Stockton University Top Questions

To have a lot of different choices and make sure to stay on campus for a weekend to see what its really like.

I would suggest to definatly go to a 4 year school. Don't waste your time going to a 2 year school first hoping to transfer later. Look into your local state schools first, especially if the student is unsure about the distance. Most students become home sick and wind up changing schools any way. The only true way of finding the perfect school for you is taking tours and paricipating in overnight orientations.

Visit the Campus

The advice that I would give is to definitely visit as many schools as you can. It will give you a better feel for the school that is right for you. If the school has the option to spend a night with one of the students, definitely do it. Its the students who can give you the most insight into the happenings around the school. If you are able to, join clubs and activities because that is where you will meet the most people especially if you are going to a school where you dont know anybody. In your freshman year, dont get wrapped up in all of the partying and things because I've been there and it really messes with your academics. When registering for classes, always check on ratemyprofessors.com to see what students had to say about their professors because it helps to match you with a professor that will work with you. Also if you are the type of person that is easily distracted by friends, then do not take classes with them because they will definitely distract you! But if you arent, then do it so you can study together. Save book $ half.com.

I would take your soon to be college students on visits to the schools of their choice and encourage them to stay on campus instead of at home that way they can experience a true college experience

Size can be a very important factor. If a person feels out of place at a large college, that may not be something that can be easily overcome. There are smaller colleges out there that are just as good as the large ones, you just have to look a little harder. Also, don't just go to the open house events. While these can be very informative on the technicalities, they are rarely informative on the actually college experience. Some colleges have overnights and let you sit in on classes. These experiences can be much more informative. Also, while it is not completely accurate, look at rating sites like ratemyprofessors.com for student reactions to professors, especially ones that teach subjects you are likely to take. Since money is always an important factor, always research scholarships at the offices and keep applying. Above all, don't just rely on websites. Physical visits are the best way of getting the "feel" of a college.

I would say that you should definately visit each school. I saw a few schools but immediately when I drove onto the stockton campus I knew it was for me. Make sure to ask questions about the schools services no matter how silly they seem, this way you'll know for later, and there's probably someone else thinking the same thing. Don't pick a school because of parties or sports, but because you feel comfortable being there and it reflects your personality.

Many students feel a lot of pressure to choose the perfect school for the career they want to have and to go to the best undergraduate school possible. My school is probably not the highest ranking institution, but I am learning so much every day. Choose a school that won't leave you tens of thousands of dollars in debt when you graduate, especially if you plan on going to graduate school. You can get a good education no matter what school you go to, it's up to the students to get as much out of it as they can and take advantage of all the opportunities and resources available. Even small state schools like the one I go to have great resources for students to learn in and out of the classroom, to connect with people in their field in the real world, and to engage in extracurricular activities. It's a wonderful feeling knowing that I'm getting a great education and won't be in a lot of debt when I graduate with my bachelor's degree.

Make sure that you know what you like. Doing something for a living that you hate, even if you make good money, will make you a slave to your job and make you miserable. Also, LISTEN to your student about what they like about a campus and what they don't like. Don't force them to go to a school you like but isn't right for them, it's their time for school, not yours. Keep in mind that the best campus for your student may not be the closest to your home, it might very well be in another state or even across the country, let them choose. Study abroad should be mandatory since it is a great experience and gives a perspective not gained when you just stay at home but can give you an outside view of your own homeland, a must for every student!!

When choosing a college, make sure to go and visit them. It's great that many schools can show you everything online, but you won't really know the school until you go see it for yourself. See if you can shadow a student for day so you can get a feel of typical college day. Go for tours and ask students at the college questions. Consider the type of area that you like living in (rural or suburban), small school or big schools, classroom size (25 or 100), the food, and the area around the school (beaches, malls, theaters, transportation. A big part of looking at schools is going to see the living facilities. If you live on campus, you'll live there for a year or more and you want to make sure that you'll be comfortable there. Parents and students should also look at the academic program. Do they have your major? Do they have access to jobs or connections for jobs in your field? Also, do they have a variety of classes and courses so you can look at every major and really get a feel of what you want to do in your life.