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.

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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!

Visit the colleges; not during the most beautiful times of the year, but during the most ugliest. If the student can handle the ugly, then they will be happier with their school. Don't be afraid during your freshman year. Meet new people, try new foods, andtake new classes; you won't regret it!

My advice about the selection process would be to first make an initial list of schools based solely on academic fit and opportunities, and then to visit as many of those schools as possible and choose one based on where you feel most at home. You go to college to receive an education; it would be a shame to graduate with only a degree, and no knowledge to show for it. At the same time, you cannot succeed academically if you are unhappy, so make sure the school you choose isn't too big or too small, will provide you with a sense of community, where you can make friendships based on common interests, and where you will be able to do the sort of activities you are accustomed to doing. When you get to school, I beg you to work your hardest and do well. Come with an open mind and try new things. Don't be shy, and introduce yourself to as many people as you can in the beginning. Remember that your parents sacrificed a lot to send you to school, so make them proud. Most importantly, learn a lot but have fun doing it. Make memories!

Try to create as clear of a vision of what you want our of your life and do it to the best of your abilities until you don't want to do it any more. Be active in your campus community as well as your academics. You will get the most out of your experience when you know what you want to get from it, wheter thats an active social and extracurricular life or a 4.0, do what makes you happy.

Its all about finding the right place for YOU! Don't choose schools from an all star list made by some companies that are clearly just trying to sell books/periodicals. VISIT THE CAMPUS! Talk to current students at each school you're considering. Finding the right school can be one of the most daunting tasks in your life. Make sure you end up at a place you chose... not your parents.... not your girlfriend.... not your firends.... because when it comes down to it, you're the one living there and doing the work.

Finding the right college isn't only about finding the best college academically or the best party school; it's about finding a balance. Location is a primary factor in determining a good school for you. Location not only determines how cold or warm the area is but also what the students do at the school. Visit the school during summer and winter and make sure there are things you enjoy doing in the area. You might also want to look into the student groups on campus and make sure there are some that match your interests. Additionally, remember that college is meant to be fun but it's also about preparing you for a career. Going to a party school isn't going to help you later in life. All schools have parties, pick one that will also help you in the future. On the other hand, attending a school simply because it is academically strong is not a good idea either. If you don't enjoy the people and the area, your college life will not be pleasant. To make the best of your college experience, join student groups and meet people from diverse backgrounds.

I would tell parents and students to go with their gut feeling and not put too much pressure on the situation. So much emphasis is placed on choosing a college that will determine th course of the rest of your life. I believe that it is possible for students to be happy at nearly any college they choose. That being said, there seems to be a "gut" feeling that people get when they visit the school that is right for them. If you are able to picture yourself walking to class, living in the dorms, and generally spending time around campus, you have probably found a school that would be great for you. Take some of the pressure of the situation and go with your instincts. They are usually right.

It is very important to find a college suitable to your wants. Afterall, this will be your home for the next four years. If possible, try to visit the school or speak with students in order to see if the school is what you are looking for. Also, do not underestimate a school's location. Are you someonne who needs to distractions, or someone who needs to get away every so often?

The best advice anyone can give you about the college process is to breathe. There are hundreds of choices out there, and while it may seem overwhelming, just remember that this is a good thing, it means you have the power to choose. There isn't one "perfect" school - you're the one that makes your school great. When I was drawing up my list of colleges, I was obsessed with finding the "perfect fit" that everyone told me existed. But the "perfect fit" is nothing but a myth. I was sure that I could only be happy at a small school near the city, no more than an hour from home - today I attend a large school (Cornell University) in the middle of nowhere, 8 hours from my house, and I could not be happier. I love my classes, my friends - everything. The point is, as long as you go into college with an open mind, you will be happy. So stop, breathe, take a step back, and remember that you've got four amazing years ahead of you, no matter what!

I would tell students to choose the school that most interests them and suits their needs. While I believe that financial situations should be taken into consideration, I also feel that being happy at the school you chose is very important. Students and parents should look at all levels of school: community college, state schools, private schools, to really broaden a students options. College websites do provide a lot of information, but talking to students at the schools and going on college visits is ultimately the best way to get a realistic picture of each college. In terms of making the most of the college experience, being open is key. Everyone comes in from so many different backgrounds and you have to be ready to adjust and try new things or else you'll be the same person that you were when you first came in. There are so many opportunities available at college and you have to be willing to go after them.

College is an important transition from adolescence to adulthood. It is a time where students discover their life passion is botany, or ten alcoholic drinks in two hours may be too many, or maybe the girl living on the floor above will be the woman to marry. Some memories will last a lifetime, and others will be brushed under the rug. However, it is important to make those memories. Put yourself out there. Attend a lecture given by a world renown psychologist, go to that sustainability club meeting, go talk to that professor about a research opportunity. The possibilities are endless, and the only way college will be a positive experience is to delve in whole-heartedly. So look for that school where you feel at home, where you know that when you walk around campus you will feel comfortable finding the adult you want to become.