Boston University Top Questions

Stay overnight, and no matter what your decision, you will end up happy in the end. Remain positive!

Rather than focusing on only one element of your "perfect college experience" when choosing a school, look for a college that matches most criteria that fits your needs. Academics, financial aid and location are all equally important.

In order to select the right college the student should feel at home the moment he or she enters the school.

My father and I went on a small road trip visiting different universities, and I got a better feel for what the college or university was truly like by seeing the school. Applicants should try to visit during the school year so they can see what type of students attend a school. I found that talking to students about faculty and campus activities was really helpful. Students wont sugar-coat a school. They will tell you the pluses and minuses. It's also important, especially frenshman year, to get involved in the school. I didn't join many clubs in the beginng, and have regretted it ever since. Clubs will help you meet people who are interested in the same things as you, and it will help you find your place at a school, especially at a large school. It's also important to be aware of what surrounds the campus. Some students will find a city important, others want nice scenery. Students should look at the location of the school in addition to the school itself. Don't be afraid to try hard to get involved, because the students that do seem to have the best college experiences.

It's hard to know what you want out of college (nevermind out of life ) when you're 18. Chances are you're going to change your major at least once. I suggest you find a location/size that feels comfortable to you. Forget what your parents want. Find a school that fits YOU, not your parents. Ratemyprofessor.com is a vital tool. Make sure you take some classes with "life-changing" professors. Those are the classes that are truly worth while. Go out on a limb to meet people. Everyone is struggling to find a close group of friends during their freshman year. Social boundaries are broken down out of some universal urgency to make new friends. You'll find them, I promise. Talk to people, ask them to hang out, exchange phone numbers, go to the corny welcome week events. Take advantage of all your school offers...find out about the hidden gems in the area from upper classmen or going out and exploring. FIND AN ADVISOR, who gets to know you and helps you plan for your next 4 years. You need a good advisor. Lastly, take chances and create your own happiness!

I would tell parents and students to first discuss as a family what they are looking for in a college before they start visiting schools. Once they have done that, I would advise the student to look on -line at the various schools he or she is interested in. Also, do not discard the many letters and brochures that you will be receiving in the mail from the colleges. Rather, you should flip through the magazine and read some of the stats that they give you. Also to the student that has no idea where to begin for their college search, they have many tests and programs online that can help you to minimize the large list of colleges that could be right for you. College tours are very helpful in deciding what school you want to attend and if you are given the option of spending the night at the school with a current student please do that because you will get a lot of insight to the school by doing so.

When I was rejected from my first choice of school, I felt the devastation. But looking back, I'm glad I didn't get accepted. I applied early decision and I would've been bound to the school if accepted. It was a much more challanging school than BU. If I had gone there, I probably would've ended up at the bottom of the GPA poll and stressed out ALL the time. Here, I'm able to have a social life but still feel the constant pressure of the academics. My advice is, if you can, don't apply early decision. If you don't feel like you can get accepted in a regular poll, it could be the school is too challanging. Sure, any Ivy would sound good, but that might only be the case the summer before you start. If you can't fully enoy college and just study but still feel behind, you will regret it later. If you don't get into your first choice of school, DON'T STRESS. Sone enough, you will realize things will work out for the best.

Try to figure out who you are: what do you like, what are you comfortable with. Pick a place that will challenge you while at the same time inspire you to grow and become a more mature, functioning member of society.

Don't go for the flashy name- go for substance. Growing up in an extrememly competitive highschool, it was taught to us that if you weren't going for a big name Ivy League school, don't bother to apply. I searched high and low for the Ivy that fit me and imagine my shock when one did. Look for schools that are going to inspire you, challenge you, excite you! College is, so clichely, the "best years of your life" and finding the place to spend them at makes it or breaks it. Be comfortable with who you are once you get there and just be yourself. You're going to school that is a fresh start and I guarantee there is someone out there who enjoys your sense of humor and interests by just being yourself. You have an absoultely fresh start so make the most of it and get involved. Dive into campus activities and join a cause you believe in. There's no better time than today!

When choosing the right college, it's important to visit the campuses. Oftentimes, what you feel physically will be a huge indicator. I visited a few that made me nauseous, and uncomfortable, which made me realize that as gorgeous as the brochures made a certain college look, I really shouldn't apply there. Furthermore, find a college with a great program that interests you. It's one thing to pick a school and major in French, but it's better if you can find a school with great study abroad programs and a strong French department, otherwise, your specialization will be in vain. As far as making the most of the experience, make sure your homework is done on time and done well. Your professors will be more enthusiastic to teach you if you keep up with their curriculum. Furthermore, go to their office hours! Even if you understand, they will appreciate that you took the time to see them. Also, whenever you are invited to do something socially, do it. Even if you don't like the people afterwards, you have put yourself out there, and made an effort! You never know, you might meet your new best friend!