Brown University Top Questions

The most important factor to take into consideration is the atmosphere of the college. You're going to spend four years, some say the most important four years, at that school so it is important that you feel at home. Often students and their parents get caught up in the pursuit of prestigious schools, but it's important to understand that you can be successful and make the most of your college experience regardless of where you are. This is why it is so important to find an environment in which you can thrive. Take the time to visit each school, attend classes, go on tours of the campus, dorms, and dining halls. Meet with deans, faculty, and students. Find out about class sizes, campus resources, extra-curricular activities, and go wherever it is that students hang out. They will give you the most honest advice so speak to as many students as you can. You will know where it is that you feel at home. And most importantly, don't freak out! This process can be really stressfull, but it can also be really fun. If possible, take your whole family on college visits and make it enjoyable.

First piece of advice: wherever you go, there you are. Be careful in your college selection, yes, but remember that no matter where you go, you will have friends, you will learn, at least if you want to, and you will grow and change. Having said that, I'd suggest that you try to go somewhere where the students seem happy, and where you think you'd be comfortable making friends. Reading and papers and career development will get you far, but finding a supportive community will get you farther. Second piece of advice: Don't discount the Greek system. You may be an individual, a non-conformist, or a recluse, but if you see an ad for a rush event that strikes your fancy, GO. I never thought I'd be Greek, but joining a co-ed Society was the best thing I have ever done. I have met friends to last a lifetime, found a great social/career network, and have a place to come back to for events and reunions. I can't imagine what my undergraduate life would have been like without such a close-knit community to support me.

At every school I visited, everyone told me how happy they were and what an amazing school it was. In college, I've seen this school be a happy, amazing place, and I've also seen it be less than wonderful. My mother once told me "You see the inside of yourself and the outside of everyone else," and I think that is a very apt mantra, especially when it comes to the college experience. There are great things and not so great things about every school, about every Freshman experience, and about every person. Don't be afraid to acknowledge both, and don't feel alone in doing so. Find out what is real by looking to understand the inside of other people's experiences, during both the college search and your years at school. Making the most of college means experiencing it in all its truth, through both the highest moments of elation and the lowest moments of frustration.

Find a school with variety: a diverse student body with varied interests and ideas. College is just as much about what you learn outside the classroom as it is what you learn from your professors. Look for small classes that empower the student to take initiative. Be open to change and live in the moment and most imortantly: this is the student's college experience only he/she can learn, choose and do.

Don't fall victim to prestige-lust; it's not all it's crapped up to be. Just make sure you end up at a reasonably reputable school that will get you where you want to go. If you don't know where you want to end up a decade down the road, don't sweat it. Study what you like (you'll find out quickly what you DON'T) and the rest will come. Don't let your school get in the way of your education. Most schools efforts to encourage diversity are full of crap - mine is the most homogenous campus I've ever seen. Everyone shares the same set of values. Talk to students at a prospective school and ask them what they HATE about their school and you'll actually get useful information in choosing where to matriculate...

The number one piece of advice for students is that they should take the helm on their college search process and be proactive, rather than passive. There are many similar students competing for schools, financial aid, scholarships, etc. which is why you need to do your research and try to stay organized. Do not be shy about asking questions to your college counselor, alums, current college students, and admissions officers, but remember to be respectful to all groups considered (especially admissions officers!). If you are able to narrow down a few schools, make the extra effort to shoot an email to the admissions officer with a question showing you are informed and interested in the school, not just on a superficial level. Try to keep up some form of correspondence and if you are able to submit a supplement that highlights more about your personality, involvement in some sport, music group, or club/activity--do it! (so long as the school will accept a supplement). Parents: do not bug the admissions office when decisions are being made and sent out; be a sounding board for your children to help them reach a decision, rather than dictating college decisions for them!

Visit as many colleges as possible. Stistics and brochures can only tell you so much. The first emotion that a student gets when walking onto the campus for the first time will speak volumes to how well match he or she is to that school. Read the course cattalogue to see if the course describtions excite you and get on the school's social networking site, such as www.dailyjolt.com Finally, don't underestimate the value of the student body. Professors are important, but in my experience the student body taught me as much if not more than my professors.

Take your time in selecting the right college. Start early folks! The most important task is to talk to the students. Ask them what they like, about sports and social life, and what really goes on at the school. They will be much more honest than any school official. Ask them what they don't like, and what they would change about the school. Think about cost, but don't let that limit your options. Some of the best colleges are private, and some hold real value for your dollar. Aim high, shoot for your dream college and don't apply to a school unless you know you could see yourself there. DO NOT attend a college without visiting and learning all about it- that could be a major mistake. When you get there, enjoy everything it has to offer. Go to plays, see speeches, go to frat parties and enjoy yourself. Don't obsess over your major, but try and figure it out early so you can plan you academic schedule. If you find that you don't like your major- switch! Above all, have fun.

Go with what feels right

Visiting the campus beforehand and asking the actual students what they really think of the school are very important. At the same time, consider the financial situation of the family and whether you like the college near home or far, suburban or urban, big or small, conservative or liberal. Nonetheless, no matter where you go, make sure that you make the most out of the experience you have there, make good friends, and build a vision for your future. It'll be the best time in your life.