I firmly believe that choosing a college that fully prepares a student for their chosen field is he most important consideration in selecting an intitution of hgher learning.

I feel students really have to know what their looking for in the community your going to introduce yourself to. If you want a big city, country living, to get lost amongsdt the masses at a large class or to be noticed in a small community. I feel that each school caters to an individual you just have to find whats important to yourself and your future goals. To make the most of your experience is to sign of for all activities that interest you and to become involved in your community and surroundings. Enjoy your opputunities and the your choices.

Don't make cost your biggest concern, however much it may impact you, choose a college that would be best for you. The environment you would learn best in, the major you want to learn.

Dont let money be an issue.