New York University Top Questions

The first step to choosing the right college is selecting a major you are passionate about. If you do not love your course of study, you will hate your college experience. The second step to choosing the right college is turning a blind eye to the cost. The money will come one way or another; take out loans and thrust yourself into a university that will elevate you in your career field and in your well being. The third step to choosing the right college is proximity. It is important to be close to 'other' things, and not necessarily your parents or your friends. Be someplace rich, like the forest or the sand dunes or the tall skyscrapers. Intelligence comes from the things around us in life. I would urge against attending a closed campus. Lastly, in order to make the most of your college experience, you must be open and receptive. Explore new people and examine the way they are. Read more than you should, and most importantly be yourself! You must be willing to be different in the end of your college experience from what you were as a senior in high school. Education is a journey!

Make sure you pick a college that has good classes for the field you want to get into. Don't be afraid to apply for colleges you think you won't get into or one's you normally wouldn't consider. Open your mind to new options, both college wise and--once you are in college--new classes and interests. I would also suggest to apply for scholarships right away, don't wait until you have to frantically send financial information everywhere.

Do not be held back by proximity. Even though you may save money by going in state, it will be worth the money to experience a school farther from home. The location of the school is almost as important as the academic quality of the school.

Location, location, location

If you go in knowing what you want to do, pick the school that's best for that. If you dont' know yet, be sure to go somewhere that offers a broad liberal arts education, and plenty of options for majors and extra-curriculars. Once you' there, definitely take advantage of all the amazing resources most students are given: you're paying for it, so use it!

Make sure you are true to yourself and do your research ahead of time. Be absolutely certain, especially if you are applying to a specific program, that you will concurrently be happy with the school at large. Take time to visit and ask current students questions about their exprience on campus--this is the best way to get unbiased, honest answers about the overall college experience. And remember to work hard, have fun, and enjoy yourself...the time flies!

I would say to potential college students and their families that there isn't just one deciding factor that goes into choosing the perfect school. One has to look at both the academic and social programs and opportunities the university offers. College isn't just about academics and it isn't just about socializing, it's about finding a balance between the two. I've learned so much academically as well as socially and I think that's a sign that I picked the right school for me. In order to get the most out of the college experience I would suggest that a student work actively to discover themselves both academically and socially. When choosing a school, one should pick the establishment they believe would help them the most to achieve this goal.

Make sure to weigh every aspect of the educational journey. Prestige is great, but when it comes down to it you the student are the one who will spend the next 4+ years at this educational institution. Just because a school is well-known does not mean it is the best place for you. Visit schools, meet people there, go out and experience the night life, ask a lot of questions, and make a well informed decision. But also...don't freak out! College will be fun, and if you don't like the one where you begin, you can transfer to another school the following year. Enjoy yourself!

Finding the right college has a lot to do with the feeling that you get when you step on campus and take the tour. The prospective student pretty much knows as soon as he gets there that the school is or is not the place for him. Parents need to trust their child's instincts. Parents should also be aware of the opportunities a school provides for the future, while the prospective student need worry about whether or not he likes the school for what it is. As for making the most of the college experience- if a person really likes the school, they will make the most of it. Take interesting classes, join clubs or do activities that interest you, and depending on where the school is located, take advantage of the area surrounding the school as well, and don't only be confined to the campus. It's really a very easy formula, and is much less work than it actually seems. The prospective student and his/her parents just need to place some trust in themselves to choose what is right for them. If the student just does what feels right, the best will come of it.

It should be the child's choice where he or she wants to go. Clearly, where the child wants to go is where he or she will most likely excel, both academically and socially.