American University Top Questions

As someone who transfered part way through my sophmore year in college I would suggest that people keep an open mind when looking at colleges. I insist that people look at as many colleges as possible and to go to as many orientations as possible. Do not try to find the right college by just looking online. The best way to expierence a college is to go visit one!

College is about developing yourself more than it is about getting a degree. The most important thing for students to keep in mind when looking for a school, and while at that school, is to be true to themselves. No other time in your life gives you the opportunity to experiment and broaden your horizons; every day you spend on your campus you should be sure of why you chose that school and that it's giving you what you wanted out of it. Students and parents need to be open to making changes, whether it's between majors, housing arrangements, or even schools. Campus tour guides usually mention some intangible criteria for choosing the right school even as they show off the campus, buildings, and dormitories; pay attention to these! Visit your top choice schools more than once, if possible, and stay overnight. Explore the surrounding area as well, but try taking public transportation if you're in the city even if your parents brought their car. Pay attention every minute to what feels right. As long as a school has the programs you want, rely on the intangibles to make your final decision.

There are thousands of colleges in this country, and each has the potential to take the next for years of your life in a unique direction. It is up to you to decide what specific school will take you where you want to go. Your parents and guidance councelor cannot make this decision for you, and a school's brand-name or arbitrarily-determined level of prestiege will not ultimately help you choose where you will be the happiest. You cannot fulfill each as these possible destinies presented to you, so there is no point in worrying about rejected applications or schools you wish you could attend. Because it is the individual who determines his own success and happiness, the next four years can be the most exciting of your life, no matter where you end up going to school. The key to a fantastic college experience is simply to have a positive, optimistic attitude and arrive on campus the first day expecting a great year. Remember: the more energy and enthusiasm you put into pursuing new activities and friendships, the more satisfaction you will get back in return.

Visit the college and stay overnight. You can't really get an accurate impression from a campus tour. Also, don't make a decision based on what your friends will do. It's natural to want to stay with what's familiar to you, but being out of your element is how you grow and develop as a person.

Do you remember what you felt like on your first day of kindergarten? Chances are you don't, but from experience I can tell you it is equitable to your first days at college. Just like when you were 5 years old, your mom and dad are going to be nervous about you leaving the nest and you will worry about making friends, navigating campus life and succeeding in your classes. Unlike kindergarten, however, the choices you make are solely your own from this point on. Though you will feel overwhelmed, just remember what you are going to college for. It isn't only about learning; it is about finding yourself and your place in the world. So, while you are choosing a college, look at what opportunities you will have there for personal growth, whether they be internships, Greek life, interesting classes, study abroad or any of the endless chances there are to mature. At the right school you will catch a glimpse of yourself as a confident, optimistic person, not just a student. Make the most of your college experience by following your desire to explore life, try new things and better yourself. Have no regrets!

Getting into college is not hard. Deciding which school is right for you is. There are more factors this one decision than are really describable. The size of the campus, the type of student body, the style of the facilities, the availability of the professors, the ethnic makeup of the school and surrounding areas, amount (or lack thereof) of school spirit? They all play into having the best college experience, and considering the amount of hard work and money you will be piling into your college years, all things must be scrutinized. Your happiness is the deciding factor of your college success. If you are not happy, you will not perform at your true potential. Not only will your grades suffer, but your social life and employment potential will falter. Keep a dream for yourself, and when choosing a school, ask yourself how that dream may be realized. Anything less is merely a dream deferred - and that is no dream at all.

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I would say the most important aspect is making sure your child is happy. Do not encourage them to go to a school because you like it or because you went there, listen to your child and let them make the decision because it is a decision they have to live with and be happy with for the next four years. You will not be able to hold their hand while they are at school so make sure they pick a school where they can be happy on their own and comfortable in their own skin. Finances should not be the main reason because financial aid is available if you work hard and your child's happiness should come first.

Have your children stay at the college they are looking at for a weekend on their own so they can get the best judge of character of the school. Sometimes the rosy picture the tour guides paints for you is not always true. The most important thing, along with your child getting a good education to prepare them for the real world, is that they'll be happy where they are for the next 4 years and away from the comfort of home.

