Radford University Top Questions

Advice I would have to give students about findi the right college and making the most of the college experience would be to pick a school that is the right size for you. Going to a huge school could be a bit overwhelming with class size and social gatherings. Also I would have to say during your first year try as hard as you can not to go home every weekend. That was a mistake I made and I realized that if I had stayed instead of going home ever other weekend my GPA might be a little higher. To parents I would advise not to call your children every day. Let them call you. Calling them everyday does not give them the chance to experience on their own and will make them miss home a lot more. Its hard letting your children go off by themselves but it will be well worth it in the end when they graduate and get a supporting job for their hard work and sticking through college. Students, Picking the right school it tought, but be sure to weigh out your options and you will know the right one!

When finding the right college to attend, I feel it is important for students to take the time to explore and discover the college which fits them best. Online searches and campus visits are beneficial resources when researching colleges. While some parents feel it is important for their children to attend the same college they did, I do not think this is favorable for the student. Success is the purpose of college and students succeed most often when they are studying in an environment that makes them comfortable. There are several ways a student can make the most of their college experience, but my best advice is to associate with colleagues and professors. While one may not realize it at the time, these people will provide references and networking opportunities that can help with job offers. Joining clubs and organizations help students become more socialized and students should feel comfortable attending professors? office hours and asking for help.

When choosing a college, the number one pick may not the best college for the student to attend. In my senior year of high school, I was accepted to four great colleges but the college I am enrolled in was my last choice. I decided to attend this college because my twin sister and my best friend were as well and because it was the only college I applied to with a fashion design program. Many people advise others to not go somewhere because you know someone else going, but I have found the opposite to be true. Three of my friends went to colleges where they knew no one and ended up all transferring to the same college. My sister, my best friend and I have all remained at our university and have thoroughly enjoyed it. To most, college is about the great education, but some forget that college is also a way to learn about yourself and to find people who will motivate and encourage you and eventually become lifelong friends. So don't get too caught up in the academia, because balancing a social and academic life is the key to having the best college experience.

Finding the right college is really very important. When choosing your school, take time to talk to the students, walk around the campus, visit the places you will most likely spend your time. That could mean browsing at the library or sitting out on the lawn watching people pass, wherever you believe you will spend most of your time when attending that school, you should spend at least some of your time there when visiting it. Also if at all possible, try to meet with the professors of your major if you are entering with one declared. This will help you learn more about the program and allow for you to base your choice of schools not only on a social level but on an academic one as well. But most importantly, before you choose your school for the next for years, and essentially your home, make sure you tour the campus and visit.

When selecting a college, just the person entering before looking at the statistics. Small class sizes and a high ratio of professors-students will not do anything for one that wants the typical movie college experience. Any person who is determined to make the most of their education will bite the bullet and make themselves known to their professors. Also, education applied in the real world is everything to today's society; in other words, check out the community surrounding the school. Look at what the student is interested in and use common sense, i.e. do not send an intended international business major to a farm town. Another point to question is whether or not the campus population is a good fit for you. If unable to visit the campus, call them, talk to them, or maybe connect with them in other means of current social networking (facebook). Lastly, do not get overly attached to statistics and ratings. Every 'number one' school on the review list that you hold had to replace a previous 'number one'. Those ratings will change every year, and schools will change their styles and mission statements several times over your lifespan. Make yourself count.

take you time and visit schools, talk to random students to find out their point of view of the school.

When you go on tours, make sure you not only look at the buildings and all the normal stuff that your tour guide shows you--but look at the people on campus, around campus. Drive around the residential neighborhoods that make up the community where the school is located. What the campus looks like has nothing to do with the experience. If you get the chance, even talk to people, students and teachers. Ask them where a certain building is, or how to do something--see how they respond. If they respond nicely, walk around with you--or even tell you their names, then thats the school I would send my children to. You want a friendly environment for your children. Make sure that if there is nice weather, what is everyone doing outside? What are the students talking about. Snoop, if you have to. Theres no better way to understand what being a student at that school would feel like than to observe the students going to that school. They can control what the campus looks like when you visit--but they cant tell their students to all be happy and friendly on the day that you visit!.

They should really look into the college first not just pick it out from a book and say "I am going there". By that, I mean, visiting the campus and doing something like my school has called "Quest". Stay overnight in a real dorm and really check it out. Ask about and research the kinds of clubs and sports they offer. Walk ALL around, look at everything and meet new people!

Don't worry too much about the money. Money is out there just waiting to be found, so focus on what you really want to do with your life. Spend time visiting the colleges you are considering. Get to know the professors, and go off the beaten path of the tours they try to give you. Find someone that they haven't asked you to talk to and talk to them. Look around you when you are on campus, and note the way people dress. Though it is stereotypical, it will give you a basic idea of the types of people present at that college. As for making the most of your experience, get involved with as much as you can. If they do not have something that you are looking for, do not be discouraged. Create it. College is only as good as you can make it, not only in the classroom, but without. Remember this, if nothing else. Clubs are an excellent way to get involved. Find or create a few that cater to your interests, and then try broadening your horizons. You never know where your curiosity might take you.

