Stanford University Top Questions

I would tell students to see all the prospective campuses, and judge which feels right. When it happens, when you find the right one, you will simply smile and your eyes will beam. That is the place you need to go.

Make sure you find out as much information as possible before deciding. Do not pick the school that sounds the best but the school you actually feel is the best fit for you.

not a student anymore so can't use scholarship...

Every college has its own personality and its own "type." Some schools are looking for that straight-A wonderkid, but others are much more impressed by someone who is able to change their behavior and work habits and turn a rocky start into a success story. Some put a lot of emphasis on SAT scores; some don't. Different schools might value different types of people and different extracurricular activities. Have pride in who you are and what you do, and decide that you want to go to a school that values who you are. If a school doesn't value you, that probably means there aren't too many people like you at that school --- as a result, you might not be too happy there. Essentially, be yourself. Allow college admissions to be a process of self-discovery, not a stressful trial. Get the best grades you can, do what you love, and be proud of what you do. Find out who you are, and represent that as best as you can on your application. That is what will get you into the right school for you -- not turning yourself into who you think colleges want you to be.

Let your son/daughter choose the best fit. They may not always know, but they will always have a better idea about where they would do best to learn than you. Support them in all they do, but remember it's their turn to learn and college is not always about the academics.

Think about the kind of environment in which you want to develop or want your child to develop. Don't think just about the opportunities that a school provides (though those are also important), think about the values that a school holds and fosters. Your values are much less likely to change than your career plans, especially since few 18-year-olds know for sure where they want to be when they leave college anyway. Also, a school's values will often attract other students, your soon-to-be best friends and alumni network, and your friends have just as much impact on your growth in college as your advisors and professors. If you value open-mindedness, go to a school that actively fosters diversity and open discussion. If you value stability, go to a school that actively prepares its students for job searches and careers. That way, no matter how many times you change your major or your future plans, you'll be in a place that will help you grow both academically and as a person.

While I think it's a myth that there is one perfect college for you/your child, there are colleges that will be a better fit. Trust your intuition by visiting the campus, wander, explore. Make sure to talk to the students (not just the ones admissions sends to talk to you). Go to some student events/happenings on campus. Visit a dorm. And sit in on a class--both a typical freshmen class (these often tend to big lectures) and an upper division class as well since your college experience will be comprised of both. And like most freshmen--if you're not sure what you want to major in or think you might change your major at some point, pick a school that has a lot of strong departments so you're not pigeon-holed into doing something. Your college experience is not just the academics though--but the connections you forge with peers and faculty. Does the school have lots of extracurricular activities? (This is where I learned the most and found my closest friends). And when you get to college, try some new activities, not just what you did in high school. GOOD LUCK!

My advice to parents and to students would be not to be concerned with the price of college, but to instead pay attention to what the school will provide academically and extracurricularly (in the long run). Although money is a concern during the college process, it can't make up for the amazing opportunities that an institute of higher learning (private or not) may provide, and the education that will benefit not only the student, but the people he or she will affect as an educated citizen in the future. A good school that truly cares about the student will try its best to present you with the best financial aid package. For the student, the best part of college is meeting other students and faculty members, engaging in research, and discovering new hobbies and talents. These experiences help the student to grow as a person, and are much more valuable than any amount of money could provide. As a student at Stanford currently on financial aid, I would say that it has been one of the best decisions I have ever made--I am currently working with faculty and will be majoring in Engineering.

Deciding on what college to attend is a serious and important decision. The best advice I can give is to make sure you have enough time to really consider each of your choices. Visit the schools, talk with people who go there to find out what they thing, essentially gather as much information as you can before you commit to anything. Also, I think it is best to approach the situation with an open mind in order to avoid comparing schools too much initially. In the end, you will be comparing your choices, but while you are at each school, just take the experience for what it is and enjoy your time there. I ultimately made my decision based on where I felt most comfortable and I am one hundred percent sure that I made the right decision. If nothing else, go with your gut and you'll more than likely not end up disappointed.

Look for somewhere you are confortable with the people and the surroundings.