Four Important Aspects to Selecting the Right School 1. Before making a decision, visit the schools. This way you are able to get a feel for the school. 2. Look at finances. Of course private school is more expensive. Be aware that nothing is wrong with attending a public school. It saves you money in the long wrong. 3. Look at the cultural differences. People naturally feel better when they are immerse in their own culture. This does not always include race, but other aspects such as religion and background. 4. Location is just as important as the other aspects to picking a school. Many of us want to get away from our parents, but actually think about it. You are going to be away from home for a long time. The beautiful luxuries at home may no longer exist once you leave. Think about it carefully. Also think about the weather. Some like the cold, while others despise the heat. If you are leaving home, you may want to go to a place that is comfortable for you and does not make you want to leave every time the weather reaches over 100 or below 40 degrees.

Make sure you think about your career. Don't get caught up in glitz (the dorms, the dining hall, the beautiful campus). Make sure you pay attention to what the area your school is in has to offer. Make sure you look at your specific program. If you want to be a bio-chem major, make sure the school you pick is good for bio chem, not just respected as an overall institution.

As much as prestige may influence your application process, do not let it affect which school you choose! Selecting the right school for you has nothing to do with how long ago it was established or how many of its graduates now work at United Nations. Visit potential colleges and find out the stuff that really matters - not what they tell you on campus tours. Are people available to help you with difficulties in your academics and social life? Is there always something to do on campus? Is there usually free food to be found somewhere? Are there outlets for the activities, hobbies, or careers that you want to pursue? These are really important! Be sure to talk to some current students. Current freshmen can tell you about adjusting to college, while juniors and seniors have a better feel for the school's academics, policies, and campus life. In short: make sure you get the whole story before you start accepting acceptance letters!

The most important thing students and parents can do to have a successful college experience is to properly balance the ranking of the school with the financial disposition of the student. Buy the affordable amount of prestige, because post-graduation financial flexibility will also meet higher flexibility while selecting a permanent job.

To visit the schools and speak to current students and alumni in the same field you are interested in. They will describe the school better than the couselors.

When you are looking at the campus, really look at the kids, and see if you can imagine yourself as one of them

Definitely involve your parents in the college selection process. Make sure they know what you want and vice versa. It is important to visit the schools that you are interested in and it is super important to interact with the student body there. When visiting a perspective school, don't be shy to stop a random student walking to class and ask them a few questions, because they are the ones that are going to give you the truthful answers. Don't rely on the faculty and staff to answer your questions and paint a picture of the school, they are paid to get you to come there, they're going to tell you anything you want to hear. College is the most important and potentially funnest time in your life, don't let somebody else make the decision for you, do your research and do what your gut tells you.

You will be happier at the college you choose because it fits your personality and interests than you will at the one you choose based on financial information. Find a school that fits you and what you want and what you like. You'll be more productive and much happier in the long run.

At the risk of sounding clich?, I advise both parents and their college-bound children to genuinely consider what aspects of life they deem truly important to their educational experience before making a final decision. Location, academic stimulation, ranking, and extra curricular activities are only facts on a page unless they are thoroughly reflected upon by individual students?both on their own and with parental guidance. After honestly establishing one?s own priorities, anywhere that fits self-determined criteria should provide students with an excellent collegiate experience; attending a college that one has chosen for reasons they recognize as valuable should give students not only the necessary confidence to start anew, but also the satisfaction of a well-made choice.

College is an amazing experience where you can truly develop your sense of self and who you want to be in this world. If you are planning on focusing on liberal arts and the humanities, the majority of things you learn will be from interacting with the people around you. Spend some time volunteering in the community where your university is located. Find a group of people to play pick up soccer with. Study abroad. Stick around after class to talk to your professor about some article you read that mildly relates to the topic they're teaching. These interactions will stick with you so much longer than the research paper you write on European commerce in the 1700s. Never feel like once you commit, that's it. College is a time for change above all else. You can change your major, your friends, your hair, anything in the quest to determine what makes you happy. It will probably be the first time you are somewhat on your own, don't take that responsibility lightly. And don't take the mistakes you will make too harshly. Keep your eyes and ears open, and try to take it all in.

Pick a university that makes you feel at home the second you step on campus. Find a school with a wide range of extra-curricular activites and a program which suits you best and you will never have a chance to be homesick. I never had a difficult time fitting in at AU because there were so many groups to get involved with and so many different things to do that I never got bored or lonely. I have made friends that will be with me for the rest of my life. My class sizes are small, which is very important to me since I prefer to have relationship with my professors. The professors here are extremely willing to help students, which is a definite perk. The campus is in the midst of an amazing city, yet it is not spread out and has a definite "campus" feel to it. I like the fact that I can take a shuttle bus to the metro and be anywhere in the city within a matter of minutes. AU is a perfect fit for me because I feel home here. Every student should find a place which feels like home.