University of Delaware Top Questions

Make sure you look at all colleges and get advice from students.

I came to college to learn. Sure, I learned a great deal in the world of academia, but that is a tiny part of the experiences and life lessons I have had in college. Wherever you go, or whatever major you choose, to take the most out of college you need to remember each day to try something new, go up to that stranger in the dining hall and sit with them, talk to your professors as real people and not just that person standing in the front of the room, join an activitiy you wouldn't have the opportunity to do otherwise, study abroad. College provides you with opportunities you will never have again, so take the risk and go for it while you can. In twenty years you won't remember that test that you could have studied harder for or that class you aced, but you will remember the people you met and the experiences gained from "that one night in the dorm" or the championship football game. Just remember to take it all in and treasure it, because four years fly by faster than anyone could imagine, and I promise they will mean the most.

I found that being completely reliant on tours and information provided by the school is a very risky thing. It should be recognized that they are pitching you a sale. Students and parents should not only hear what the school has to say, but, if possible, they should find some way to speak to current students at the school in a completely candid environment. And when doing this dont be afraid to ask questions that are important to you as a student and a person. Questions that enquire about classes, jobs, research and the like are all good, but ask about the students' lives as well. How is the food? the social life? How do students spend their weeks and weekends? The fact is that this is going to be your home for the next 4 years. Moreover, your expensive home! if you're going to be spending all this time and money, make sure its a place you'd really like to be. There is a college out there for everyone who wants to attend, it just may take some thinking and prodding to make sure you find the right one. Good luck.

I was always told not to pick a college based on the price, but I think in this day and age that is HORRIABLE advice and not being mindful of my schools price has affected my entire family a great deal and has put a serious damper on the start of my future. Other then that I would tell student to BE HONEST WITH YOUR PARENTS ABOUT EVERYTHING!!! weather its drugs or sex, becuase if anything were to happen to you someone trustworthy needs to know what EVACTLY is going on in your life so that they can help or even save you!

Making a college descision can be difficult, but first and foremost college needs to be seen as an education. You should make sure that the instituion has the programs that you want, but also classes outside your major that you might want to try in order to find interest in something else. Also find a college that gives you all the opportunities to succeed, a college that wants you to do well. Other than education the size of the campus really needs to be considered. Some people can be thrown off by the adjustment to college because after all it is a very big step, so choosing a college with a comfortable size is key. Lastly, after you narrow down your decisions actually go on an overnight stay with a current student so you can truly get a feel for the social aspect of the college. Yes, you are going for the education but you are going to socialize, it is inevitable, so you want to feel at home.

Visit as many schools as you can so that you have a diverse knowledge and understanding of what you want in a school.

My advice would be for parents and their students to sit down together and discuss what they are looking for in a perspective college. There are many things that can influence your decision. How far away from home the school is, how much tuition is, what kind of reputation the college has for academics and sports. Also what kind of sports programs are offered. College is a great experience and should be taken by the horns. Clubs and other activities offered at the college are important. Looking into programs like study abroad is beneficial. I have found a new love for different cultures through study abroad. Also housing and the social life of the college. Talking with students who currently go to the college would be an excellent idea to get a feel for how involved most students are and how satisfied they are with their classes, and education overall! And for students, find something you love to do or to learn about because it only makes college that much better and more interesting!

When applying to college,you should definitely visit every school you are considering if you can!! When looking at schools, look at where you'd fit in most as well as the academics and cost. I have so many friends that went to a school without visiting and when they finally got there, they realized that they totally didn't fit in, and they were miserable. Make sure that if you aren't sure about what you want to study, you go somewhere that has many options. When you get to school, don't join a club or a fraternity/sorority or take a class just because your friends are doing it or because it's the cool thing to do. Just be yourself, and you will easily find the best friends you've ever had! Also, don't wait till the last minute to do work. Some classes don't have any assigned work due for a while, but still keep up on reading! And have a good time!!!

There is more than just one college that may be right for you. Don't be afriad of transferring. If a college that you thought was right for you isn't a great fit, find another one!

I would suggest that students make a list of what they want out of a college. For example, how far do they want to be from home, how much can they and their parents afford, what size they would their college to be, etc. Then I would do a search with the selected criteria to find out what matches and go to visit those schools. As a rule of thumb, I would apply to a minimum of three schools and a maximum of six, making sure that at least one of the schools is a "safety" school. If the student can, they should apply to one "reach" school. To make the most out of the college experience, I would suggest being friendly and making an effort to get to know people. Most importantly, join activities that the student enjoys and above all, try to get along with the roommate. This is key because they are going to be the person you spend the most time with.