Ramapo College of New Jersey Top Questions

When giving advice to families about colIege, I think I would divide the conversation into three sections. I would first talk directly to the parents. I would explain that college is going to be one the most difficult times in their child's life and they must be supportive. I would explain that, although they have their ideas on the "perfect" college, their child's opinion is the most important. If a student does not like the school, there is no incentive on doing well. I would then sit down with the prospective college student and discuss the reasons why they are choosing certain colleges and not others. I would explain that yes, it is important to have fun, but it is just as important to get a good education. I would tell the student to get involved in as many activities as possible and enjoy the experience because it is going to go quickly. Lastly I would speak with the entire family and discuss major issues such as money. I would explain that it is important to take advantage of scholarships and finacial aid because loans can become very expensive by the time graduation comes around.

First of all, when starting the process of college selection, do not limit yourself to choosing one school. Choose a variety ( small, large, urban setting, rural setting), and, do visit the campus. Decide on what requirements are most important to you that the school should meet, and make a decision based on those. I would also suggest that if you are unsure of your major, or if money is an issue, a good alternative is to attend a 2-year college first where you will be exposed to a broad range of subjects which can help you decide on a career. Then when you transfer to a 4-year college, you can totally focus on your chosen career path. There are many activities, organizations, clubs, etc. on campus and you may be tempted to join many. But again, choose those that are most meaningful to you. While it is important to expose yourself to variety, be an active member of your school community, and enjoy the full experience of campus life, one should not lose focus of the fact that you are there to learn, to be successful, and to build a solid foundation for your future.

When applying for college, students and parents alike are given many words of advice. Although they come from a good place, I've learned that the best advice I could give is to ignore the advice given by others. A college choice is such a personal decision. People's opinions differ about everything. Do your own research. Ask your own questions. Visit the schools yourself. Figure out a plan that works for you and your needs. Depending on someone else's view of a school will set one up for disaster. After all, you're the one paying, you're the one attending, and you're the one who will have that school's name on your degree that you earn after you live there for 4 or more years. College can be a fun and exciting experience if one lets it be; it becomes scary and nerve-racking when one doesn't understand or isn't sure about anything. Let the college do its job and entice and show you why you should attend there. You are a customer. You are not a slave. Don't feel like one.

When it comes to finding the right college, it is important to not let others influence you. While your loved ones are allowed to give you their suggestions, the final decision is yours. It is not the end of the world to go to a college none of your closest friends attend. That allows you to meet new and interesting people and make new friends. It also is not the worst thing to not go to school with your boyfriend/girlfriend. It allows you to focus more on your work and less on your physical appearance. You should not go somewhere that is too big or too small for you: Find that happy medium. And once you do arrive, you do not have to jump into everything full force. Take some time to get a feel for the campus and explore all that is offering. After that, pick and choose what you would like to get involved with. College life can be fulfilling once you figure out what your priorities are and what you would like to accomplish in the coming years. College can open many doors, and far be it from anyone to not allow you to take advantage.

Make a point on the college tour days to find a friendly looking student not appointed by the college and adk them about the expirience, as well as a look at their room.

When I moved away to college, I was concerned with the immediate future. I didn't want to be too far away from my life at home so I chose a college that was far enough from home where I could escape, but close enough to where I could easily see my mom when I needed to. If I could do the college-search again, I would try to think more of my post-undergraduate life. In most colleges, programs are in place to help students gain co-op experiences and acquire local jobs in their field of studies. This is a great opportunity while in college, but after graduation, life changes drastically. Look at the college town and the surrounding area. Does it have start-up housing options (apartments, single family homes)? Can a graduate afford the property taxes? If not, the graduate may have to relocate and start all over again. All of the contacts made during college may be lost during a move. If I could pick another college to attend, I'd find one where I could start a life, and afford to live comfortably, in the nearby area.

Look at the student count and be open to smaller schools. They can be fun too. Remember, for the most part it's not what school you go to it's what you make of it!

When parents sit down with their children to discuss colleges, they should create a list of what exactly they are looking for in a school. What is important to both the student and his or her parents? Parents need to be realistic here... Obviously, most are terrified of the thought of their children going to college and, in many cases, living away from home. If a school is known to be a "party school", parents shouldn't automatically eliminate it from possible choices. This is a chance for parents to show that they trust their children to make good decisions, as well as an opportunity for students to prove they are ready for "the real world". Do some research and select the college that best matches the needs/preferences on the list. While at college, it's a good idea to be friendly, positive, and helpful. Remember, everyone is new to this. There are many ways that students can relate, so take the time to get to know others, and tell them about yourself. Very important: If you are in a relationship, do NOT let it prevent you from making friends and socializing. Be yourself and have fun!

All i can say is go with your instinct. Only you, the student know what college is right for you. Do not worry about what the academic prestige of the college. You can go to a small unknown college, and if you truly want to succeed in life, you can do so in any academic facility. Also, you must realize that college is not just about academics; like it or not, it is your home for 10 months of the year for 4 years. You need to not only enjoy on campus life, but off campus as well. Does the college have a surounding environment that you can enjoy on the weekends and when you are finished with your studies? Also, you will not only grow knowledge wise, but you will grow as a person. You will discover yourself and your own political, moral, and sexual views about yourself in college. So if you go to a college, look at the people walking around campus and ask yourself. "Are these people most like myself? Can i truly feel comfortable enough to grow as a whole here and not be judged? " If the answer is "yes", then you found your college.

The best advice that I can give is to do research. Not only attend open houses, but talk with the students. Ask them questions about the things that are important to both the parents and the student. Make sure that you don't hear just rehearsed answers. Listen to the students already attending the school. Ask them not only about the academics, but how the social life on campus is, what the dorm rooms are really like, the clubs, activities, and sports, and anything else that could be considered important. You want to know everything when going to a college, and the best way to do that is talking to the students. Also try and meet with some of the professors that would be teaching in your chosen major. Going into the major with a clear understanding of what work is involved will help aid in the decision of what major to participate in, as well as familiarizing yourself with the staff at the school. In short, the best advice I can give: ask questions, never stop asking questions.