Fordham University Top Questions

Ignore the college rankings, and really take the time to examine the campus, faculty, and student body.

Talk to as many people as possible when you see different schools. Ask questions to people who aren't tour guides or school administrators to get the most real answers. When you are at the school make sure to get involved and put yourself out of your comfort zone to meet people.

Do not pick a college depending on where your friends are going. Do not believe everything your college tour guide tells you about the college. Remember: they sugarcoat everything because they want you to attend their college. Therefore, make sure you do your research and ask current/past students of that college. Pick a college that will teach you academically and about life. Make sure that the college you choose offers the field(s) of concentration and activities you are interested in. Be sure to check out the cost of this college and whether or not it will help you in case you do not have the money to pay full tuition. Once you are in college, STUDY HARD! You are in college to ensure a better future away, so do not party and waste away your college years. Make sure you get all of your work done and only then should you party. However, do not spend all your days stuck in the library. Remember that college is a once-in-a-lifetime experience when you learn so much about life and make the best of friends. Work hard, party hard.

I would recommend that the parents and their child visit many schools and that they visit them together. I would also suggest that they explore the surrounding area and see what it feels like to spend a night at your potential new school if the campus allows this type of visit. Thoroughly research your prospective schools and never choose a school because your friends are going there or a boyfriend/girlfriend. It may feel right at the time, but you will regret it later on in life. When you have chosen your school, it is important to make the most out of your experience. These four years have the potential of being very rewarding, but only if you allow them to be. I would definitely recommend getting as involved as you can in your school and in your surrounding community. Open your hearts and minds and allow yourself to make new friends and live on your own. Force yourself to stay on campus for the first few weekends instead of going home, even if it may seem hard, it'll be worth it in the end that you gave yourself a chance to adapt and enjoy your new home.

Don't choose a college based on what you percieve its reputation to be pick it because its a place that makes you feel comfortable and you feel will help you learn, because at the end of those 4 years its what you learned thats going to get you somewhere

During my college search, someone advised me that that I should simply attend the highest ranked school to which I was admitted and that visiting the campuses was overrated; grass is grass and buildings are buildings, right? Not exactly. Although a school?s academic reputation is important, it should only be the beginning of your search. Narrowing schools down by the size and region that are right for you, then looking at their reputations in relation to your academic and extracurricular achievements is a good approach. Personalizing the search as much as possible along the way is crucial, because after all, it is your choice that will affect you for the next four years and beyond. Visit as many schools as you can. Take the tours, but also just talk to current students and ask as many questions as you can. Get a true feel for the school and for all it has to offer. Will you be academically challenged in a positive way? Can you see yourself immersed in that student body? Doing your research is just as significant as stopping to smell the fresh cut grass of the campus. So choose wisely and choose the best for yourself.

Finding the right college is not something that can be carefully formulated or calculated. The best way to tell if a college is right for you is by visiting the school, talking to the students and faculty, and acting on how the place makes you feel. The right school will feel natural to you. You will instinctively want to learn more about the school and feel a sort of connection to it. When I was in high school, I had my heart set on going to New York University. I was determined that it would be my dream school, but in the end I never applied. When I visited NYU, I just knew it wasn't for me. However, upon my arrival at Fordham for a tour I knew that I wanted to spend my four years here. Making the most of your college experience comes from participating in the school's culture and making your mark in your school community. The people who enjoy themselves the most are those who take the initiative to explore and lead clubs and school organizations. If you pick your school based on what feels right to you, getting involved is easy.

Most students and parents have only word of mouth and media knowledge of what the "good" universities are, but the truth is, the best university is the one suited to your needs and aspirations. Parents and students today get too caught up in rankings and reputations that they do not research the school further--a big mistake. Knowing as much information about the schools you are applying to is the best tactic for finding the best university suited for you. Finding the right college isn't an easy choice, and it should require some time such as visiting the campus, speaking with faculty and administration, and also the students. The best college experience is directly impacted by how well your university is suited for you. The university's location, activities, academics, and students are what a great college experience depends on. A mix of play and study is key in having a healthy university experience. Choosing the right university is one of the biggest decisions you will be making in life so let it be yours and not the media's or ranking's.

Go with your first instincts, even if you are unsure of what degree program you would like to pursue. In my opinion, a private university has the strongest and most diverse curriculum.

Explore the city. Study hard. Talk to your teachers.