University of Delaware Top Questions

What should every freshman at University of Delaware know before they start?

Sanjana

I would give the following advice:Apply to all the schools you think you would attend, or even maybe attend, because who knows what will actually be the right fit for you in a couple of months.Once you are accepted make sure you visit the schools that you would like to attend or are even 'iffy' about, because you never know till you get to the campus.When you go on the campus tours make sure you utilize every second and ask all the questions possible as the university is at your disposal. Once you finally decide and make all the necessary arrangements and get to school, have a VERY open mind. You will meet people and become friends with those you never thought you would. Keep your eyes and ears open for what?s going on around campus as there will always be something to your liking, and if not, MAKE IT HAPPEN, go talk the school, and get funding for what moves you. Basically just utilize your school, academically and sociably; you are paying for it, so make it worth it! College is probably the best four years of you life, so make it count!!

Michael

Check out all different types of schools so that you can make an imformed decision when it comes down to choosing the right college.

Lena

How do we root out the unworthy and grasp the future that we crave or crave for our children? Landing that dream college is no longer a sweat, as an experienced hand shall guide you through. When selecting a school, the most crucial factor is career. What college offers the majors you or your child desires? How prestigous is that program and job-marketability within the school? Finally, is it attainable for you or your child? (Remember, not everyone is Harvard material!) If you had answered yes, then the school offers a promising start. Next, take a look at personal preferences. Ready for chilly Alaska, sandy Oregon, or sweltering Florida? Want a populated campus or small, personalized classes? Finally, does it offer extracurriculars you wish to continue? Now with the leftovers, consider runnerup factors of importance: campus location and quality. Students, do you prefer to journey miles from home or rebuild local connections? Parents, do you encourage their choice? Finally, can you financially afford college out-of-state? Next, if the school has a superior reputation, up-to-date facilities, and a respected faculty then, give it a thumbs up. Soon enough, you have landed the college of your dreams.

Laura

In order to make the most out of the college experience, it is important to start preparing in advance. It's impeccable that you visit multiple schools and really focus on the question of "can I see myself here?" There are so many schools out there that it is important to have a few guidelines, to help narrow your decision down. These can be: distance from home, size of school, all female/male schools, types of majors offered, available extracurricular activities, types of available housing, surroundings off campus, etc. In the end it comes down to which school caught your eye the most. Overall it is not an easy process and can be stressful for both the student and the parents involved, however many people forget that if it ends up to be not what you thought it would, it's not the end of the world, transferring is always an option. So take your best guess at what school fits you the most and you'll be surprised by how enjoyable your college life will be.

Elise

College is what you make it. You can be as involved or uninvolved as you choose. Go somewhere that is the perfect fit for YOU, not your parents or friends. This will be your home for the next four years. You will have the best and worst times of your life here; your highest highs and your lowest lows. Just remember, the work never ends, but college does. Live these four years to the fullest, and find some place you can truly be yourself and you will be happy.

Jaclyn

I would encourage parents and prospective college students to visit a variety of schools in different settings, varying levels of competitiveness, and with a range of student ethnicity. It is best to keep an open mind regarding different schools. One never knows what environment one will enjoy until it is experienced first hand. For example, just because a school sounds large when considering the number of students that attend, doesn?t mean it will feel big while walking around the campus. Also, try to picture oneself attending the school while on a tour. Ask oneself questions like, ?Could I see myself walking to class here?? or ?Could I see myself hanging out with these people?? With the price of college rising every year, getting the most of one?s time there is very important. The amount of time spent studying will depend on the student, major, and school. However setting academic goals will lead students to success. College is also a great chance to enjoy a social life while getting to know diverse people and learning about unique beliefs and backgrounds. Finally, being involved in one?s school allows students to take advantage of many activities, services, and unique opportunities.

Alicia

I would tell a student who is trying to find the right college to go where you want to go. The best college is the campus in which you feel at home. No one should be allowed to make your decision for you. The college that you choose is going to be where you spend the next four years of your life; your parents, your friends, and anyone else trying to help you make a decision do not have to live on the campus that you decide. You want to pick a school where you can see yourself happy at. College is the first time you will be off truly on your own, so you want to pick a place where you will feel comfortable. Money sometimes can be an issues when deciding on a college, but it should not be allowed to dictate where you go. The college that is right for you will be the college that you will be the most sucessful at because it is where you want to be, not somewhere where others want you to be. In the end, choose the college where you want to go.

