American University Top Questions

Definitely visit the campus during the school. Also, do not pick a school based on reputation, pick a school that you feel comfortable at so you can succeed.

The best advice I have about finding the right college and making the most out of the college experience is to take every detail into consideration. For example, when I applied to college, I mainly focused on academics and academic opportunities. I didn't realize the importance of a campus atmosphere until I arrived at school and found that I hated the lack of school spirit possessed by the students. I am transferring to Georgetown University, and having redone the college search process over again, I definitely took non academic details into consideration, no matter how silly or unimportant they seemed. I would also encourage students to look at what they disliked about their high school and what they liked about it and base their decision off of that. I was on the cross country team in high school and loved the community atmosphere and school spirit we had on the team. I wish I had taken this factor into consideration during my original college search instead of mainly focusing on the more academic aspects of the school.

Rejected. I was distraught, but over a year later, I have embraced my ?second choice? of AU. Summer with old friends from high school meant leaving new friends from college. They are the ones you first met when unpacking your bags, nervous about living away from home, but determined to hold back tears from equally nervous parents. You met them while campaigning for the student senate, while riding the shuttle to the Metro to your internship, while playing club soccer, while campaigning for Obama, or while joining SigEp. You seized every chance to grab ?free? food and make the most of a hefty student activity fee, but you balanced your social life with work, and will never have a GPA hole from first semester. You celebrated when the Eagles defeated Holy Cross and you cried when Villanova denied us our Cinderella story. It is easy to call home every night, even easier to stay inside and pout away the hours. It is difficult, maybe even awkward to meet new friends. But you will share nearly every meal with them, will wake up for 3am fire drills with them, and will cry with them when the semester ends. Accept the opportunity.

Fiske's college guidebook is a great resource, and campus visits really help you get a feel for what it's really like.

Find the college that fits you- not your friends or anyone else.

The most important thing is to find the school that achieves the right balance. Focus on where you will actually be living, what you will do in that town. Also, don't build up your expectations to much, this will only set you up for disappointment.

My advice would be to do research about the different universities in the country and find the right program that fits. Utilize the interent and search for the perfect program. While in college meet friends, work hard and get involved with community programs. Also begin looking for internships in other countries/states.

Don't listen to anyone else; only you can make the decision. You know yourself best.

I have been an athlete my entire life, from age five i was kicking the soccer ball around, so when I started applying for colleges everyone assumed it would be for sports. However, that wasn't the case. My best advice for parents and students is to apply to a school that matches all your personal wants and needs. For example, my requirements were that I wanted a medium sized school, located in a big city, that had a strong international studies program, and neutral weather. So what did I do first? I looked at all schools that had a strong international studies program. From there I kept breaking it down, until finally I landed on my perfect school, American University. This school was gorgeous, located in Washington, DC, it was medium sized and had an amazing SIS program. Later I was recruited for soccer and everything fell into place. So the important thing is to do your research and find the school that fits you, whether it's a big name school or not.

First, prospective students, apply early. The earlier you apply the better chance you have of getting accepted and the more options you have. Do research on your school and try to visit campus at least once before you make your decision. Also, apply for as many scholarships as possible. Parents, there is nothing that frustrates and stresses a student more than his/her parents burdening him/her with financial issues. Students, when registering for classes, talk to as many upper classmen as possible before you choose a course/professor. By doing this you will be able to decide what professors have the right teaching style for you. As far as social life is concerned, join clubs. It's the best thing you can do as a freshman who doesn't know anyone. You will meet a lot of new people with similar interests to yours. Make sure you manage your time wisely. With all your new found freedom you'll be tempted to put your work off. DON'T DO IT. Delay gradification when you can. You'll have more fun if you're not stressing the whole time about what you should be doing. Study, have fun, engage.