Cornell University Top Questions

I would advise to be prepared for anything, expect the worst and hope for the best. Study hard, then reward yourself for a good-job done. Don't be wrapped up in finding where you're at on the curve, but focus on your own strengths and weaknesses.

Finding the right college is both exciting and a little overwhelming. First decide what size school the student wishes to attend. Visiting the school is an absolute necessity. The visit will show what the brochure cannot--how well a student fits in with the student body and how a student feels about the school. Pick a school that the student loves for more than just a reputable program for a particular major. Many undergraduates change their minds about what to study. It is important to have many reasons for attending a college so that the student does not feel compelled to transfer if he or she does change majors. If a student does not get into his or her dream school, it is not a time to despair. Many students find they can have a very fulfilling college experience at a school that was not near the top of their list. Once at college, the key to making the most of the experience is getting involved. Especially at a big school, clubs make meeting people with similar interests much easier. Try not to overload on difficult classes and too many activities the first semester: adjusting to college life takes time.

Work hard and do not get too caught up in partying, dating, or socializing. However, be sure to spend time outside your dorm with friends and find things to do that are non-academic. Learn how to cook, clean and take care of yourself before coming to college. Check up with the financial aid office and make sure you do all you paperwork. Fill out application for a bunch of scholarships even if you don't think you will get them. Be true to yourself and try to realize what makes you yourself and what you really want out of your classes, your peers, and the college experience.

It's important to remember to try to remember everything. There are many factors that make a school what it is. You want the right academic atmosphere(say cutting edge competition vs group collaboration), the social atmosphere(more crazy greek life, partying, alchohol, or more passive, say movies, cultural plays, school events, or somewhat active, rock climbing, snowboarding, concerts), the right size, the right place, the right weather(if you like the cold, you like wearing thick jackets, if you like sun, you like wearing shorts during the summer), and the right people (more liberal vs conservative, more middle class, more of one ethnicity or another), and right professors(world-renowed professors or great teachers, research oriented undergraduate school ?). Mix these all around you this gives you the ingredients of a school. The main thing is that you can't know too much about a school. Visit the schools and do your research. You'll spend the next four years there. As far as academics go, I would pay particular attention to the size of the school, because that determines the number of auditorium classes. And lastly remember, that to do well academically, students need a friendly and enjoyable atmosphere.

.

Visit many schools in order to get a feel for what kind of campus you would like: big or small? rural or city? etc. If you love one particular school consider applying early if possible. Where ever you do end up, throw yourself into the experience. It's so cliche, but getting involved on campus immediately made my transition much smoother because I was part of a group. Take risks and try to be outgoing. GO TO CLASS! It helps alot! Try not to waste time watching tv or surfing the web for hours. Get out and do something with your friends, study harder, or take up something new. That's what will create lasting memories and happiness, not watching reruns. College is so much fun and there is so much offered. Go to that random cultural dance performance, participate in quirky school traditions, take a class that you know nothing about. Don't waste your experience because you only have one chance to be a college student and it will go by fast!

Visit classes, talk with the students and attend some of the social events there.

Visit the college and make sure it feels right.

You don't have to go where your friends go, but you don't have to go far away either. You'll make friends no matter where you go. Find a school that fits you academically, and make sure it's somewhere that you can see yourself spending four years. Remember that college is an investment: what you put in and where you put it determines what you get out.

When looking for a college, I had no idea what I preferred: large or small school, in the city or country, or private or state school. My best advice to parents and students would be to visit as many schools as possible. Once you are actually on the campus you get a feel for what the school is like. The most important thing is that you are able to feel at home at the school. In order to make the most of the college experience, the most important thing to do is to get as involved on campus as much as possible. This will help you make lots of new friends that have similar interests to you. You will also be able to get more involved with your interests and possibly be able to help out causes that you have a personal interest in. Being involved will also help keep you busy so you can work on time management, and being busy helps distract college freshman from feeling homesick. You can even join a group that you have never heard of, to posisbly expand your interests!