Jonathan

I would tell them to choose what is best for you. Don't worry about rankings or poll. Actually visit the schools and pick the school that really connects with you when you visit. I went to a couple decision days for schools I was accepted to and i knew Delaware was for me by the end of that decision day. I loved the environment, the people, the educational opportunities, and all the extracurricular opportunities. Just remember you're planning on spending the next four years at your college so worry about yourself when choosing a school and choose what fits you.

Jacqueline

The best advice that I can give is to make sure that you go to the place that makes you the happiest, regardless of cost or practicality. You only get one shot, don't ruin it like I did.

Danielle

Be sure to go to a college you like and makes you feel at home. Be sure to chose a college that has the major that you want and if you're undecided, gives you many choices to decide from. Do not attend a school that you don't really like because chances are you still won't like it when you're there. Once in college, be sure to be balanced in your activities. School is first priority but be sure to have some fun or else you'll drive yourself crazy. Be sure to get involved in school activities immediately because it really helps with making friends.

Ryan

I would advice if you are an athlete go to a school that you would go to if you didnt play a sport in college.

Daniel

The best advice I can give anyone is to visit as many schools as possible. There are so many factors including price point, location, existing students, job opportunities among graduation, size, and of course academic programs. The one thing to keep in mind when choosing a school is to find that perfect balance based on your preferences. For instance, when I chose to go to Delaware, I saw a location just within my price point and not too far away from home, which wasn't too big for me to get lost, but not too small for me to get bored. The collegiate experience also entails finding professors who actually care that you succeed, rather than choosing a school with "easy" professors. In the end, this will ensure you take new and useful skills with you into the real world upon graduation. Also, a professor who cares about your well being will be more likely to help yield successful results than an "easy" professor who may not give a damn. Many freshman lose sight of the real reason we go to school and spend much of their time partying, but the right school will ensure a much needed balance instead.

Rebecca

Research on how big of a party school the prospective college is. Many colleges are known for their students who study hard and party harder, so do the necessary research.

Melissa

The right college can only be found through visiting the campus and taking a guided campus tour. It is absolutely critical to talk to students their and get thier opinions about their experience. To get the most out of a college visit it is wise to plan to stay several days, look into campus events, sit in on some class if it is allowed, and check out the general area and local sites. It will give the prospective student a chance to experience a little taste of what could be to come. It also gives the parents a chance to prepare their child and know that they are making a decision for which they are knowledgable.

Kara

Campus tours are over rated and may hinder a false idea of what the college is actually like. You are better off asking a typical student rather than someone trained what to say. To make the most of the college experiance BALANCE BALANCE BALANCE school with your social life!!! Definitely get involved with extracurriculars too!

Marissa

My Advice would be not to put all your eggs in one basket. Make sure you apply to more then just one school in order to leave your options open. Also going to visit the campus and taking a tour is a good way to figure out if the school is for you. If you know someone that attends the college that you are considering asking them to show you a typical day would be helpful. Once you have decided on a college I would suggest making yourself open to new experiences. Be friendly and introduce yourself to everyone in your dorm, and sign up for some programs that catch your interest. As for your courses it can be difficult to get used to having larger lecture classes. Try to make yourself known to the professor by sitting closer to the front and asking questions after class. This way when they are grading you they can put a face to your name. Also for your first semester try to not pick the most difficult course combinations. Give yourself this first semester to get used to your surroundings and this new transition.

Lindsie

I feel that the more colleges you visit does not help you pick the right one. As soon as you find a school that you are happy with you should attend it. While at school, work hard to keep your grades up but at the same time make sure you have a social life or you will be miserable and suffer at school. Try your hardest and do not give up. Keep up with the work and make sure you enjoy your major because you must be able to have a happy future and enjoy your life.

Amarie

Visit the college first and see if it seems like a good fit. Once a college or two is narrowed down make sure to check the financial aid package that they normally give to students and make sure that there is a plan to pay for college. I'm currently struggling to pay for school.

John

Have a plan and be honest about it. They say you should do what you love, but don't tell you how to make a plan that will alow you to do so. Most of all, learn to work the system.

Andrew

Ultimately, when it comes down to making that final college decision, the factor that influenced me most was not the strength of the program, the size of the school, nor the diversity of the student population. It was whether or not I could see myself enjoying my time here for the next four years. Would I still be close enough to home to visit every so often and see my old friends while still being far enough away to feel independent? Could I see myself walking around this campus going to class, to work out, play sports, or just han g out in general? If you can answer yes to these questions about one college in particular, then that should be the one for you. Of course money always plays a role in determining which college to choose, but if it's not too much of a financial burden, and your gut feeling tells you that this is the one, than that is all you really need. Get as much inside information as possible, but try not to look too much into facts and figures as what really matters is whether or not you will enjoy your time there.