Pennsylvania State University-Main Campus Top Questions

Take your time when searching for a college. The best schools are those that fit your needs. These are the universities and colleges that suit your preferences and provide all that the student needs to successfully complete their studies. Consider the quality of education the potential instution will provide, the impact this school will have on your family life, and life after college. It is a alot to consider but it is certainly worth some deep thinking.

Visit and stay with a student. It will give you a true feeling of the school.

Every person can find that college that fits them. Most of all, when you get to college fund clubs, sports, anything to become involved in. The more you become involved... the luckier you feel to be at such a wonderful place. Most importantly... Apply to Penn State!

College is the part of your life that helps to define you as the individual you want to be. You are on your own for the first time, meeting hundreds of new and interesting people, and learning more about yourself than you thought you ever would. College is supposed to be a great time where you experience the things that life has to offer you and give you insight on your future. However, one thing that many people forget, is that you are there for one thing first above everything else, an education. You, by yourself, have to balance your life style so that you ensure your education and enable your social life to its max, with respect to your education of course. With this in mind, you have to decide on which college is right for you to begin with. Don't let little things play major roles in this decision, such as your friends going to certain schools and the distance from home. You have to find a school that lets you be you and gives you the education you need to be what you want to be and where you want to be.

The best advice that I can give to one in search of the best fitting college would be that they keep their goals in mind. The student may not yet know what they want to be or what they want to do, but they must remember what they want to achieve not only academically but also socially and in their lives. One must ask oneself: Can I reach my full potential here? If the school has the ability to open your mind to all that you feel is important, then so be it. That school will probably be the best. Do not base your decision on where your friends go or how much money you will make. Base your decision on what will allow you to go the furthest that you possibly can.

I believe it is extremely important to visit all of the colleges that you apply to because it allows you to experience the campus and see if it is a good match for you. In addition, consider all of the elements about each school such as size, setting (urban, suburban, rural), distance from home etc because although some of these may seem like minor facts in your decision when you actually arrive at a school that is ten hours away from home and you realize you are homesick you can't really do anything about it. Also, you may want to seriously begin thinking about what you would like to major in because different schools are very well known for certain programs/areas of study. Lastly, if you fall in love with a school that is way out of your price range, don't rule it out just yet, there are many ways you can go about financing your education, don't let your dream die just because you think it's too expensive.

If it was the parents who were looking for the right college, I would tell them to pick a local college so they would still be close to their family & be able to spend time at home as much as possible. And odds are that a parent is going to school for a degree, not to try and relive their youth and socialize with students in the prime of their life. So for those parents, in order to make the most of their experience, I would highly suggest working hard to earn high grades & complete schooling as quickly as possible while still learning the material. To students, I would highly suggest not letting family members heavily influence your decision. To be encouraged to go to a certain school is normal, but to be afraid to go against this encouragement in order to make your own college choice is a monumental error. I've been in the situation, and you need a minute amount of stubbornness to pick your own college that is right for you. You can make the most of your college experience simply by not taking life too seriously, or else you'll never learn from your mistakes.

All students must find the balance between academics, community service, and social interaction. Every student has their perfect college, you have to give the college the chance to be right. When you find that perfect college, you'll know. They'll get the feeling that this is the one for me. Every college can be a good college, the student just has to put their mind to it, and be determined to work for what they want. Don't be afraid of asking for help, upperclassmen have been in the same place, there are many resources on campus, to help you adjust and become a better student. Don't be afraid, that is what they are there for. Parents are always worried about their children and their safety, but they must trust in how they raised their children, that they will continue to practice their teachings. Mistakes will be made, but it must be trusted that one will learn from these mistakes. Students must realize that they are getting a privaledge to attend college, and that their are certain experiences that are once in a life time, and should be enjoyed. But remember what your there for, an EDUCATION!

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Let your kids make the choice. Be smart enough to show them places that you feel they would like but allow them to make the decision. You've been making the right decisions for them for a long time and the sooner you let them start making decisions for themselves the better off they will be. In college they will have to make all of their decisions on their own and it's better if you put them in a place they will be happy and able to do their best. You have to trust their judgement and then encourage them in whatever path they decide to take. Even if they pick a college that you as a parent may not have made, be supportive of them and let them go into it with a positive attitude. Encourage them to succeed and do well meet new people. However allow them to do it at their own pace and become their own person away from you. Let them find a place where they will be comfortable transitioning from childhood to adulthood.