George Washington University Top Questions

Definitely visit, and if possible, spend a weekend on campus and even see if you can sit in on a class or two. Finding out if the social life is a fit for you is as important as finding out if the academic structure is what you are looking for. University-run tours are a good way to get a feel for the campus and learn about the facts, but if you actually want to learn what student life is like, get in touch with actual students. You're bound to find current students willing to provide advice, information, and their own personal experiences. To make the most of your college experience, it's imperative to remember that your grades matter just as much as your social life. While it may be fun at the time to neglect schoolwork and go partying instead, this is definitely something you'll regret. It takes a while to get a hang of how to manage your time, especially if you're living on your own for the first time, but once you learn how and what the best way is for you to study, the results will definitely be rewarding.

I would tell parents and/or students to put heavy weight on how the student feels about the environment and engergy of the student bosdy. When I was looking at schools, I realized that I would be living in this environment for four years and would need to love it. Also, keep an open mind.

I would first advise parents and students to tour as many schools as possible because it really helps a person get the feel for different types of universities. This is important because no university is the same and each has a unique feeling that it gives off. I would advise parents to really listen to what their child wants out of college, so that they as parents can better help their child figure out what is best for them and help advise them on choosing a school. I think i t is very important for students to really consider what it is they want out of a school, like do they want a big, small, medium school, or do they want a school with a variety of clubs and organizations, or do they want a school that has a great program for their major. Students need to consider everything that really matters to them when choosing a school.

For parents, make sure you truly listen to what your student is looking for and what he or she wants out of their academic experience. Make sure both the parents and students understand the importance of having a strong social and community aspect in the school they will be attending or looking at. Without a doubt, no matter how hard the academics may be at times, and no matter what school you are attending, having a great social network and a campus that always has something to do is so incredibly important. Those who wish to succeed simply beyond pure academics will truly cherish that.

Spend as much time on campus as possible- both before and after being accepted. The size and location of a university really do matter so think about what is best for you- a big university may seem impersonal, but remember, there is a niche for everyone and even a big city campus starts to feel safe and personal once you have found your place. And being on a big campus has its advantages. Also, think about the specific programs you are interested in rather than making generalizations about the university's reputation and quality for example, in my experience GW is not particularly well known as a liberal arts college but I has a very respected international affairs program. Pay attention to special programs, such as honors programs because they can add alot to your experience in a university- do not underestimate the value of being an honors student in a university.

The advice I would give to a student about finding the right college is to think about what is really going to be best for them. This seems pretty obvious, but it is important. Don't apply to the same colleges as everyone else in your graduating class. Don't worry about the prestige or name recognition of the university. Apply to schools that seem exciting or intriguing to you. If all else fails, ask your parents. They probably know you the best of anyone. They know what makes you excited and what makes you nervous. They know what environment will best help you learn, and they want what is best for you. In terms of making the most of the college experience, I would suggest not following the crowd. Try something new. Don't be afraid to look stupid. It takes a little courage, but it is well worth it. Also, make REAL friends. In college, it is easy to find a drinking buddy or a random hook-up. What is harder is finding a real friend. A real friend will be loving enough to cry with you in your pain and bold enough to offer you the truth.

I would tell parents and students to not fret or stress out so much about college decisions. Ultimately, the right college will find you. I would like to emphasize that college admissions officers do this for a living, their job is finding the right people to go to their college. I would strongly encourage parents and students to listen to those admissions officers. If you don't get into your first choice, don't worry, it's usually for the best anyway. Those people who make college decisions know what types of people belong at their institution. Most often, that college that does accept you will be the right fit for you, even though you may not realize it until you are finished with your first year of college. As for how to get the most out of your college experience, my advice is just to get involved. That's the quickest and easiest way to meet people. You will automatically have a common interest, something to break the ice. When you get to college, try out as many things as you want, then cut it down later. But don't lose contact with the people you met.

Sit down with your parents and decide together...especially if they are paying for it.

Trust your children on their decision, and do not go by rankings in the college guide books. Send your child to a school that best fits their area of study, and where they feel most comfortable.

No matter how much you dreamed about where your child was going to go to college, remember that was your dream, not theirs. When you go to visit colleges, try to see it through their eyes and share the excitement. Visit large universities, small liberal arts colleges, two year community colleges because they each have something different to offer. There are many ways to get to a degree. At eighteen, you really don't know who you are, you think you do, your parents think they do, but chances are in four years, your future will be different than the one you predicted at 18. Go into college flexible to change because your roomate might snore, your social life is a regular seat at the library, you could have an 8 am class followed by a 6pm that night. Figure out how to plan your day. Don't sleep all the time, there are great things to do on campus, in the community and people to meet who have something to say. Don't forget the people who supported you and believed in you either. Oh, and text messaging, increase it to unlimited, you'll be glad you did.