American University Top Questions

Get organized as soon as possible and don't be influenced by the work ethics of the students around you. Plan on getting a little work done on the weekends, and try to save as much money as possible before getting to school. Eat healthy and get a sufficent amount of excercise.

you've developed a good work ethic so don't slack off.

The best advice that I can give anyone as far as finding the right college is look at everything that interests you but don't limit yourself to that criteria. College is about experiencing new things and challenging your beliefs. Alot of it just comes down to luck because it is impossible to predict how somemthing will turn out. But once you are at your school look for groups and activites that you are familiar with or if you prefer do something that you have never done. The way to make the best of your college experience is to just put yourself out there and hope for the best.

When selecting which college your child is going to attend, it's really helpful to talk to students that already attend the colleges you're considering. They live there, study there, socialize there every day, so who better to give you an idea of what it's like to attend that school? They can help you better gage the kind of environment the school provides and what your child's experience will be like. It's the key to picking a school, in my opinion. I knew that American University was the right school for me after I talked to students and realized how much they care about the world around them, and how open mindedness plays a huge role in the learning process.

Start early, give yourself enough time to learn about the college and scholarship application process, and apply for every scholarship you can.

There is no such thing as the "perfect college". Quite honestly, there are many schools that a student would be happy with. If they like the area, like the size, and enjoy the atmosphere, it's up to the student to make the best of the college. Joining a team or a club early helps new students learn familiar faces around campus and applying yourself to studying makes your time seem spent well. The most important thing is a positive attitude; if a student wants to enjoy themselves at a college, if they have a positive attitude about the entire experience, then they will enjoy themselves. An open mind, combined with hard studying, will result in the student getting the most out of their college experience.

When looking for a college have a clear sense of what you do and don't want from your college experience. I wanted the chance to move somewhere and 'get lost.' I've always seen college as being another opportunity for adventure and discovery, and by being in a foriegn place I've been able to realize what I do and don't want in my life. On the top of your college search list write down what it is you want, and with that inspiration in mind begin to explore the opportunities. Don't be afraid to pick one or two schools that you would never be interested in, I ended up going to my back-up school and I don't think I would've been as happy anywhere else. Most of all remember that it doesn't matter where you end-up, what matters is the journey.

Go to a school that is best for your major or career. Have a plan and goal for the future. Decide what you want to be in the future and than figure out how you are going to accomplish your dreams. Do not go to a college just because its cool or your friends are going. Maybe you go to a great school, but did they have a good program in your major? If not, than don?t go. Education is the biggest investment you will make in your entire life so choose wisely. Stay focused, don?t get distracted. Pick the school best for you, not just where your lover is. College is a once in a lifetime experience. However, you are there for an education, a degree and a future job. You aren?t paying money just to make straight F?s and to party yourself to death. Do stay focused on the point of college, which is learning. Make friends, have fun, go to parties but homework must come first. If you ever think about dropping out, well don?t. Keep going, keep trying. Take out loans, do what it takes. Never give up ever

I recommend parents and students find the college that best suits and contains the right balance of personality, interests, and professional pursuits the student wishes to become involved in.

I would advise students to do as much research as possible about college choices. Many times, students apply to a college because of previously held assumptions or because it is well-known. You should really look for a college that fits your personality and where you think you would succeed the most academically. When I applied to American University, I had been researching colleges for months. I religiously combed through college advice websites to see what current students had to say and I often took online quizzes to help me figure out which kind of college I would want to attend, which helped tremendously. What many prospective college students have to understand is that college--at least my university--is nothing like how college life is oftentimes depicted. Most of the time it is hard work, academically and socially, with learning to self-motivate, adjusting from the culture shock that arises when one leaves home for a new place for the first time, finding your niche in the campus community, and other obstacles that come with the newfound independence. College, unlike high school is a place where you can pursue what you are truly passionate about and consequently find yourself.

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.