Georgetown University Top Questions

Students should look at college as one of the greatest adventures they'll face in life. Though it seems cliche, going to college allows for self-realization that the bubble of high school lets you only dream about. Parents shouldn't force their kids to go to a school that the student doesn't feel "right" about. When you see the school you belong at, you will know! So visit as many as possible. Any accredited university will provide its students with a good education, but not all universities are suited for every individual. Seriously examine the social life of the school, as well as everyday student life. If at all possible, try doing an overnight stay with a student on a typical day (i.e. a weekday) to see if the people, places, and lifestyle fit. College is not just about education, it is an experience that nothing else can compare to. How many times in life will you get to live with thousands of other young, motivated, fun people? Zero. So take advantage of the next 2-4 years, and make sure you feel good about your choice.

Don't let school get in the way fo your education.

visit the school and if possible do a weekend there.

You can be happy anywhere, as long as you want to be.

Don't know.

Find a school where you feel welcomed, yet not completely comfortable- whether that means moving to another setting, or simply finding an academic or athletic program that will challenge you. Get involved in activities- both ones that you have an interest in, and more importantly ones that you never thought of before coming to college. Interact with people beyond your own racial, religious, or economic group. Don't just say hello but get to know their stories. The growth you gain from watching the sun rise after spending a night learning about the culture and values of another individual is exactly the kind of incredible growth experience you should gain from college. Learn that everyone has their own stories, their own strides, and that you as an individual have your own path too. College is aboad finding out who you are relative to the incredible diversity surrounding you, and gaining the confidence that will assure you that you have nothing to hide from. In highschool there is an incredible pressure to conform and not stand out- at the right college, you will have the chance to define yourself on your own terms, and shine through your distinctions.

Pundit Tucker Carlson once described college as a half-way house, and he's really right. College is as much about the transition from adolesence to adulthood as it is about developing career skills. When choosing a school, it's important to give equal weight to social and scholastic considerations. Many people meet their future spouses (or at least members of the wedding party!) during these four years. At the very least, students cultivate relationships that form their professional networks for years to come. Applicants should feel at home amongst their prospective peers: a good fit attracts kindred spirits. On the academic end, programs matter more than prestige. An aspiring artist may get lost at an institution known mainly for its foreign language programs, no matter how elite it may be. Choosing a school based on its institutional strengths ensures a richer time inside the classroom and stronger preparation for life beyond it.

Make sure you talk to students at the college before you choose a school. Tour guides are not always accurate representations of the student body. Really think about how some factors may play into your life at school down the road. I didn't think that the wealth of the students would matter to me, but now as a junior I am realizing how hard it is to find a social circle with whom I can afford to go out! Most of all, visit the campuses to get a feel for your comfort level walking around because you will do it for 120 weeks of your life after you choose a school.

Sit in on a class, meet with a professor who teaches an interesting class, and have an overnight.

You only have 4 years and while academics are very important, its only about 50{4a082faed443b016e84c6ea63012b481c58f64867aa2dc62fff66e22ad7dff6c} of the pie. Take it as an opportunity to try as many new things as possible and find out what you are really passionate about.