New York University Top Questions

I would advise parents to step back and let your child decide where he/she wants to go to school. Ultimately, it is his/her education therefore it should be his/her decision. To the students, I would say take college seriously. It's you and your parents' money; don't waste it. Also, enjoy yourself; this is really going to be the best four years of your life!

I strongly reccommend an overnight stay at a potential college. Although I did visit the schools I applied to, you can only learn so much by spending a day there and/or going on a guided tour. I also wish I had talked to students that were currently going to the schools I was looking at. I know as a student at NYU I saw guided tours going on all the time on campus. I would have been more than happy to talk to or answer any questions from a prospective student. In retrospect I truly wish I had stayed overnight and talked to more students on campus before committing to a school.

Do your research! If you already know what field you want to pursue figure out the top schools. Visit the campus, talk to students and most important find out what happend as you graduate. How will the school help the transition? How are their career services? do they do showcases? career fairs? It is something that's very important to think about.

Reading about colleges on their websites is not enough. Ranks and statistics are too shallow as measurements of a good school. It's not about getting accepted to the best school possible; the ultimate goal is to attend a school that fits most perfectly with your plans, expectations, and lifestyle. After all, we students devote a large chunk of time on these campuses as well as much of our energy, learning, and growth, so why not make the time spent as efficient, enjoyable, and rewarding as possible? I advise that students and parents visit each college campus to get and feel the vibe first hand. If possible, witness the classes that you'll plan on attending. You'll want to get a feel of the classroom chemistry--participation, interaction between students and faculty, intensity-- that you'll be exposed to for the next few and important years of your life. Look for students! Students are probably the most dependable and most accurate people you can find. Ask them about their majors, work loads, student/faculty dynamics, general quality of life. Most of all, know and ask yourself. Only then can you match yourself with the perfect school.

I would advice students to do their research, and expect that not all their expectations will be accurate. In turn, I would advice parents to encourage their children to make their own decisions, rather than implicating themselves in the process.

Make sure you visit colleges and feel comfortable in the enviorment. you will be living there for 4 years, you need to feel "at home" at the school. When in school make sure to find your rhythm. Pace yourself and learn time management. If you don't you will soon find yourself over whelmed.

I would say don't let yourself be sucked in by other people's expectations. Counselors, guidebooks, and parents can help but in the end your decision should be based on what you want. Don't convince yourself that Yale is the school for you if it's not just because it's an Ivy. However, don't take it too hard or too personally if you don't get into your dream school. It's tempting to create a fantasy life for yourself at a dream school you actually know little about. Although imagining is natural and exciting, college is what you make of it, and if you convince yourself you can't be happy anywhere but once place, you won't be. Pick the one that feels the most right to you and when you get there, throw yourself completely into the experience. You will either realize you are happy at that school or realize you could be happier somewhere else and apply to transfer knowing you're making the right choice. College isn't the answer to your high school problems, it's a new set of challenges and adventures, so be brave and honest with yourself.

When thinking about making the right decision on your academic future, keep in mind which university offers a better opportunity to get a well-paying job and a successful life. College is a stepping stone in which students strive to make good grades to attract employers who in turn pay them higher salaries.

Why would you say that this was just a survey to complete when there is a scholarship application as well? Know who you are, what you want, and what you love. Embrace what you love. Don't do what is "right," do what is RIGHT for you.

I think they should know that you can never do enough research when looking for schools, but at the same chosing the right college is not necessarily final or possible since the 'perfect' school does not exist. Many students transfer after their first or second years and end up being completely fine and happy as they have learned more about what they want from their college experience.