Boston University Top Questions

One of the best things about going away to college is exposing yourself to new experiences and a different environment than you are used to. Growing up in the country, I knew I wanted to go to school in a big city. That was the right decision for me because not only do I learn a LOT from my professors, I can expand my learning in the real world beyond the classroom, just one step outside the door, in fact. Even our campus is constantly bustling. There is always something to do, something to get involved in. It is easy to find your niche at a big university. Because of it's size, it has everything to offer. That feeling like your belong somewhere is one of the most important things in life generally, and there's no better place to start than at college. It's also important to consider whether a school has the course of study you are looking for, also the type of program. For example, Northeastern has a really cool, effective internship program, but no college of communications. At Boston University, being involved in the student government has made me feel connected to the school.

I would encourage students to take note of what is most important to them (in all aspects), and after conducting a bit of research on potential colleges and universities, decide what college/university best exemplifies their values. For example, if a student recognizes that having a familial and communal feel (in his or her life) is something that is important to him or her, the student should pick a smaller college or university, at which he or she will receive such a feeling. I would also advise students to take into consideration their own, individual personalities, when deciding on a particular college or university. For example, if a student knows himself or herself to be an extremely social and outgoing person, then it would probably be best for the student to choose a school at which there is an active social life on-campus, so as to satisfy his or her needs. And finally, I would advise students to also keep in mind their extracurricular activities and interests when choosing a college/university, to ensure that his or her particular interests will be available to partake and engage in.

When seacrhing for the right college, visit as many as possible. You can't judge a school by what its website says, or what books trell you about them. The only way to know if a sschool is right for you is to be there, amidst the students. Try to go during the school year, when it is in session, not during break. You will get a better feel for what it would be like to be a student there. Also talk to the students, have them show you around, rather than the tours. They only highlight certain areas on the tours.

To students: Get involved in activities wherever you go. It's an easy way to make friends who share common interests. Groups are rarely clique-y and are always excited to have new members. In a club or a sport (or even a club-sport), you'll always have something to do; the only kids I've ever heard complain about boredom are the kids who aren't involved. There is always something do to on campus, you just have to look for it. BUT don't lose focus on your schoolwork! College is harder than it seems in the movies. To parents: It is imperitive that you learn to treat your college-bound students as adults. It helps your children learn to take care of themselves and take responsibility for their own education. Let them make mistakes and make their own decisions. Your child wants to feel like an adult.

When seeking the college right for you the best advice I can give you is to do your research (make sure they have your major, etc), visit the campus and take a tour. All colleges will try and sell themselves to be the best for you, but rely soley on how you feel while on campus. You will know when you have found the right one- you will feel it. The feeling is hard to describe, but it is close to the comfort you feel when you are at home. When choosing, try your best not to have money be the deciding factor. When it comes to making ends meet financially, there is a ton of free money out there in scholarships and financial aid is available. The greatest advice to give about financial aid is to write an appeal if the school says you do not qualify but you feel otherwise. As for making the most out of your college experience, be sure to focus on your academics (that's what you're there for) but also get involved in intramural and other club activites to relieve some of the scholastic stresses and make friends. Oh, and have Fun!

Look at many different colleges and pick the one that you feel is right, right now.

When picking a school, I think that size can tell you almost everything you need to know. If you're looking for a more mainstream experience and major, you will probably thrive at a smaller school that specializes in your major. However, if you're unsure at all or if you want more diversity, I would pick a bigger school. In general, they have many more opportunities to meet with professors who might share your unique interests, more peers interested in similar or the same things, and more cultures that can mix together. It may be true that people tend to clump with their socioeconomic/cultural groups at larger schools, but there are also many people who break the mold, which can lead to incomparable experiences that I think would be harder to find at a smaller school. Not everyone can pick a large school (just as not everyone would be happy at a smaller one), but if you choose that right, I believe that everything else will fall into place. The only other thing to keep in mind is not to stress - you can always transfer and keep your small/large school debacle for a funny party story.

My advice would be to not stress out too much during the whole process. Tour the colleges to make sure that you'll feel comfortable on campus and that you can see yourself attending the school. Once you're in, get involved in various groups and activities; it's a great way to meet new people. But most importantly, stay true to who you are. It's easy to get lost in the excitement and newness of college that you lose sight of what you stand for and the potential you have.

The best advice I can give on picking the right college is to definitvely follow your instincts. You should visit all of the colleges you are applying to to get a real prospective on what the students lives are like and how the campus is like. Wherever you feel comfortable and at ease is where you should go because this will help to ensure a smooth transition from high school to college. Once you pick the best college for you, focus on emersing yourself in different clubs, groups and activities on campus because this will allow for you to meet many people with different backgrounds and beliefs. This will help you to make friends who will be there for you throughout your college years and these will be people that you will share the best moments of your life with and most of them will end up being your best friends for life. Do not focus just on the academic aspect of college, although this is very important and should be taking seriosly, do not forget to enjoy yourself as well because these will be the most unique and special moments of your life that you will always cherish.

Let your child go to the college he/she wants to go to. Take finances into consideration, but don't let that prevent your child from being happy. Had my parents made me choose to go to the cheapest school I'd applied to, I would be stuck in the middle of nowhere, with the people I had grown up with, and not able to grow as a person or experience anything amazing like I have at my current school. Encourage your child to be open to new ideas and not afraid to share his/her own; encourage him/her to take [safe] chances; and most importantly, encourage him/her to try his/her hardest no matter what comes his/her way because, after all, college is meant to be an educational outlet!