Sakina
My advice for students about choosing the right college is to look over all the details that your school gives about tuition, residence life, academics, location, the people and so on. After you have read all the information try to picture yourself there. If that does not help then visit the school to get a better feel for it. This is the place where you will be spending alot of time and you will have a better experience if you know more about your school. To make the most out of your college experience make sure you learn to balance school and fun. Learn to manage your time and use all the resources that are provided to you. The less stressed you are, the more fun you will have.
Theresa
Choosing a college will affect the rest of your life. The people you meet, experiences you have, and the things you learn will be a result of this one choice. Always visit a college before you make your final decision; talk to students who attend the university (preferably off the record) to find out what the campus life, classes, and overall experience really is. Make sure the university has your major and has other majors you are interested in (just in case you change your mind later down the road). I would say my biggest mistake was not getting involved right away. I made the most of my first year of college by joining multiple clubs and volunteering. As a result of doing this I met some of my best friends and have grown and matured in so many ways. I also strongly encourage those of you who have the option, to live on campus. To truly get the "full-college-experience" you will need to stick around after classes are over to meet new people and enjoy the new-founded independence. Overall, just be yourself and college will be the best four years of your life.
LaQuisha
When looking for the right college to attend, it should be a college that both you and your parents would agree on. You should be able to see yourself at the college, in class, studying, going to pep rallies, etc. It should be as comfortable as a second home when you are away from home. It should be a place that caters to your major and have the right class size and diversity. But overall, it should be a price that is convienient for your pocket. But with any college you do pick and decide to attend, become active and participate in as much organizations as possible, if only just to meet new people and explore all that the campus has to offer.
Genevieve
When speaking to visiting prospective students and their families as a Towson University Student Ambassador, I constantly emphasize the importance of choosing the college/university that students feel "at home." I feel that students attending a college with an atmosphere that they feel comfortable in eases the transition from high school seniors to college freshmen. EVERYTHING else falls into place when a student is at ease - the college work load, finding the right group of friends, being away from home, dealing with new responsibilities, coping with independence, etc...
Jacqueline
When you are looking for the best school, do not immediately jumpt to ivy league schools or well known ones. Find a school that suits you as a person. It does not matter than the princeton review says so and so is amazing. All colleges are qualified to teach. What you are looking for is what will work for you. What college will balances the things you like and also challenge you? It is your future choose the school for you.
As far as making the best of your college experience, do not hesisitate to get involve. Join groups and figure out how far you can stretch yourself. This is about finding yourself and making you strong. Learn to balance your social life with your academic life. Do not let one triumph over the other. Life is about interacting with people, not just sitting with your nose in a text book. Fidn your boundaries. Most of all study hard and have fun.
Kathryn
Take your time in looking for just the right school for your career, I went to the wrong school at home and was miserable. Once i went away to school things had a much different atmosphere and i made a lot more friends.
Kelly
To the parents of the students, and to the students themselves, the college experience is a period of immense personal growth and developing independence. For most students, leaving for college is being able to do as you please without reprimand for the first time in your life. So some of you will make the mistake of applying to schools because they?re known as party schools. And parents, you?ll believe that you are investing your time and money into their studies for the sake of their future. In reality, both expectations must be met for a successful college career. After completing the first semester students will be forced realize that a careful balance must be obtained between social and work time. Their first grade may reflect the imbalance if it was present. However, this is also a learning experience for both parties. The students must learn to push themselves and pursue their own interests, while the parents must accept that their babies may be going out on school nights and partying. Not only does this build trust, but also it builds confidence and autonomy. No matter what school you choose, both parent and student will emerge stronger and liberated.
Shardae
Students should visit as many campuses as possible, more than one time. It is imporant that students feel comfortable on the campus, in the classroom, and with the students and falculty. Many schools offer campus tours and opportunities for student tio shadow with a current student. Furthermore, many schools also have listing of campus events that may be of intrest to students, and may also be a great opportunity to meet other students. Students should also consider what resource the college/university has to offer. It is strongly encouraged that new student speak with an academic adviser about various majors/programs, and a finacial adviser so that the student knows where he/she stands financially. Lastly, new students should feel confident that they will do great, ge open minded, flexible to change, and have a positve attitude. Remeber college is what you make of it, and how you begin to shape and discover who you are. Good Luck!
Shareta
Deciding where to attend school can be difficult. In the decision process students and parents need to know if that school teaches the students area of interest. If a student is undecided on a major it may be wise for that student to attend a school with many majors so that they may take courses from a variety of departments. Cost plays a very important role in deciding where to attend college for many. If there is a school a student wishes to attend but can not afford it would be wise for that student to have several back-up schools with lower tuition and fees. Students and their families will need to decide how much will be contributed to the student's education. If all families are able to provide financial wise is information for the FAFSA then the student should plan to work a part-time job during the school year. Also be aware that if you plan to attend school out of state you need to be sure that your school will allow you to live on campus for four years, as many schools require upper-classmen to move out of on-campus housing.
