New York University Top Questions

One of the most important things I was told when I came to NYU was to remember that New York City is your institute just as much as NYU.

I think the most important thing for students when chosing what schools to apply to, is to go and visit each school. It is not until you are at the different campuses that you get the actual feel for the school and the type of students it attracts. Another piece of advice is to talk to many different current students at the school, because everyone is so different it is hard to get the general feeling from only one person. Students should chose a school based on what they think will make them happy not on where their friends are going or where there family is. College is about becoming your own person, and it is the best time of your life if you're lucky enough to chose the right place! Everyone should try and make the most of it.

When I visited different colleges, there were some I liked and some I didn't. But when I came to NYU (which was not only my first choice, but the school I am currently attending), as I walked around the campus on the informational tour I felt as though I belonged here. Something clicked, something I can't put into words, but I knew it was right. So many students today end up transferring after freshman year, or end up being unhappy with their college experience. My advice would be to visit the schools you're interested in and pay attention to your gut reactions to your surroundings, the information you recieve, and the general atmosphere of the school. When you find one that is right for you, you will know!

You make the most of wherever you go, go with the college that seems like the right fit for you, with your desires and dislikes and ambitions and dreams, above where your parents/friends/whoever think you should go and should be and should study.

I suggest being brutally honest with yourself, your goals, and your capabilities. Nothing is worse than burning out at the library or stressing out over classes you don't genuinely enjoy. College is what you make of it, and academics are held in very high regard, as the things you learn challenge preconceived high school notions. You are building your future and developing into an adult. Don't forget that the professors are generally brilliant people who are working for you and trying to help you grow and learn. Respect them but also demand the best from them. Don't forget to make time for fun!

Don't stress...the more you stress, the more difficult the process will be and you will have a harder time choosing where to go. There are too many possible schools that you can look at...you can't get to them all. Choose schools that you can get to on a direct flight or drive to fairly easily.

You must visit the campus and find out more information on it before attending. Let the student decide where they wish to go. You do not want the child to have a grudge before going into college.

The best advice I can give to students is knowing what you want to do in life or simply knowing what interests you and go to the college that fulfills those interests best. Narrow down your choices and visit those universities; this usually makes or breaks a decision. Remember that it is your life and you only get to live it once, so go somewhere where you know you'll be happy. If the cost of the university is a major factor, remember that private loans and scholarships are out there. Also, contacting the school's financial aid office can make a difference - if you have the drive, they will give you the chance. And parents, please, please, please, be supportive of your child's decision; it can damage their willingness to do what they want to do when they know you disapprove. All your child wants is your approval and if you deny them that, then it can diminish the confidence they have in their studies and affect their GPA. Finally, tell your children going to college that they can do anything if they try hard enough. College should be some of the best years of their life.

The advice that I would give is to choose the college you go to according to who you are as a person. Don't worry about how famous the school is, or how prestigious it is. Just choose the school that you feel comfortable with. Remember that it's your life that you're preparing for. The most important thing is what you get from your education, not making others jealous of the awesome school you go to. If you pick a school just for its name, you won't be happy. It doesn't make sense to atend a college that won't make you confident in yourself. Just sit back, put aside the stack of college catologs and think about what you want in an education and in your life. Then you'll see that you already know the answer.

Finding the right college is all about knowing what you want and expect out of your experience. Ask questions! Talk to current students. Each school has it's own environment and lifestyle, and it is important to understand what will make you happy. Don't choose a school because of it's name or reputation, choose it because you know you will fit, and make the school work for you. Making the most of the college experience is all about becoming independent and figuring yourself out. Take classes that aren't just for your major. Enjoy the time you have to grow and change before you go out into the real world. Talk to your professors, they are there to teach you. If you don't understand something, or if something interests you ask more questions - it's worth the time and effort. College is more than parties and classes and homework - it's your time to try and experience things you never imagined. Don't waste it.