George Mason University Top Questions

When looking for a college, it is important to know what you want to get out of your experience there. You will be dedicating at least four years of your life to which ever institution you pick, so choosing one that suits your personality, your needs, and your aspirations is the best way to go. College selection is a very mutual process, where you found something in each of the colleges that you apply to that you think will benefit you, and in return, the university saw something in you that they saw fit for their school. Because of this, it is hard to end up somewhere that can truly be 100{4a082faed443b016e84c6ea63012b481c58f64867aa2dc62fff66e22ad7dff6c} wrong for you. As far as making the most of your college experience goes, it is entirely up to you. No matter where you end up, there will always be opportunity awaiting you around every corner. College is a place where you find out the most of who you are and who you can become, so don't take anything for granted.

Parents and students going through the arduous application process should keep in mind the important of the decision ahead. Take the time to go see the schools and, if possible, spend a day and night on campus. Study the students by people watching and try to imagine yourself next year. Don't be overly quick to judge a place that looks like you would dislike it for personal reasons if you know the academics are worth it; for example: don't be too quick to shoot down a campus in the middle of no where. Do not ever decide to reject a promising looking school brashly, without at least a few days to coolly ponder the situation. Whenever it is a decision about quality versus money and the decision is close, choose quality. Do not stress and think of finality and fate-sealing, the decision is not that absolute. However, always remember that which university you attend for however many years will be the most important factor in your life during the time you attend. Anyway you go, university is a great experience so have fun choosing which one you have the opportunity to attend.

be prepared!

The advice I would give my parents and/or students about finding the right college is to look for a college that best suits what you want to do in life. I would also look if you can afford the college's tuition for four years. I picked GMU because I can achieve a Biology degree and still be able to pay for some of my years in medical school. I strongly believe that picking a college just because it is well-known is the wrong way to look at choosing the right college. The aspect you have to look at is if the college offers a major that will help you persue your career. Making the most out of the college experience is the most important aspect in college other than doing well academically. College is about getting a degree but also creating life long relationships. I have made so many great friends in college that have supported me over my college career and have influenced me on how I live my life. I do not know what I would have done without them. Meeting new people is what I believe makes the most of the college experience.

Forget the guided tours and college brochures. You want a gritty, real college perspective from the front lines. Ask students on campus. Don't be shy and wander around or even drop in on a class. Check out the student activities offices to see what is available outside of class. OUTSIDE OF CLASS- this is an important determinant. The development and learning your future genius-to-be gains will not only derive from professors' lectures. Consider the campus's location to internship and employment opportunities to gain career-related experience while in school. Consider your student's current passions and see what related activities and groups the school hosts. Perhaps volunteering is a must; see if there is a school branch of Habitat for Humanity. Perhaps religion is critical to your student; for example if Jewish find the nearest synagogue (or on-campus service) and the student Jewish community, then meet some members. If an outoodor enthusiast, consider the campus proximity to hiking trails. Bottom line- put your student's passions at the center of your college search. This will ensure that you find an environment nurturing those passions with a relevant degree, career experience, and student organizations and activities.

When trying to decide between colleges, a student has to consider location. They have to ask themselves, "Am I OK with being 10 minutes from home/6 hours from home?" "Do I like the city or the country?" "Do I want to go to a big or small school?" Often I think students choose a school based on reputation without considering their quality of life once they get there. Once you're in school, the best thing to do is to put yourself out there. If you only do things you used to do in high school, you will never get any new experiences, and its those new experiences that will make your college experience. Students have to recognize from the beginning that college won't be like high school, and you won't make the same exact friends or do the exact same things, so you must make new experiences for yourself and be adaptable.

Make your children visit at least five schools. Sometimes kids can make impulsive decisions. Make sure they see everything the can so that they can make an intelligent informed decision.

My advice would be to visit all the schools the student is thinking about applying to before making a decision. Being at the school is a completely different experience than virtually visiting it online. While you visit the school, immerse yourself in it. Eat at the cafeteria. Go on a tour. Look at the dorms. Also, once you pick a college, make the most of your experience there. College is a time to broaden your ideas about many different things in life. Find out what clubs and organizations you can get involved with. Try new things. Pay attention to the student body and what they are involved in. Talk to a current student and ask them any questions you have as opposed to advisors. This will allow you to get a more realistic idea of what it is like to be a student there.

Don't be afraid to go somewhere outside of your comfort zone. If you aren't happy you can always transfer, but you will regret not going out on that limb to see if you will be happy out there. When you first start college you need to join as many activities as possible. The best way to enjoy college is to take advantage of all the great clubs and activities. When you get out you will have tons of things you can put on a resume and you will have even more memories to remember. Don't stress too much about the "perfect" college. The most important part about college life is making the most out of whatever college you end up at.

make sure you know were the college is and whats arounnd the college because some schools have nothing around it at all. Also get out and get involved in your school and the people there.