Union College-Schenectady Top Questions

I would visit as many schools as possible when considering the college and/or grad school that you want to go to. When I was in high school, I didn't have the money to go visit the colleges and a lot of times, that really makes a difference. Right now, I am actually unable to visit the grad schools that I have already applied to, but I have asked as many questions about the area as possible with current students. If you are serious about a school, get to know the people in the program! I would take advantage of the opportunity to contact the program department, because you need as much info as you can possibly get. Most students find out within their first few months of college if they like the school or not. It's so much easier to have all of that figured out before you go. It saves time and money.

Spend time getting to know the school's you are looking at. Take a good look at the academics, student body and surrounding area. You want to have the feeling that this place would be a great fit for you. Don't be afraid to ask questions and interact with students that currently go to the school. You should schedule an interview with the admissions office. Take a good look at what you would like to get out of your college experience and see what school best fits that objective.

Make sure you child likes the school themselves. By creating a list of the schools you like, you know their academic records, but make sure you spend some time visiting, sitting in on classes and staying over at the schools you really love to get a feel for the student body. We all go to college to further our education but also to grow as a person.

Visit a lot of places before you choose. When you get excited just by stepping on campus, then that is the right place for you!

Make sure you choose the schools for the right reasons and not only for sports or one specific reason. Make sure you always choose a school because you like every aspect of it.

To students, don't be afraid to follow your dreams. To parents, let your child be a dreamer. When you are excited to go to school and to learn because it will help you reach your dream, finding a school with the right program(s) will be a much less daunting task. Don't let money or distance be a deterrent - where there is a will there's a way. Once you get into the school of your choice, finding a happy medium is key. Don't be too shy and be open-minded - your new friends might change your world. At the same time, don't take on more than you can handle, burn-out is a bad way to start what will probably be the best four years of your life. In the end, be yourself and follow your heart, before college, in college, and after college, because you are the only one that can make you happy.

decide on proper atmosphere, educational opportunities, and friendliness

Students: Visit your schools with and without your parents. If they're going to let you live somewhere for the next four years, they're going to want to at the very least, see that place. Spend an overnight. It will help you to get a better view of what campus life is like and you'll leave having learned things about the school that you never could with your parents in tow. Parents: Trust your kids. You're going to have to pretty soon anyway, so you might as well start doing it now. They'll appreciate it, and be more motivated to prove that they deserve that trust. Don't be afraid to offer advice, but don't overdo it. They might not let you know, but they do recognize your wisdom. Good Luck.

Go wherever feels right. Its corny but its true, you will just know when you're on the campus that you can see yourself there for four years. Where you get that feeling, go to that school regardless of money or distance. You only get a certain amount of time in college and then you never get it back. Its important for those years to be happy, and truly happy. Not the happiness that can come from being at a school that is merely "ok". Go to a school that you love beyong your four years, because it will be with you forever.

Because most college students change their major, find new interests and friends, and uncover goals and a path for their future that may be completely unprecedented, it is imperative to consider some foundational qualities in your choice of school. Something that is chronically overlooked is an involved, focused, and friendly career center. The career center is a resource of infinite importance that many rising college students do not consider. The resources it offers become the passport for an education. Your education is only as good as your ability to promote it! Therefore, the career center is a must stop for every college visit. Natural resume, interviewing, and networking skills are no longer competitive in today?s work world without training. These skills can vastly change the opportunities available to anyone. Choose a school that prides itself in an extensive alumni network, job-finding resources, and easily accessible and friendly career advisors. Without toned job-finding skills and internships in your field of choice, it is easy to be misled into a career field without passionate or to miss out on opportunities to those that are better experienced, know how to network, and articulate more clearly and effectively their skills.