George Mason University Top Questions

What should every freshman at George Mason University know before they start?

Jennifer

My best advice for finding the right college would be to physically visit the campus in order to get a feel for how daily life at that school would be. Go during a normal school day, mingle with the student body in the campus hot-spots, visit the dorms and classroom buildings, libraries, etc. Talk to the students, and ask them how they feel at their school. Academics are essential for college success, but so is your social well-being and comfort level. Go to a college only if you feel inspired, energized, and relaxed by being there. While attending your school of choice, always go to class and appreciate the new knowledge that your professors are sharing with you. Listen to what others have to say, and always keep an open mind. Discover all of the student activities that are available to you, and choose to participate in what best suits your personality. Take pride in yourself, and never forget that your future is in your hands. Success is not just about getting good grades, but also about participating and enjoying yourself while on campus in order to grow and mature into a confident, happy, and knowledgeable young adult.

Arifin

Finding the right college is the one of the hardest thing for any individual. It is every student's dream to get into a right college which will have the most important effect in order to be successful in his/her life. There are three ways that a student can find the right college. First, students should start searching for the right college from very beginning of his/her high school year. This way the student can prepare him or herself aheas of the time. Secondly, once the student get a list of possible colleges that he/she may have interest in, the student should look whether or not those colleges offer the major that the student is interested in. Finally, the student can narrow down the list by looking for the colleges that requires standard tuition fees. I think this processes will help any students who are looking for the right college.

Pete

Finding the right college is an incredibly demanding process. Student testimonials probably give the best assessment of a school; however, getting an honest student opinion can be difficult. Go to campuses on a weekday - although it's easier to go on weekends, you miss out on some of the atmosphere by going while classes are not in session. Explore campuses with a guided tour, but also take some time without a guide. Ask for help if you're lost - see how the average student responds. Read reviews of the college online and view some national rankings and statistics. Most importantly, though, figure out what you want in terms of size, demographics, location, etc. and pursue colleges that fit these preferences. Once you have chosen a college, get involved as early as possible with the campus community. Join student organizations as an underclassmen so that you can lead them as an upperclassmen - being one of the leaders at your university will provide you with a much more satisfying college experience. Learn via classes, but also take time and learn via internships, study abroad and other programs. This will provide the most holistic and fulfilling education your college can offer.

Minh

Finding the right college is not an easy task but the outcome is worth the effort. Try to find a school that you will be content with because you want to make the most of your four years. Research helps out a lot but seeing for yourself is worth more. Some things you can research online but the best way to find out what it would like to be to attend a school is to find our first hand. Ask some students about their opinions. Sit in a class and make observations. Only then can you make an appropriate decision. As for your college experience....EXPERIENCE! The only way you can see how things work out is to try things out. Do not be afraid to go out there and do something. Try new things and do not forget to just be yourself.

Carlin

Every student has individual needs and ways in which they learn. Students and parents must realistically asses the needs and strengths of the student. The specific needs of the student can then be matched to the strengths and weaknesses of universities. It is important to be honest with yourself when applying and determining in the environments in which you can succeed. Doing this will hopefully help you go to a university where you fit in and save you a lot of stress as you adjust to the college environment.

Rodney

To relax and have fun. Sure academics are important but you have to remember that college is the best 4 years of your life. You'l never have an experienc like this again. The best way to succeed academically is socially. The relationships you build with people in college can last you a lifetime or be a huge favor for you later down the road. Usually the kids that succeed were able to balance an active social life and their classes. Is it easy? Sometimes no. But is it rewarding? Oh definitely! A college professor once told me, "Have fun now while you still can because after this, you'll always be working." I also heard another professor said, "College is a four-year vacation from reality, but it will the best and only one you'll have. Don't let it go by." If your college professor is telling you this, coming from a former student him or herself, then I would take their advice.

Nicole

When finding the right college for you, meet with your high school guidance counselor and decide what your major will be, or at least decide what your interests are. They will help find the colleges that cover your interests academically. To be pick the number one college for you, however, you are going to have to dig a little deeper. There are websites where students give testimonials, rate their school, and offer statistics comparing the schools. These websites offer you the personal information that college brochures and college websites do not. You will be able to discover just how involved the students are, what they really do on the weekends, what stigmas are associated with the college, etc. Once you are in your college, you are going to experience something similar to culture shock. Getting involved in as many things possible freshman year, truly helps you adjust and love college. Go to the events your school hosts, the games, club meetings, etc. They are a great way to meet new people, put your name out there, and help you discover the person you are becoming. By sophomore year, you be able to narrow the activities to what suits you.

Luke

Students, go to college on your own terms. Listen to the advise carefully, be grateful for it, but in the end make your own decision. Stand by what you believe in and don't water down who you are because it's what you think the admissions office wants to hear. Whatever you do, don't fear the new and unusual, as it is often the new and unusual that makes all the difference in our world.

Monica

I would tell students that they should visit a few different schools before deciding on one, andto visit while classes are in session if they can. It's hard to make the most out of your college experience at a school that just isn't right for you, and visiting a variety of colleges will help students make the right choice. I'd also encourage students to ask lots of questions, while picking a school and after starting classes. It's much better to look stupid once than be stupid for a long time.

Tarek

Some simple advice to both parents and students with college futures: do not overthink your decision! Throughout my years of high school I would hear one of the most common subjects of converstation within the school halls: which college will you attend? I understood why high school students would be so worried and preoccupied with the selection of a university to attend after high school graduation. It is definitely a big decision and one that will impact that students immediate and foreseeable future, but one big mistake that students can make is making such a big deal about where to go. One thing that I have noticed after my first year of college is that the coursework I am learning would presumably be similar, if not the same, had I went to some other college. The important thing to take away from college are skills and experience in an environment where the student relies mostly on themself. A dedicated student will do well no matter where you place them, so the moral of the story is to focus on doing well, not where you will be doing it. Follow this advice and you will do well in college and life.