Stanford University Top Questions

Finding the right college can be a lot like alchemy at first. Just as it seems impossible to turn a clump of lead into a golden nugget, it can seem equally challenging to turn four years of hard work in high school into a meaningful, successful decision. The key to finding your school, though, is to throw yourself into the mix with all of you've got. Sign up for the interviews even if they scare you, take the tours around campus, and pour every ounce of creativity into those applications. It may seem impossible, but the odds are you'll get to one of those campuses, walk around, and just feel right?you've got your gold. When you actually get on campus, the same strategy holds true. New student orientation can be overwhelming, and a lot of people chalk the whole event up to "fake enthusiasm." Ignore them, they're boring. Do everything in your power to match the school's enthusiasm: go to the games, meet people, attend wacky events. They say home is where the heart is, and by putting your heart into everything you do on campus, you'll be settled in in no time.

I would tell students: ?Don?t be concerned about the reputation of the college you decide to go to or about finishing in four years. Go at your own pace. I am always proud to see people with financial challenges or children who are trying hard to still get a college education, even if it means working part-time or taking night classes. Many of my friends have had to start at a less expensive 2-year college, and then move on to 4-year colleges to finish the remaining 2 years. Whatever path and however long you choose to take is fine, as long as you finish. If there is something that you believe in fighting for, then there is no better place to get partners to fight with you than at college. Colleges are where some of the greatest movements were strengthened. Years ago, college students protested for African Americans to have civil rights and to end the war in Vietnam, and just last year college students were some of Barack Obama?s biggest supporters in his fight for change. Many college students are in search of a cause, you can give them one!?

Take tours, ask questions, know the field you want to study. Go with the one that feels right after your visit.

There are no terrible choices when deciding what to do in college, you already are going somewhere with your life. The choices you have to make are between good options, better options, and the best options. There will be many good choices and many better choices, but few best choices. Take time to consider the consequences of your choices. Many friends suggested to me that I should write down the choices and pros and cons of each. This made me realize what was at stake for each choice. Before writing down the pros and cons I would suggest that you write down what you want to get out of college. What are your priorities? Where do you want to be in your life after college? With a little bit of luck, you can choose the best option for you. Good luck!

Don't get hung up on gaining admission to a brand-name school. Keep an open mind when choosing schools, and know that usually your college expereince depends on what you make of the school you are at, not the school itself.

With so many instituions from which to choose many people conveniently resort to rankings and a school's reputation as the primary method for choosing a school. However, convenience is not the key ingrident in finding the right school. I suggest digging deeper than these broad measurements by taking a comprehesive inventory of what you can do for the school and what the school can do for you. You're only in college a mere 4 years of your life but what about after you graduate? A strong and well organized alumni association was one of the key factors in my choice of Stanford. Coming from a public high school I was not exposed to many of the subject areas that are offered as majors and had a difficult time choosing one. I'd suggest taking a gap year or some other equivalent experience to allow the student to get a better idea of what interests them, instead of choosing a major to get a job (the biggest mistake of my life!) College is not a vocational education! That's what grad school is for. Remember to use college as an opportunity to learn about something you love.

Don't worry too much about getting into a particular school. Although each school is unique, success is more about the student's approach than the school they attend. Learn as much as you can about the resources of your school in your first year. That way, you'll be able to take advantage of all your school has to offer.

If you are a student, I don?t envy you. I remember the intense rat race, the grueling tours, and the wracking decisions you?ll be going through. It?s true: in many ways, this is the first important decision in your life. But breathe, and bear a few things in mind: First, being declined from your first choice isn?t as bad as you think. In fact, many people who are accepted (for a variety of reasons) choose another school. Maybe they need financial help, or it?s too far from home, or it doesn?t vibe well with them. There is no sure thing when it comes to first-choice happiness. That being said, try to enjoy your experience as much as you can. In your next four years, you will change as much as you have in the last four years of high school. You?ll test your strength in new and incredible ways, and amaze your parents with how you?ve become your own person. So take a language you find intriguing; reserve a spot each semester for that upper-level class you?ve been peeking at. In the words of our president, ?yes, you can.?

Talk as much as possible to olderstudents and graduates of the university, instead of relying just on your peers and younger students

I would say pick somewhere that you believe will allow you the greatest flexibility with your plans. You might be 100{4a082faed443b016e84c6ea63012b481c58f64867aa2dc62fff66e22ad7dff6c} certain of what you want to do, but when you get to college you might just realize that your interests lie elsewhere. Go to college with a goal, but leave room for change. Also, I don't think it necessarily matters WHICH college you go to, as long as you make the most of your experience there. Actively go out and try to learn things. Get involved in the community, join some clubs, become familiar with your campus and claim it as yours. The more you put into your experience, the more you'll get out of it. Meet people completely different than you are, and learn about where they come from. The world is so diverse, and the more diverse your experiences, the better you'll be able to flourish when you leave college. Collegew is truly a time of growth, so be sure to choose somewhere that will allow you to do that.