Fordham University Top Questions

visit before you apply. college is not the end-all be-all of life.

I got so caught up in finding the perfect school in the perfect location. I would recommend that students find a reputable school with lots of good teachers, but with a reasonable cost of tuition. If you get a scholarship to a school near the top of your list that trumps the school at the top of your list, take it! It is stressful to be spending so much money on an education you could have gotten in state for so much cheaper. What I'm saying is...don't rule out a good state school. Also, remember to find balance in your social and academic lives and to take good care of yourself. Work out, study, and find time to be with good friends.

To Students: Do not apply for a distant school because it's "cool" to do that. Stay close to home so you can save money so you wouldn't have to either pay extra money or put your family into debt. The college experience isn't all in the college, it's about group interactions with one another. Colleges and universities don't make the experience, people do.

Think hard about what it is that you want out of your college experience. It is easy to get overwhelmed with the college search process but if you think carefully about what is important to you in terms of your school, it will be much easier to make a decision. Important things to consider: 1. What kinds of activities do I want to be involved in? 2. How important is it to me that my peers share my political convictions? 3. Will I be more comfortable in an urban or rural setting? 4. Is it important that I be able to travel home easily?

I think there are several imperative things to consider upon preparing for college. Regarding both students and parents it is crucial to visit the colleges of interest. In addition, it also helpful to take full advantage of the programs and info sessions schools have to offer for prospective families. The application process is a tremendous committment, and you are essentially signing a contract for the next four years of your future. Emailing and facebook are also helpful in maintaining a dialogue and staying in contact with students and admissions faculty you meet during visits. Also, if you have access to older students already enrolled in the college of your choice such as, family friends or graduates; you will certainly want to sit down with them and go over any questions or concerns you may have. Overall, you should try and come up with a list of the things you would most desire in a school whether it be special programming for your major or minor, or career placement options or even clubs and sports on campus. There are thousands of schools out there all it takes is a little research and you can find the school of your dreams!

While the advice your parents give is extremely valuable, this is ultimately your decision. Make sure that YOU are entirely satisfied because this is one of the biggest decisions of your life. The school you choose will shape your college experience and the beginning of your adult life. College is a once in a life time opportunity to not only learn academically, but to leave the safety of your parents and your childhood, and to form your own person. There are only a few years left before you will be working. Utilize these formative years as a chance to spread your wings. Live somewhere you have always dreamed of. Be brave and travel. Take up every opporunity. In the blink of an eye these amazing years will have passed, don't regret inaction. The greatest piece of advice one can take is to be open. Be open to new things, including people - you are going to be exposed to all forms of diversity - new ideas, organizations, clubs, areas of interest.

Never count anything out. I didn't think this school would be the one for me but now I love it. Parents, don't pressure your kids too much. It is a big decision in the lives of a teenager and it needs to be by them, no matter how long it may take.

In order to find the right school for you it is important to not focus solely on ratings, location or size. Generally students may do better at schools that are not as highly ranked, but fit the student?s personality better. So keep in mind things that will be truly important to you as a student such as student to teacher ratio, campus life and accessibility to entertainment, shopping and public transportation. Once you find a school, it is important, as a freshman especially, to become involved in campus life in order to make friends who have similar interests to your own. However, remember not to stretch yourself too thin. Making the adjustment to college life means learning how to manage your time between your studies and your other interests. Most schools have a wide variety of clubs, some social and some academic, where students can pursue their passions and become part of social networks with those who are pursuing similar fields after graduation. Lastly, make sure to take advantage of the resources your college offers such as writing centers, career centers counseling services. These services are instrumental to helping you succeed in college!

The advice I would give to parents and students about making the right choice for college would be to first leave yourself open to options. Often what you feel is your first choice, actually may not be the best fit for you. Visit all the schools you are accepted to, get a feel for the campus and individuals who attend, and talk to upperclassmen about their experiences. The best advice is to listen to what current students have to say. They will known better than any advisor what that particular school is like. As for making the most of your college experience, my advice would be to get out of your comfort zone. Take an interesting class, explore the city, meet people who have different interests than you, because most of your college education takes place outside the classroom.

As an applicant and a parent I would like to get a feel for the university by visiting a few times and by engaging in conversation with the students. This way, you can hear perspectives of many people and form your own opinion about the university.