Colgate University Top Questions

I would tell myself to not think about my boyfriend's college choice or let that affect me. Instead, think about what kind of school you want go to...what type of people do you want to live with, what type of classes do you want to take, how much are you willing to pay. I would tell myself also to stay closer to home... there are many advantaged to being able to go home for breaks and vacations.

I would recommend that students visit as many colleges as possible. While brochures are informative, nothing gives as much information to a prospective student than visiting the campus and experiencing its people and atmosphere. One may find that he isn't interested in a school he liked from a pamphlet, or that he really likes one that he wasn't sure about. Making the most of the college experience is different for everyone. However, the main purpose of college is to get an education. While partying is fun, it won't be fun to fail a class or flunk an essay because of too much drinking. Of course go out, but don't overdo it. Have fun through venues other than parties as well - join clubs or sports. Having balance between your social and academic lives will make the college experience less stressful and more enjoyable.

It is important to have a fairly good idea of what you would like to study in college, as well as knowing what businesses recruit on your campus. That way you can talk with the current students when you are visiting your prospective colleges and be assured that the right courses are available, along with strong professors in your chosen field of study and also that careeer placement oportunities are all in synch with what you hope to accomplish in your college years and beyond. Visit the career placement center for past data on job placements. One other thing that I have also learned from having an older sister attend the same school is to have an idea of where you might like to work after graduation and where the majority of the college graduates find job placement opportunities. Having your friends move to the same city after graduation is a plus. As corny as it sounds, it is so important to get involved in a variety of activities at whatever college you attend. You will have more fun and create more opportunites for interaction with a variety of students that you might not have interacted with otherwise.

1) If you have the resources to visit colleges before you make a decision... do it! Being able to walk around on campus is so helpful. You will know right away if you want to be living there for four years or not. 2) If you have the opportunity, talk to some of the students around you. A big part of your college experience [I take that back... a HUGE part of your college experience] has to do with people/relationships. What are the kids like? Do you have similar interests? What do they do in their free time? 3) Write down on a piece of paper [just in bullet points] the things that are most important to you that you would like to see at your future college. Find the match. OR... on a piece of paper, describe the characteristics of your IDEAL school. Try and find a school that has these characteristics. 4) A college experience is what you make it. Take advantage of all the resources that are available to you. It will be one of the few times in your life that everything around you is catered to your learning experience. Make the most of it!

Finding the right college requires finding your second home. When visiting schools, consider both academics and social life. But, ultimately, the social environment is more important than any academic program that the school provides. College is about growing up. Freshman right out of high school can't know what they want out of life, they should find a school that can make them happy so they learn life lessons. Those life lessons will get you further than any specific formula or class. Then when you choose your school. Enjoy yourself, within reason. Decide what you want to do with the rest of your life later. You will learn what is necessary to reach your goals if you keep an open mind.

Go to the campus even if its not on your top list of schools, take the tour, and then decide. I felt the energy on Colgate's campus and knew immediately that it is where I wanted to be.

Finding the right college: Don't simply go to the best school you get into. Visit many different types of schools (large state schools / small liberal arts schools) in different parts of the country. Evaluate the pros / cons of each school / region and eventually you'll be able to develop a realistic list of schools. Go to the one that you liked the most, not the one that is the hardest to get into. If you aren't happy at college you won't do well, and a great degree with a poor GPA looks worse than a normal degree and a great GPA. Making the most of college: two words - time management. Developing a good balance of work / fun is key to success and happiness in college.

Visit the college before you decide for sure; you will know the moment you step on campus if it is right for you. The school's reputation should not be a deciding factor. Most likely no matter what school you choose, you will enjoy it as long as you are flexible and willing.

When you are walking around a school, choose a place that you feel comfortable walking around. If you don't feel comfortable on the campus when you visit, it will never seem right if you choose to attend that school.

You need to really know what sort of environment you want (cold/hot, small/big city), that kind of stuff. Look at as many colleges as you can, go on tours, ask questions. Make sure that all the places you apply to are a good fit with your personality. Also make sure you know what you want to get out of college ahead of time; if you want to do research, make sure the places you apply to have good research programs. If your not sure apply to liberal arts universities, they provide many oppourtunities to decide what you enjoy. And remeber that college flys by really fast, and will be done before you know, so try and find a place you will enjoy and love.