Don't be picky. Be open minded. Don't make your expectations high. Don't be naive - drinking will happen, just make sure it happens in the right environment - surrounded by people you trust, not strangers. The first time you go to a college party, stay sober, observe, and see if that is how you want to present yourself. If you want to go and not drink, carry a drink so people won't badger you about why you aren't drinking. Surround yourself with people you'd be proud to know in 10 years. Never say never. Try everything once (except hard drugs - just say no). Don't discriminate against people who are different than you - you can learn from them. Know when to stay silent to keep the peace and when to speak your mind. In other words, pick your battles. There isn't anything more valuable than a good night's sleep. Never underestimate a full night's rest before an exam. Only pull all nighters when absolutely necessary. Respect your teachers and they will respect you. Learn. Live. Experience. Try.

Visit schools during the academic school year, not the summer.

It is important to drink in moderation while here at college, but it does not mean that you should not drink at all while you are attending a university. As long as you have your priorities straight and allow for yourself to keep up with studying and attending classes on a regular basis then casually partying with friends is perfectly acceptable for a college student. These are the best four years of your life and you should enjoy every minuite of it.

Here are a few words of advice for parents or students who are trying to find the right college. I would suggest taking time to look at the academic side including all the majors, minors, and classes you should begin with. Many fellow colleagues have completed several classes they found out later they didn't need. If at all possible it is good to know your major when you start. If you do so you will be sure not to take unnecessary classes. Also, know the area around the campus. Make sure there are things that interest you so you have something to do in your free time. Good Luck!!

Let the student decide for themselves where they want to go, but make sure to check out all the universities' reputations that they are applying to. Sometimes universities put on a facade of being academically focused, when all they want is your credit card number. The student will be accepted, then probably fail out because of the massive party scene. Just be careful and involved in which university your student goes to.

It's never easy to know what you want to do with your life. The only advice I can give is go to the school that is right for YOU. There are plenty of schools, i am sure, that are good for mom, or dad, but what's good for you? Don't let any opportunity pass you by, don't doubt yourself. If you have enough confidence to know you are great and you act on it, you're a natural born leader. If you doubt yourself and let these opportunities pass you by, you're selling yourself short. Once you find the right college, you'll know it I can't explain the feeling, you'll just know. Be pro-active in college, this is when you start building your future. You're not a child anymore there are amazing chances out there just waiting for you to grasp them. So go out in the world and make yourself proud of the things you've accomplished, the first step is getting into the right school.

Do not base anything on what you see on pictures. Visit the prospective colleges and talk to students to get the real perspective. Ask your child if they want to learn in a classroom of 500 or a classroom of 25. If your child knows what he or she wants to study base part of the decision on the school's academic program of choice. Get involved! This will enable you to meet people and find our your true niche in the school. Look at the surrounding area of the school to see what else a student can do to entertain themselves. Is the school located in an area where juniors and seniors can obtain internships for work experience. Every student will be different but how you make that first year will make or break your college career.

VISIT VISIT VISIT! Orientations are great for finding reliable information straight from the source but if you visit during a non-orientation time you'll truly get a feel of what the school is like. Just walk around, grab lunch, as a student where to go or what is fun to do. Parents, allow your student to feel free yet protected. College is a place to find out who you truly are and what your dreams for a better tomorrow entail.

I would tell them to pick a college that is the right size for them. I looked at many big colleges and many small colleges and ended up at Radford, which was in between the two. I enjoy the size of my classes and do not feel overwhelmed by the number of students. I also like that it is bigger than my highschool classes. Some of the small schools I looked at only had about 15-20 students. My average class has about 35-50. Also I would tell them to pick a school with the right majors programs for you.

When it is time for you to start college, I suggest visiting every college you would like to attend. Take tours, visit and meet professors, and check out all of the student activities. If you already know what career you want, make sure the school offers a good program. If you have a friend attending college, spend a weekend with them, or even a few days during the week. See what it's like to be a college student. Eat at the dining halls, attend parties, and other social events, or go to class with your friend to see what it's like. All college campuses are different; if you spend a few days at each one, you can figure out what is right for you. When you have chosen a school, and of course, been accepted, you will begin a new step in your life. Keep focused on your studies because it can be easy to get distracted. I suggest studying at the school library; it's easier to stay focused. The most important advice I can give is to have fun. Get involved and make friends because it will make your college experience that much better.

Figure out why you're going to college first, then find colleges that excel in those areas.