Boston University Top Questions

The advice i would five parents would be not to pressure their kids into going to a school that they would want them to go to or a school that they attended. Don't pressure them to go to a very difficult school if they don't think that they will be ready for it. I believe that their children should concentrate on getting better grades then killing themselves to get good grades because they went to a more difficult school. Helping to match their capabilities with a school that will bring these skills out is the best choice. Parents shouldn't put too much pressure on their children and be supportive instead of negative about the whole college experience. Emphasis on school work and doing well is a good thing but not when it becomes a nagging, and annoying process that weighs the student down. Students should definitely visit the school that they are going to first to get a feel of the atmosphere and people. They should be sure of what kind of school they would like to attend and go with their instinct about picking a school because in the end they will be the ones attending.

Students should have a clear understanding of who they are and identify needs, career objectives, and expectations for college life before selecting the appropriate college environment for them.

When searching for a college, keep in mind what your personal needs are and base your decision on whether or not each college you research will fulfill all of them. It is important that the college you choose not only cater to your academic needs and career goals, but your psychological and social needs as well. Look forthe college that you know you will be happy at, because then you are guaranteed to be successful in academics and in life. The school you choose will be where you will attend for the next four years, so whether or not you decide to live on campus, make sure you have envisioned yourself there and see yourself being perfectly happy and healthy.

Pick the area of the country and size of the school. If private, consider the loans you might have to carry. Is the school diversified in courses of study and student population. I stayed close to home so felt I was away at school but still had access to home and friends.

Make sure to visit the school to really get a feel for the people, atmosphere, and surrounding area. An education can be obtained anywhere, it is important, however, to make sure you are comfortable and happy where you spend the next 4 years of your life.

Students should know that going to a private school is overrated unless you have a substantial scholarship. Furthermore, make sure that BU does a good job finding jobs for people with your major.

I would recommend visiting the school your junior year and spending a night or two there with another student in order to get the actual feel for the school's environment. I would sit in on a class and ask questions, ask about the social life, the rules on campus, the career center and financial aid. Take a trip around campus and its surroundings to ensure that you will have enough to do on the weekends, things that will keep you active and not enclosed simply to campus-activities. You should feel as though there is more to do than just college parties on the weekends. Once at school, make as many friends as you can your freshman year, put yourself out there and talk to people, chances are they'll be glad you did. It is important not to judge anyone when first entering school as you never know how much you will change or how much you may have in common with someone even when not expecting it. Go out and challenge yourself, try new things, you'll find that you grow as quickly as within the first month of being away from home, embrace the change.

Look for strong academic credentials and reasonable financial aid. Determine ahead of time whether the amount of financial aid offered is constant from year-to-year, and whether tuition is scheduled to rise. If so, the frequency and extent of these increases should be evaluated. It may be difficult to ascertain without speaking to those already attending, but certainly worth the effort. Also important is whether the student will live on campus or commute to classes. I strongly advise in favor of living on campus for a number of reasons. The first is practicality: proximity to classes, professors, administrative offices and school facilities is essential, especially during the first year when students are typically adjusting to a different lifestyle. The second reason is a social one for those interested in making longterm friendships and partaking in the college experience. The best places to live, especially as a freshman, are large dormitories where the atmosphere is friendly and the administration sponsors activities which are important in creating bonds with peers. Although it may seem undesirable to share living quarters, dining halls, etc., with so many others, it is the surest way to make friends and enjoy your time at college.

It is very important to make a decision after you have obtained all the posible information about the school. Go online, see pictures, visit the campus, talk to past studentas and even read college guides to make sure the place is suttable for you. Make sure you know the school activities, clubs and even class information. College has a lot to offer for everyone; with and with a positive and open attitude toward new experiences college can be an amazing time to learn and have fun.

I would tell them to step out of their comfort zone a little. College is the perfect time to experience new things and life in a new place. So, when looking for the right college think about living somewhere where you'll get to experience things different from what you're used to because you may never get the chance to experience a city in this way again. It's also very important to look to look at the majors available as well as the class/campus sizes. I made sure that there were a lot of options for majors just in case I changed my mind, which I did! I terms of making the most of the college experience you just have to remember to never pass on trying something new. I've developed so much as a person from learning from the new people I've met and going out and experiencing the city. I would also highly recommend going to spend time with roommates or new friends at thier homes and inviting them to yours. People in college come from around the world and it's a great bonding and learning experience to visits their homes.