SUNY at Albany Top Questions

The best advice that I could give to parents and/or students about selecting a college would be to really seek every possiblility out. I made the mistake of not visiting the schools I applied to and unfortunetly got stuck with one I hated. In order to get the full effect out what their potential school might be they should take a tour and a visit of EVERY school they apply to, even if it's not their first choice. In order to make the best of ones college experience I would strongly urge to socialize. Making friends and bonds with others can help you get through a lot. Even though it is scary to go into something knowing no one, it is always important to remember that everyone feels the same way you do going into it. Everyone is a stanger to everyone else, so be bold and introduce yourself, there's no harm in making new friends, especially if they turn out to be the people that help you through college and grow to be some of the most important people in your life even after you graduate. Gowith the school that feels right for YOU!

Find one that has activities, majors, and size that you want.

Picking the right college is such an important decision. Not only do you need to know things about the colleges that you are applying to, but you need to know yourself as well. Make sure the school has the major that you are looking into, maybe some backup majors as well, since many students change their major. You will be having so much fun once you get to school, meeting new people who are from places very different from the one you have grown up in, and who are from different cultural and religious backgrounds. Be openminded! Make an effort to broaden your horizons and get to know people different from yourself! You can learn so much about the world around you and yourself by opening up to new things! As far as classes go, MAKE SURE YOU GO!! I cannot stress this enough. There are many schools where attendance isn't taken, but that doesn't mean you shouldn't go! If it is a big lecture center, sit in the front and I promise you will pay better attention, and make friends so if you're sick, you can still get the notes. Lastly, keep that syllabus handy!

Go look at the school and meet the some of the students from you area wo go there if any and ask what their take on the school is. Go around and ask random people thing about the school and see if the people are nice or not.

find a college that has great programs in the area that you want to pursue/study. if you are unsure of your major then find one that has a good all-around record. plan ahead with financial aid, curriculum, and other activities. find a university that is neither too close to home nor too far from home, but one that is readily accessible. [via car, train, etc).

Talk to people who go there now and explore the surrounding town, not just the campus!

push your children to go away to school. it brodens their possibilities and helps them grow up. look for a school which offers majors that you may be interested in. its always a good thing when the school is building things on campus. its a sign that the school is getting more funding and getting better.

The most important thing about finding a college is to listen to your gut. It sounds cliche, but when you find the college that is right for you, the attraction will be immediate. Don't ignore your gut feelings, because this is your new home for the next four years! The best advice on making the most of your college experience is, go to class. I know, you will go to class right? I hope you are, but in reality, the new freedom that going to college brings, also brings responsibility. It is so important to not ignore this responsibility and to go to your classes, I promise, attendance (even in lecture halls) counts! Not going to class is one of the easiest ways to get points, and they are the easiest to lose, so be smart, have fun, and GO TO CLASS!

Research not only academics but where you will live. Find out about night life, proximity of bars/restaurants etc. Make sure public transportation is avaliable. Use resources like Princeton Review to find out other peoples opinions. Students will tell you things about the school that NO ONE else can or will. Absolutely ask any friends, friends of friends, relatives...anyone who has attended the school to describe it.

When looking for schools, it's really important that you choose the right one. It may sound crazy but when you go to a school you just know that it's right. As soon as I stepped onto campus I knew that I wanted to be here and be a part of the Ualbany community. It has to feel right, and make you feel comforable. For future college kids: just live your life; do what makes you happy. Work hard and seize every single opportunity you can. You only live once, Make the most of it.

Be opened minded, don't pick a school just by the name. Go on lots of visits talk to the students who go there and see what theyre like. Make a list. What are you looking for in a school. Use your gut reaction if it doesn't make you happy when you visit regardless of the school you wont be happy four years in. Be true to yourself and recognize what your needs are to be happy living learning and socializing in a particular atmosphere.

honestly its all personal. You have to vist the school check out the classrooms, who goes there, and what the teachers are like. If you dont like one of those you wont have the best expericence possible. Look at the surrounding town, we have to be able to be yourself other wise your just setting yourself up to fail.

Visit the school you're choosing to go to and sit in on one of the classes that's the only way you'll see the true university. The guided tours are really only going to brag and try to sway you. Ask students on your own what they think about the school. Finally college is what you make of it-- really. Every school has their parties, studies, but what it's really about it is what are YOU looking for? Keep that in mind during your four years, realize that you're bound to trip up a few times, and understand that you define yourself, your future, and your college.

College Visits Start early Scholarships search and apply early as possible Ask questions, Ask questions IF it doesn't feel right take a second look and if it still doesn't feel right transfer to your second choice There is nothing wrong with Community College if you can go there then go to a 4 year it would probably be better financially unless you obtain a 75{4a082faed443b016e84c6ea63012b481c58f64867aa2dc62fff66e22ad7dff6c} ride to college 50{4a082faed443b016e84c6ea63012b481c58f64867aa2dc62fff66e22ad7dff6c} or less in not worth the debt.

Don't assume college is going to be amazing and work out in your favor right away. It will start off hard and confusing, and you'll be nervous about your future. Just remember, it gets easier and things do fall into place after a good year. Talk to your advisor about what you lke and what you can try. Don't think that you have to know what you want to be right away. You have a good solid 2 years before you have to declare your major! Use those 2 years finding yourself, if you can. And take some deep breaths. We're all in the same boat!

Go to the colleges and talk to the students.

Don't be afraid! This is the place that's suppose to mold into your professional adult life . It's really your last chance to correct and change anything you dislike about yourself, and have fun while learning it. College isn't just about grades and a diploma, you grow really grow as a person. You learn a lot about people in general, and much about youself. This is the time when you grow in every way, step up and don't waste it!

be yourself and have as much fun as you can because you can only do it once.

Make sure its an environment you enjoy and have visited and has classes and programs you would want to take.

My advice to the parents and/or students would be to go around the campus with a tour guide at first, but then explore it on your own so that you get the real feel for the campus. That's the only way you can see if it's the right fit. And if you're not sure about it, come again another time. It always helps to see it again. To make the most of your college experience, you have to join clubs and not be afraid to try new things. Find a good cirlce of friends that will try those things with you, and then you can all laugh about it later! Just don't go somewhere because that's where your parents want you to go or because you feel it's the only option. Remember that this is the start of new beginning, of your transition into adulthood, and you should take every opportunity given to you to make the most of it.