Cornell College Top Questions

The most important thing that a student and parent needs to look into is being comfortable in the setting. Cornell was my last choice for schools but then I visited and it totally changed my opinion of the school. It all comes down to the student and where they feel comfortable.

I would suggest that you visit every college you can. Visit, and talk to students, and go to a class. Reading brochures gets you nowhere.

Don't set your mind to ONE school too early in the college selection process. You might end up setting your heart on a school that is not totally right for you, and in the end may regret it. Also, to make the most of one's college experience, it is essential to try to step out of your box and test your comfort level by trying new things and meeting new people from different walks of life. Make friends with your professors. And try to learn quickly how you personally need to BALANCE personal fun with studying and your academic life. It can be done, but it takes some time to learn how to do in order to not only survive college, but to flourish in the college environment.

Take your time, look at all the possibilies, visit colleges first to make sure its the right fit. Remember, nothing is permanent, so if you feel like you made the wrong choice in schools don't be afraid to talk to someone about finding a better fit for you.

Be very specific about what you want from a college. Try not to compromise what you need and what you want or you will never be 100{4a082faed443b016e84c6ea63012b481c58f64867aa2dc62fff66e22ad7dff6c} satisfied. Make sure to do a lot of research on different schools. That means you need to start early and not put it off. Don't just go with the safety schools beacuse you don't believe you can get into anywhere better and because you don't want to put forth the effort in either your search or your school work. Schools like to diversify their student population and you may be exactly what they're looking for. Be prepared for rejection, even from some of your safety schools. There isn't a sure fire calculation on choosing students for schools. You may not get in one year, but may get in another. Also, you may not get into one school, but you may get into a more challenging school. Make sure you let the school know what you want them to know about you. That means adding more to your application than it asks sometimes. Also, don't be shy, be outgoing and try to make as many friends as possible.

Make sure to find the balance between fun and studies. It's not easy, but once you do, you will have the fullest college experience that anyone can have!

Find a college where you are comfortable - don't let institutions swoon you with their fancy gimmicks. Know what you want and expect to get for the money you spend and find it. Don't compromise - remember, this is where you'll live and hopefully encounter some life changing experiences and lessons. It has to be a good fit. When on campus, get involved. Use your time in college to become that well-rounded individual. Of course, maintain excellence in academics but join student organizations, athletics, or service organization. College is not only a time where one learns and crafts interests but it is also a time where one experiences self discovery - a time where you learn a form of independence. Enjoy the experience. There are few occasions in life where one is given an opportunity to spend such focused time studying personal interests and spending time with individuals in the same life situation.

When looking for a college, trust your instincts! If it feels too big, look for something smaller. Get involved on campus; you will learn new things and make new friends. Do remember why are you in college, though-classes are important. When in doubt, ask a question. Ask your prof, ask a tutor, ask an RA. :-)

Make a list of what is important to you in a college. (fianancial aid, location, amont of extra curricular activities) Write them out in order of priorities. When you're looking at schools keep this list with you so you can see how close the college is to your ideal school but keep your options open and try to find out why this college is different than any other college you're looking at. Visiting helps you learn about the atmosphere of the college. To make the most out of your college experience, always be involved. Be involved in class by asking questions. Be involved in extra curriculars to help make friends, get exposure to things you wouldn't have at home, and combat bordom. Network with people but also master your classes. Be willing to try new things but remember your goals for being in college. Have fun because being in college is fun, life changing, worthwhile.

Make sure you talk to people and don't believe everything you read on websites. As a disabled student, people overestimate their abilities sometimes.