Shippensburg University of Pennsylvania Top Questions

Make sure that the student has an idea or knows what they want to do with their life. Then determine what kind of schools are realistic choices based on: their ability to meet the students career goals, finances, grades, location etc. Go and visit some of your top picks and then really think about what you want to get out of the "college experience". If there was a particular institution that stood out in your mind that feels like you can be successful there, then that is the one. It never hurts to ask friends or people that you know that attended school at a particular institution, however, it is essential to remember that it's one person's opinion, you need to make your own decision that is not based off of someone's biased view.

Research where you plan to attend...and have an open mind when you do get there that will help to make the most out of any situation...just have fun and dont let yourself be held down.

To the parents: your son or daughter should be the one who is finding the college of their choice since it is their career they are working for, not yours. Parents should be supportive in what their children want for themselves. To the students: it is a good idea to look around at a number of colleges. Don't simply go to a college because your friends from high school are going there or others you know are headed there. Chances are that you'll make many new friends anyway. Pick a college that will really help you with your career and worry about social activities later. There will be plenty of those at any college anyway. Don't be afraid of changing your career path either since many students change majors atleast once during college. Good luck.

Visit a wide variety of schools, talk to students and never go in undeclared. pick a general field that you like, so at least you are working towards the general course requirements of your degree

When searching for the "right college", do your best to truly "look" into the university of interest. Talk to professors, varying aged students, local residents, athletes, etc. Do not just go by the orientation tour. Do your homework; this will be the place where you grow, learn, and become an adult. Sure you can transfer, but finding your niche in not only a university of interest but it's local community and nearby networks will provide lifelong friends, sustainable accountability partners, and bountiful opportunities.

Take your time. Don't rush the choice. Look around at other school, and be sure that this school is the one you want to attend. Remember that the major you pick to start may not be the one you finish with, and that is ok.

Find a campus where you feel like you will fit in. By participating in a sport I was able to join a large group that automatically became my close friends just because of how much time we spend training together. Get involved in anything and everything you are able to.

The best advice I can give to students is to find a school that feels like home. You are going to be there for four years and make friends you will have for the rest of your life so you have to like being there. Liking the atmosphere is key to doing your work and doing it well. If you hate being at school your going to hate classes and it will give you a negative outlook on the entire idea behind higher education. Choosing a school based on a major you think you like is foolish because chances are you will change your mind on what you want to do as you are exposed to more ideas and information with in basic classes. Choose based on your over all experience on the visit; pull aside real students walking around and ask them a few questions. Tour guides are going to give you what you want to hear and not the way things really are.

Take your time and choose a place that is right for you. You dont want to commit to a place that you are not going to be happy at. you aslo want to make sure that the place that you choose can meet your needs academically and that you wont have a hard time getting classes or finding help around campus.

My first suggestion would be definately check out your top choices, nothing will help you choose more than visiting the campus and seeing what it's all about! Also look for your major and extra curricular activities you would want to participate in, because you will meet a lot more people that way.