American University Top Questions

I would suggest starting early with the entire college process. The more information parents and students have about a college the more informed decision they will be able to make. I think it very important that, if possible, both parents and children make on-site visits to their top choices of school. It's important because once you find the right school, you will just feel it. You will know that you are meant to be there and that is not something you can't get from the website or conversations with school representatives. To make the most of the college experience, it is important to get involved. Even if it is only one activity, find something you like to do and do it. You will meet great people this way. It is also important to go to class. It might be difficult to go when it's a big lecture class or the entire lecture can be found online, but it is a way to better know the material and get to know your professors, who will be a resource for you. Also, get an internship. This experience will help determine what you want to do with your life.

I would suggest that students should pick their college based upon their awareness of 'who' they are, 'what' their future goals are, and 'where' they would like to see themselves after their college experience. First, students should select a college that will provide them with an academic and a social environment that is conducive to their personal and intellectual growth. Potential students should consider the following criteria when selecting their school: the size of the university/college, its academic resources, its educational philosophy, student-teacher ratio, career services, housing and dining options, student activities, its social culture, research opportunities, and geographic location among other criteria. Furthermore, when students arrive on campus, they should think of this as an opportunity to realize their full potential academically and personally. Students can make the most of their experience through getting to know their faculty early--professors can help students with clarifying their academic and professional goals. Secondly, students should take advantage of research and internship opportunities early in their academic career. Third, students can enhance their undergraduate experience through studying abroad--this will broaden their worldview and expand their cultural awareness. Finally, students should have fun while challenging themselves at the same time!

Plan ahead, know what courses you need/want to take. Make a four year plan, study abroad, go to class every day.

The best way to find the right college is to go there in person. Walk around the campus, talk to the students, and tour the neighborhood. Can you imagine yourself living there? Pay attention to your gut feeling. Once you're actually in college, challenge yourself to step out of your comfort zone. Sometimes all it takes is realizing you are different from someone to discover your own individuality. College is a unique opportunity to reinvent yourself by engaging in new experiences. So make friends, do an internship, talk to your professors, study abroad, help someone, jobshadow, listen to a speaker, volunteer, do whatever seems even slightly interesting. Make smart choices (flying to New York with a stranger may not be wise), and get good grades, but don't feel pressured to plan out your entire life immediately. Part of the beauty of life is appreciating the unexpected - you never truly know what will happen or where your path will lead. Many people don't specifically use their degree in their career, anyway, so follow your interests and passions and see where they take you. Just enjoy college and make your experience even better than it was for your parents.

You need to determine the location (close to home or far away from home) and type of area (i.e. city, rural) where you will be most comfortable. It's also very important to know your preferences regarding the size of the school, size of the classes, and transportation options to get home. Make sure that that the school not only offers courses in your major area, but has many other options, because most students do not graduate with the major with which they entered college. Most importantly, with today's economy such as it is, the school must be affordable. You do not want to graduate with tens of thousands of dollars in loans. Make sure to visit all potential schools either before or after you apply. Talk to the students, eat in the cafeteria, and spend the night if you can!

My advice would be to travel to as many colleges as possible, decide which type of school is best for the student and what is most important. For example, the student should decide if he/she wants a big school or a small one, or he/she wants one in the city or not. Also, ask questions, do a an overnight and get to know the students at the school.

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Nothing is more important than that gut feeling. Even if everyone you know and your entire family attended a certain school, even if that school is perfect on paper it still may not be the right fit. Go to the campus and just experience it. That gut feeling is the most important thing in choosing a school.

Don't worry about getting into the "best" school. Find the school that fits YOU! If you want to be able to do other things besides academics while at school, find a school where that is possible for you. Don't deny who you are while looking at schools. Weather and location matter. If you are in a place you don't like it will be hard to be happy and successful at school. Making friends and connections at school is paramount, and fun! Don't worry if you don't find your group of friends within the first few weeks or even months of school.

To have the best college experience, you need to find the college that is just right for you. In my experience, it was necessary to visit the univeristies I was applying to in order to determine my perfect match. I recommend taking your parents with you when you visit schools. While it is helpful to involve your parents int he college search process, remember the decision is ultimately yours. When you visit a school, talk to students, eat in the cafeteria, pick up a copy of the student newspaper, and sit on the quad and observe. Also, reach out to professors and administrators at your top priority schools. The treatment you receive as a prospective student will be indicative of what you should expect when you enroll. When looking at schools, keep your priorities in mind. What kinds of academic options are important to you and want kinds of extracurricular activities do you want to pursue? Let your passions guide your choice. Once you arrive at your chosen school as a student, don't hold back! Be curious, be adventurous, and most importantly, be you. You are the only one who knows what feels right for you! Choose wisely!