George Mason University Top Questions

Pick the school that you are going to be most comfortable at and have the most fun.

Your perfect school will feel right to you when you set foot on the campus. Visit all of your post-secondary education choices. I knew that George Mason was the right school for me the minute that I visited the campus. Look at schools that have good programs in the major(s) you're considering and possibly sit in on some classes within the major you wish to pursue. Don't go to a certain school just because your friends are--they may only end up holding you back. You will meet many amazing people along the way and take what you can from each and every one of them--don't be afraid to be social and get involved!

I am the youngest child in my family and I am paying for my education. My two older siblings have left George Mason University, debt free and with wonderful jobs. As a parent and an upcoming student, take your time researching which school will be best for you. Do not chose a school because of its social life, because you go to college to recieve an education. Although being social is important for development, it should not be your sole college experience. College is only four years of your life, it is important to look to the future and what you want out of it. As a sophomore, I am working full time and attending school full time. School is my top priority, however, I find time to have a social life when it is the right opportunity. School is my top priority, however, I find time to have a social life when it is the right opportunity. Be smart and stay focused.

Never rush to make a descion specially when it comes to picking the college of your choice. Make sure you do lots of research about school but also about what you want and what your personality is. Always consider money situation, the travel between home and school, and the academic level of the school.

I would address the students who are embarking on their jouney to college and give them the advice of choose a college that is well- suited to your professional desires and personal obligations. The right college can only be chosen by having the knowledge about who you are going to be in life and how complacent you are within your life right now. Self- reliance and resiliency are two important characteristics to have for a successful experience in college. Self- reliance is an invaluable characteristic because if the belief is non-existant within the action, the enjoyment gained from the experience is absent. Going to college should not produce an anxiety- induced fear because these are the prime years of your life where the beginning stages of the life course are chartered. Resiliency is a key characteristic to have also because the first time may not always go right, in college there is room allocated for continuous and systematic improvement of your academic, personal, social, and professional life.

College is typically four years, therefore it's important to be well aware of possible activities one might want to partake in during this period aside from academics. It's like an athlete that knows how good he or she wants to be and what exercises to do. However, you need a fully equipped gym that has what you need to create this new you. Don't look at finances first when deciding on a school for yourself! This road will only lead down a narrow path with few choices and usually not much to offer. Unless only an education matters, then finding the right college need to be a wide then narrow approach. After all the world is becoming more interconnected and it is probably wise to take an opportunity to physically engage others from around the globe while shaping the person you will be. All schools have their standard requirements for admission, but it your choice where you really want to go. It doesn't take a team of expert to compile a realistic list and then decide how to financially cover expenses, especially with the wide array of resources available today. Take the time to choose!

Visit the college. Pictures can't give you the information you need. You have to walk around, sit in a classroom, and eat in the cafeteria. Remember, this is where you will be spending the next few years of your life. Just being comfortable with your campus will lift your spirit. Don't worry about finding a campus with a huge social scene and parties every weekend. You won't have trouble making friends if you choose the school you like because, in choosing that school, you already have something in common with everyone else there. You will find friends in your major, in the clubs you join, and in your dorm. Choose classes that you will learn the most from--the ones that challenge you, not the easy "A's". After all, you are paying for it. When I pick a class, I ask myself if I could learn the material on my own. If the answer is yes, I pick something else. I've found myself in advanced economics, chinese, and calculus classes. They are difficult, but I have never been bored, and I have made lifelong friends because of them.

My advice on parents and students on finding the right college would be that students should take their time on deciding. They should definitely sit down and talk to their parents on what would be the right fitted school. You should always check out their scholarship programs, financial aid and definitely the statistics of that school (example: gpa, tuition, how many students get in etc.) The best thing you could do is travel to that school and take a tour. See if you fit in and if this school excites you when you're actually on the campus.

One piece of advice that I would give every parent and child when finding the right college is to be adaptable. There will be many obstacles in the way of finding the right place to go, especially money. However, happiness and suitability at school can make a world of difference in college, so never rule out a possible "right fit" based on money. Also, do not expect the future student to know exactly what he or she will major in or where they will work upon graduation-most people change majors at least once in their career and an honest idea of what profession interests them enough to make a career of can only be found through experience. Choose a college with a wide variety of disciplines and activities. Extracurricular activities and clubs help with the transition process to college, making friends, and providing a safe alternative to drinking, drugs, and illegal activities. Finally, if you don't have the answer, you haven't asked the question: you MUST ask as many questions as you have and be persistent in finding an answer in order to make the right choice in a college.

The advice I would give to parents and/or students about finding the right college is to make sure you visit as many colleges as possible. Each college is unique in their own ways and it is hard to pick one right away. Even though the student is finding the college, I do believe that the college ends up finding the student. I was a transfer student from Longwood to George Mason University and I could not be happier then when I transfered! Getting involved in college is great for making friends, having a wonderful learning experience, and for resumes. Getting involved in college is one of the best things a student can do!