New York University Top Questions

If you feel certain about your career path, I would say apply to schools based on the quality of the program. If you're unsure, apply based on more personal preferences. If you're very independent and want a more fast paced lifestyle, apply to a city school. If you want the more traditional experience, apply to a suburban or rural school with a campus. When you first get to school, remember that you might not like it right away. If you If you feel like you're having a hard time fitting in, seek out clubs and extracirriculars. Most colleges have such a large number of groups covering just about any interest, and it's a great way to meet a lot of people you have something in common with. Definitely work an internship for at least a semester. Interning will teach you so much that you'll never learn in class, plus it will make the adjustment to the real world a lot less scary when the time comes. Be sure to put a lot of thought into what you want out of the experience, it will be worth it when you're at the right school.

Students should always go with their gut when choosing their college. If you find a place where you step onto the campus and think, "Wow, I really feel like I could belong here," then it's a good shot that it's the place for you. College is about doing what you love and learning to make a life out of it. Be prepared for financial-setbacks, though. Plan very far in advance because sometimes, the universities can be sneaky and all of a sudden, you find yourself without enough money and you have to scramble. However, in the end, you have to decide if your education at this time in this place is worth all the craziness. If your heart says, "Yes. I'll forever be glad I went to school here," then I think, no matter what, it's worth the fight.

Experience. What is an experience? An experience may deliever some knowledge to an individual, or it may cause a traumatic event. An experience is an experiment. Thus, what you go into college with, is basically your preparations for your experiment -either you're prepared well, or you're not. For parents, they help with the preparations for their childs' experiment -either they raised them well, or they didn't. Therefore, it's what you as the student makes of it. Never blame it on the circumstances or what preparations you may have been given. Instead, adjust the ingredients and preparations you have been given. Create your own hypothesis and make your experiment successful. Visit the campuses that you might be a part of, and once you have made your decision, read up on the school. Find out what makes the school and what makes the students. Adjusting yourself doesn't mean changing who you are, it means to adapt to certain situations so that you make make the best of it. Maybe there is no "right college" but "right mindset" when you go into a college. Experience college for what it is -make yourself needed and deliver what you have.

Think about what you really like, students. What do you want out of the college experience? Are you looking for career prospects? Is your school specializing in whatever you plan to major in? Or are you there just to have a good time? Parents: protect your wallets.

Visit the campus first. Make sure the school is in your price range or is giving you satisfactory aid. Make sure you're ready to work.

I would tell high school students to really try and experience as many things as they can in high school so that they have an idea about what they would like to study in college. Going to school to pursue something you are interested in or passionate about makes the whole process of going to college more simple and enjoyable. If possible I would also give the advice to go to a school away from home because it forces you to take full responsibility of your life and choices and it also encourages unique experiences independent from your family identity.

To find the right college, I recommend visiting the campus, and always talk with the current students there. Ask not only what classes are like and how the professors are, but also what social oppurtunities are avaible. To make the most of college, study hard with your friends, but also have fun!

It's never too early to start thinking about college. Study for the SATs early. Start your applications and scholarship applications as early as the summer before senior year -- that way, you won't have to sacrifict your grades senior year for the time you spend on college apps.

College is where you really learn who you are. When you are in high school and you visit colleges, you can't really know what is going to make you the happiest but trust me, you'll get a good feeling about some places. When I visited NYU, I knew that I wanted to be in New York City...however, I wish I had known that I also wanted more community and a better social life. But I wouldn't trade this experience for the world because I've made my own experience perfect. I joined club, made friends, studied abroad, worked hard, and although I am at a school with little on-campus community, I am happy! I made it work. That's all you have to remember--you are in control of your own destinity. So pick the school that makes you feel right but then do what makes you happy once you get there.

Please don't make money a big issue when your kids are searching around for colleges. College is so important in a person's life and colleges really do try to make it possible for all sorts of students. Let your kids search for the right majors, the right size, and all of those other aspects. Let them visit. Let them apply. Believe me, by paying more now, your child will be more happy and they will most likely be able to pay back those loans. Don't shut any doors yet. Let your kids shoot for the stars while they can.