New York University Top Questions

The biggest advice I can give is to do your research. Determine what aspect of the college experience is most important to you and make a list. It doesn?t matter what you choose, just be honest. Do you care most about academics, the social life, athletics, career opportunities, diversity, financial aid, distance from home? Make a list and then match it to as many colleges as you can, even ones you would consider going to, it does not matter if they are your first choice just write them down. Then, research these colleges individually and try not to pay too much attention to national rankings (unless the prestige is important to you). Try to visit the campuses, you never know what a place is like unless you visit for yourself and see the students and ask questions. Once you have done your research apply to your top choices as well as some safety schools and good luck! Then once you're in, enjoy every minute of it. Go in with an open mind and meet as many people as you can. You can become whoever you want to be in college so make the most of it.

I found it was important not only to evaluate the academic aspect of a potential university, but also the post-graduate opportunities for job placement, internships and career guidance. College is an investment in a career and the return on that investment should be a major consideration in the decision process. Once at a university, it is important to find a balance between the academic, professional, and social arenas. Academics are paramount to the college experience, but so much can be learned from the social environment with regards to diversity and understanding of other ways of life.

Finding the right college is about projecting yourself into the future and understanding what's going to make you happy. Make a list of priorities such as location, academics, dining halls, whatever you think is most important and is going to make you happier student. Then make a point system for every college you consider giving points for every criteria you've established. It might not determine where you need to go but it will help you put things into perspective.

You need to think of two things when considering your future college experience or the college experience of your son or daughter: what is practical and what is ideal. First, you want to explore the possibilities of your financial future in a very practical way. Where do you see yourself in four years? What sort of employment opportunities will be immediately available for you during your college experience or right when you graduate in your field of study or in the region where your college is located? You also need to be aware of what scholarship opportunities are available and what financial aid package the school can provide. However, these practical concerns need to be weighed against what your dreams, goals, and ambitions for an ideal future are. I believe that if you have a strong goal in mind, you need to pursue it at any cost, even if it means stretching your financial options. If you're still unsure of where you want to end up in four years, perhaps your financial reality should be more of a guide in leading you to the right college for you. Ultimately, do what makes *you* happy!

Prospective students should spend an overnight on campus if possible. The only way to truely get a feel for the type of school it is, is to experience what students experience on a daily basis. The best way to get the most out of the college experience is to go out there and take advantage of all opportunities. Most colleges, especially larger universities, have plenty of opportunities out there, however students need to take the initiative to go and find them. Get to know the people who work in offices that are related to what you're interested in; volunteering, interning, religious exercises, sports, whatever it may be.

Make sure you really, truly know how much you're paying for college. Financial looks nice on paper, even with a couple of federal loans. Just be aware of how much those loans are going to add up to. Don't try to attend a school outside your means.

Remember that finding the right college requires that you visit it before hand. It's like buying a pair of shoes. You wouldn't buy a pair without trying it on. You must feel comfortable on campus, especially since you will be part of that community for three/four years. This means that you cannot simply apply based on how prestigious the school is. Also, make sure that you call the financial aid office. There may be extra financial aid opportunities unique to that school. College is expensive, and I suggest that you take every opportunity to pay as little as possible. When you finally get to college, it may take you a while to adjust to the new environment, especially if you are far away from home. I suggest you get involved in extracurriculars that interest you early on. The people you meet can make a fine support system for you, whenever you need a friend or some advice. I'm not saying that the class setting is inadequate for making friends (I've made many friends through my courses), but extracurriculars are away from the stress and competition that are fostered between you and your colleagues in class.

Make sure to go on the tours, and actually see the campus. You may go to a school where you assumed it was your number one choice, but something inside clicks when you think you've found the rigth place. There are a bunch of colleges that have acclaimed alumni, known to be the best schools in the country, but in the end, it's really about the environment around you and wondering if you could see yourself there in 5 years and happy. You may go to your top choice and get a good education and nice "trophy" school, but if you get out and aren't happy with your work or location, what's the point? See as many schools as possible, check your top choices, and just see if anything "clicks" when you're there. It's nothing you can describe, but its really just a trickle of understanding that this is where you should be.

Students and parents stress about finding the right college, feeling that the wrong decision could be catastrophic. However, student usually already have an idea about the type of school they want to attend - big/small, city/rural, etc.. At that point, academic standing and location preference usually help narrow down the process to a few schools that would all suit the student well. Colleges make a concerted effort to continually improve the quality of education and collegiate experience of its students, so parents and students need not worry, and instead concentrate on the specific interests of the student and its fit with the college. Take the college process one step at a time, and trust your instincts. Once in college, students should make the most of their experience from day one. Most do a pretty good job at making the most of the their social experience, but the academic and extracurricular experiences should also be considered early on. Many students discover helpful resources or exciting clubs in their final years at the school. Stay focused on long-term goals and investigate all of the college's resources to get the most out of those life-changing four years.

You have to realize that college is a total experience. Don't choose a college based on just one factor, and think very carefully if you are rejecting a college based on one factor. At the end of the day, it's usually not the weather or statistics of the student body that are going to determine your college experience. In fact, I really do believe that there is nothing but a tangible, gut feeling that can really lead you to the right school. This is why I would recommend visiting the school if at all, possible. Yes, it may be expensive to visit the school, but think about the extra time, money, effort, and emotion you have to put into transferring colleges if you don't pick the right one.