Colorado State University-Fort Collins Top Questions

Make sure to check out several colleges before you apply. Tour big colleges as well as small colleges so you can be sure that you will be comfortable with the size for the one you apply at. Make the most of your experiences by going out and meeting people! There are so many people that you can get to know that have interesting stories to tell. Get as involved as you can in extracurricular activities and/or volunteer projects. It is a great way to meet people and helps boost your resume...plus, its fun! Make sure to also take your studies seriously as well. It is essential you find a good balance between your social, academic and volunteering/extracurricular life.

Find a college and a major that your child wants to really do!!!!!!! I changed my major four times because I was doing what my family wanted as well as didn't read into what was best for my situation. My advice is to find a university/college that the student really wants to go to, not that is necessarily convenient. Take as many core classes as you can your first two years attending. That way- if you decide to change your major- the student isn't out a few classes.

Pick a school that allows you to keep your options open for the first 2 or 3 semesters so that you do not get cornered into one major. This applies particularly to engineering and physical sciences.

Talk to faculty on campus. It doesn't matter who it is, but phone conversation is so important. Communicating with prospective schools by email can't give you nearly as much information about the atmosphere and attitude on the campus as phone conversations. Everyone from financial aid to advisors in specific departments will reflect the personality of the campus as a whole. It also gives you an idea of how helpful the faculty will be throughout your academic career.

My first recommendation is to do RESEARCH. It is very important to study each school you are considering in depth, whether that means researching them on the internet or visiting them in person. Once you become enrolled in a particular school, there are several things you can do to make the most out of your college experience. Although it may have been said many times, get involved! Join clubs and form study groups; even if you just make an effort to work out at the recreation center on campus, you will feel like you are part of your campus community because you are working up a sweat around fellow students. Also, get to know your teachers; talk to them after class when possible, and visit them at office hours. Almost all of my teachers have said that they get lonely during office hours, so at the very least you are getting on their good side by keeping them company! To me, knowing that I have a good relationship with the teacher always made me feel comfortable when taking tests and sitting through lecture.

Wherever you end up, you'll be fine. Just work hard, don't be afraid, and make the best of the situations that you're in.

Before you send you kid off to college, make sure they have an idea of why they are going to school. Without a plan, it is easy to get off track. College can be a waste of money and time without focus. Don't be in a rush to send your kid off to colege. If they don't know what they want to study, let them take a year's break, work, make money, and learn a little more about themselves.

Get involved as soon as possible, those 100 level classes can ruin your GPA if you dont take them seriously, and if you buy the textbook you might as well read it.

First of all, determine your intended area of course study and choose your institution accordingly. Some Universities have much better programs in certain areas than others. Don't just choose a public university because it "has everything." Go where you feel comfortable. You are going to spending years of life there so make a decision on what you want. Don't be overly influenced by others. If you're not a very sociable person, maybe choose a college were you have acquaintances. Take advatnage of opportunities. In college, opportunities are everywhere, literally. They are just just waiting for people like us to take advantage of them. Travel with the college, become a club officer, participate in club sports. The possibilities are endless. Get the most out of your college experience. You're paying a lot money to attend. Don't just cruise by with a 2.5 gpa. Perform highly and get involved. GET INVOLVED

I would say to be prepared, be open-minded and be enthusiatic about this opportunity to attend college because there are so many people who don't get the chance to further their education. Also, enjoy every bit of your college experience because it doesn't last forever and these are some of the best years of your life. I personally believe you grow the most as a person in college, so make the best of it and work hard, but don't forget to have some fun as well.