Carnegie Mellon University Top Questions

In order to determine what school is a good fit you really need to visit the school and talk to people who go there because simply looking at a website will not be very informative. Also think about how hard you are prepared to work in college and if you think taht paying for a private school vs public school education will make a big difference.

Do what you want with your education. If you aren't interested in learning, then it's not for you.

On finding the right college, take in all the advice, campus tours, testimonials, and opinions you get from others, but at the end of the day take everything you hear with a grain of salt and form your own opinion. Encourage your child to apply to a few colleges that he or she likes but feels he might not get into because you never know, he might just get accepted. Once you're at college your experience there depends largely on you; make the most of it by getting involved, experiencing new things, and eventually finding your niche.

Imagine what your ideal college would be like, and then go out and find it. There are enough universities that something will match your description perfectly.

I would have your student visit the school first. If I weren't able to fit into my school this much, I don't think that I would be enjoying my college experience. Also, consult a college counselor. Mine was very helpful whne it was time for me to apply to different colleges.

Even if you don't get into your number one choice school, you'll learn to like the school you attend.

Don't limit yourself, apply to many schools regular decision so you have a lot of options.

Don't let the money aspect scare you off. I was the first to attend college in my family, and when we saw tuition costs I cried for about a week and was convinced I simply wasn't going, even if I did manage to pass my SATs and get in to my dream school. I somehow made it through, applied, and got in. I have a distinct memory of literally jumping for joy at the sight of the "big" envelope from my dream school, and then the sinking feeling when I realized I would have to turn them down because I couldn't afford it. However, once I actually opened the envelope, I saw my financial aid package, which was much better than I could have imagined. Now I'm a sophomore and I absolutely love my school, it's a perfect fit. My biggest advice would be to never let the numbers deter you from at least applying, you could be pleasantly surprised.

Finding the right college requires that students consider more than the school's prestige and recognition. A school's prestige does not guarantee that a student will recieve the right education for his career goals and have enough opportunities to pursue internships and jobs in his area of study. It is also extremely important to consider the school environment. The majority of college students' complaints are not about the institution or academics but about the weather, public transportation, demographics, and social life on campus. Most colleges will be academically challenging so it is wise to choose an environment that not only alleviates stress from school-related work but can also accomodate a student's lifestyle apart from school.

Go on campus tours and actually ask those " on " tough questions to the student, students. How much drinking drug abuse in on this campus? Give me at least 5 club activites you think are worth joining. How is the academic workload for your major etc. The questions that official administration will gloss over and give you absolutes is what you want to inquire about.