Emily
I think that you should definitely take the time to figure out what it is that you want your college to provide for you. Don't make your decision based on where your friends are going, or where you parents want you to go, or where you think you're supposed to go. This is a decision that will affect atleast 4 years of your life and it should be taken lightly. And once you find the place that has what you are going to need on a daily basis, submerse yourself in it. Get involved and enjoy the experience because it will go by fast and you don't want to regret it.
Kiah
The right college is all in your mind. While it is important to look at the schools you wish to attend, if you go to a school with the mind set of success, than you will succeed. All you need is hard work and will power to make anything happen!
Jaquelynn
Find a place that fits the criteria that you are looking for and is best for your carreer. Make sure you look at everything from reputation, cost, teacher- student ratio, to what type of housing they have. Visit and ask questions. Go where you want and not where someone else wants you to go... because in the end you will be the one "living that dream!"
Katharine
I would suggest to all students and their parents to do a lot of research. My mom bought many books on schools that helped me out a lot. Furthermore, get started early! it is nice to know where you are going when everyone else is questioning. Above, all, try not to get stressed. College is going to be the best experience !
Devin
The best college is one that has similar focus as you. Talk to the students, find out if you identify with them, and if so, that might be the right school for you.
Sarah
FInd a college where you feel comfortable. Make sure that there are student organizations that suit your interests, and get involved right away. Also, maintain an equal balance between academics and fun. While having too much fun can negatively affect your academics, dwelling entirely on schoolwork and not branching out and enjoying yourself can give you a bitter attitude towards academics, which can negatively affect your outcome as well.
Jessica
Finding the right college is all about what fits you personally and also your career plans. For example if you want to pursue a career in nursing, you might want to find a school that is accredited for their nursing program. Also, a school that is known to have very good professors and a great tutoring/advising program to help students is another plus when finding a school to attend. Another important part in choosing a school is what you like to do in extracurricular activities. It is important to find a school for its educational purposes but it is also important to find a school with activities that cater to one's own personal needs and maybe the areas that surround the school as well for other leisure activities, especially if you are going to live on campus.
Heather
College is a wonderful experience and in order to make the most of it, you must dive right in! Research around to find someone else to pay for college- look into scholarships, financial aid, grants, and loans with low interest rates if there are still dues unpaid.
Students, get involved! Join a club, interest group, or fraternity. Be an active part of the community to really enrich your college experience.
Try living on campus for at least one year. You cannot get the full college experience without doing so. It is simple, close to class, there is a zero commute, and it is much easier to make friends. It is almost impossible not to meet interesting new people when under close quarters like that! Living on campus offers a lifestyle not comparable to off-campus housing. You are never alone, there is always entertainment or something to do, and food is never far away. Three reasons why living on campus is a definite must!
It may be difficult for students, but challenge yourself with a difficult class. You will learn some interesting things and it will be much more rewarding in the long run.
Chelsea
In deciding where to go to college the prospective student really needs to evaluate themself. A prospective students first and foremost should go to a school good for their major, or if undecided a school that offers a wide variety of majors. If you enjoy what you are learning, college will be a great experience because you will often make most of your friends through your major. As for personal qualities, a prospective students needs to determine how far from home they want to be, how comfortable they feel in social situations, whether or not they will benefit from big or little classes, sports, and extra curricular activities. Scholarships and grants are important; apply for as many of these as possible so you do not have to worry about money or having to work and miss out on college life. Never forget to listen to your parents, they might know you a little better than you realize and can probably help you choose the right college for you better than you think. Talk to guidance counselors and friends. Make sure you visit schools toget a feel for the area because pictures and descriptions can be misleading.
Milan
Searching for the right college takes time and effort. Its very important that you do attend college campus tours, research the average classroom student-teacher ratios, and tuition cost. Going away to college could be best for students that plan to not work while in school. I believe that will provide students with better concentration on their studies. Looking at location and campus transportation is also another important aspect to look at in order to enjoy the most out of your college experience.
Kathy
When applying to colleges perspective students and their parents should research the schools thoroughly to ensure that they meet the students most critical needs. It is important that the school the student plans to attend has available housing and meets their academic needs. If the student has a particular career plan in mind, it is necessary to enroll in a school that can help the student achieve their career goals.
I did lots of research to find the school that was right for me and i found it in Towson university. I am very pleased with my choice and i feel that I will be able to have a successful career because I go to Towson.