Delaware Valley University Top Questions

I would say students that are looking for the right college should always go visit the campus. Pictures may be decieving so it is better to personally visit the campus. You should feel at home there and comfortable. It will be your home for the next 4 years so you should enjoy it. Personally I liked a smaller campus so i knew the people that I walked by every day and so I didnt have to walk to far to get to places.

Take your time and start early

Going to college is one of the best experiences of an individual's life. Even if you are just getting out of high school or if you are older and choosing to go back to school. Finding the right college is the scariest part of the process. You might not be sure if you want to attend a private school, a big university or a community college. A lot of factors tie into these decisions. A few examples could be if your comfortable around a lot of people or how much financial aid you would get from the school you choose. But when you do make this decision making the most out of your college experience is all that matters. Make sure as the student, or as the parent, make sure your child gets involved in school activities., especially for freshmen. There are always group activities to help get to know the other new students. Remember you are not the only one there going through this process. Your entire graduating class is having questions and concerns about their experience as well. You have to make the most of it. Step in there and make friends. You will do just fine!

If you are looking for the right school whether you are a parent or a student there are some things you should do. Make sure to visit the school at least twice before deciding. Get a feel for the campus. Is it too small or large for your preferences? Having a college that suits your personality will dictate how well you do. Ask to see each dorm facility. Each one might have different amenities/set ups. You don't want to come to school with the supplies for one room only to get one that is completely different. Talk to professors and students on the campus. Don't take the word of your guide alone. Professors can tell you what they expect from students and where many students end up. The students can give you unbiased opinions of the college, such as the opportunities it provides, the good and bad courses, and how to get the most financial aid. Find alumni from the school. They can tell you whether they thought their experience was worthwhile or not. You may be able to gauge from their success. One the most important factors is make sure the college has what you want.

Think about what you want to get out of your college experience. First, it is best to go into college having a basic idea of what kind of career you want to obtain upon graduation. Then, pick a major that is somewhat closely related to what you want to do. Next, determine if you would prefer large classes and a large campus, or a small campus with small classes where the teacher can get to know you. You should also look into the amount of hands on experience related to your major you are capable of receiving at each campus. Once you find the right college, get out there and make some friends. Don't spend your entire campus life in your room studying. Have fun at school, or you will absolutely hate it.

Do not set boundaries when looking- like price or distance. Make a pros and cons list of what you'd like to see or experience in a school before you go to visit, and always go to visit! Leave the final decision up to the student and remember that pros and cons list. Once there, at first get involved in everything that interests you- make a diversity of friends. As the years go buy weed out the things that are not so important and focus on those that are. Keep track of everything you do or get involved in so you can add them to your resume. Get a job on campus if at all possible- they pay well, its close by, and they are very accomadating. NEVER JUDGE A BOOK BY ITS COVER

The best advice is to make your own decisions. It is also normal to change your major at least once in your college career. This is the best way to find what you truly enjoy, and would want to make a career out of. Also, get into as many clubs and / or sports as possible (while being able to handle your studies). This is the best way to meet people with the same interests as yourself. Also, it is common to make mistakes. I've made my fair share of them, and learned from every one of them. Parents, let your kids grow up. They need to find their own path. Students, talk to the upperclassmen - they don't bite. They are more than willing to guide you, whether its where the best local restaurants are, or who the best professors are. They also make excellent tutors for your problem areas.

When selecting a college, take the time to make sure the college you are intererested fits all of your needs and desires. Education at college, in the long term, is the most important thing to consider. Often times there are many colleges that will carry your desired field of interest. That leaves other important factors to consider in the college selection process: the environment, college setting, atmosphere, social interaction and diversity, distance from home, athletics, campus acivities, job placement rate post-graduation, financial aid, tuition costs and your overall opinion of the college. Do some research to find the schools that cater to your field of interest, then visit and tour each campus. You will begin to form an impression of what each college is like. I would recommend staying a night of two at the college to make sure that it feels right for you. If a college feels like the right fit for you, then you will be able to decide which college to attend. The campus will be your second home for the next few years, and your peers will be your second family. If one considers the aforesaid factors, a positive memorable college experience will follow.

Some students might find that they know exactly which school they want to go to after their first visit to the campus. First impressions and feelings are often the most correct. Along with the first impression, the way you are treated on your first visit will often tell you how much value the school puts on each of its students. For example, prospective students at my school are given personal tours by current students and have an opportunity to meet with the financial advisor and professors in their major in a one-on-one setting. Some larger schools may only do group tours that place students as one of many. It all depends on how you feel on that visit and whether the school will offer you opportunity to go where you want to with your future. The right school has to have an agreeable living situation as well as the proper coursework for your future profession.

Let the students decide what school to go to based on what they want to do. If they don't know what they want to do find a school with things that appeal to them so they can be in a good environment to figure out what they want to do. Look at every aspect of a school including the finances and make sure that parents and students talk to figure out who is going to pay for school and how. Talk about communication between parents and student while the student is at schoool, whether it be once a week or everyday just to check in and actual conversations every so often. Also talk about being away from home vs commuting, everyone should have their input, but it should ultimately be the student's decision.