University of Delaware Top Questions

Reflecting on my college experience, I can honestly say I could not have asked for a better four years than the ones I lived at Delaware. With hindsight however, there are some things I wish I did differently. In seeing my friends' younger siblings starting the process of applying to schools I want so much to give them words of wisdom- advice and encouragment I wish someone had given me. In the broadest and simplest sense, the best advice I can give is to not hold back. If you are confident and happy with who you are, you are sure to attract numerous, worthwhile people, those that may be your friends for perhaps the rest of your life. Additionally, get involved! When first entering school, it can be an information overload with all the clubs and activities that are offered. Frustrating as it may be, find what you like, ask questions, and be active. I learned the hard way that school is not just class and books, but it's the relationships you make with others, and more importantly, what you make of yourself. In the end, how you have defined yourself as a person is what makes a difference.

Find the college that fits into your life at the moment bu t because things can change find one that will work with the student and their needs.Find the college that fits your budget and the one that best supports your goals later in life

The best advice I can give to someone is to find the school with the right size. A big school can be overwhelming to some people, and it may make them feel out of place. A small school will allow for smaller class sizes and a relationship with teachers.

As a high school student, college seems like such a far-off dream. But leaving decisions for the last minute is the worst thing you can do. As a junior, all I thought about was senior year and how much fun I would have, and college hardly ever entered my mind. Looking back, I can tell you that the earlier you begin to look and to prepare to go away to school, the better the outcome. I am very pleased with the college I chose, but had I begun earlier, I may have received more finaincial aid and found out more things about the campus on which I live. So although you know you won't be leaving home tomorrow or even next month, start looking now, at least browsing catalogs or searching online. It will only help you in the longrun.

Learn to balance social and academic life.

The advice that I would give parents and/or students about finding the right college and making the most out of the college experience is to start looking early. From my experience, I started looking at colleges when I was a Sophomore in High school. Doing research on schools, and starting to think about what you might want to study when you go to college is really helpful. Start looking at what schools have the majors you may be interested in and see when the open house dates are to plan trips to visit the colleges. If your undecided, its not a problem, many students do not know what they want to do. Make sure the colleges you are looking at have majors you may be interested in. I would also advise that students look at a wide range of schools from small, medium, and large to get an idea of how big of a school they would like to go to.

"College is the best four years of your life". As clich? as the saying may be, I truly believe college is an experience that everyone should make the most of. For some students this makes finding the ?perfect? school a daunting task. So how does one go about finding an institution that will provide them with a great education and a great social life? Research (through books and online) majors available, average GPA, and statistical information about the student population at every school you are interested in. Visit and make overnight stays at as most schools as possible. Talk to alumni and current students at every college you are interested in. It is important to get a feel for what each school is about, to help decide where you'll fit in best. You should have a feeling that you will 'belong' in whatever school it is you choose to attend. Therefore, when you begin life at your 'home away from home', study hard but always remember to play just as hard. Getting a good education while enjoying every moment of it is what I can say made my college years some of the best days of my life.

It's all about the feel of the school. Sure, some schools may be better at certain things than others, but unless you feel that you belong there the moment you step onto campus, then you're at the wrong school. The grades and achievments really only matter and mean the most when you truly feel that you our at YOUR school.

Parents should sit down and listen to their child about career choices. The biggest help was my mother. I told her I wanted to pursue a career in Hotel, Restaurant Management and perhaps own my own restaurant. She helped me weigh the pros and cons of this field. Parents and their student should look at the cost of tuition, books, meal plans, and housing. If the school you want to attend isn't within your financial reach look for a school that is. College life can be stressful enough without worrying how you are going to pay for everything. If available, students need to visit the campus with their peers and then again with their parents. Parents are accustom to controlling and making most decisions for their child. Parents need to take a step back and let their child ultimately make their own decisions. Students need to embrace their new found freedom with discretion and good judgement. Students should also keep in mind that parents are parents for a reason; they do, on occasion, have great advice, knowledge and experience.

I would tell parents to have a hands off approach when it comes time for their child to choose a college. I feel the best thing my parents did for me was to let me make all the decisions on my own. That way they knew that I was interested in and passionte about the schools I had choosen. I would also tell parents not to focus on or get too attached to one school. This could potentially lead to dissapointment if their child was not accepted. Applying to college can be very stressful and the last thing a student needs is the weighted pressure of their parents dreams that they go to one particular school. I saw many high school seniors who were crushed and completely depressed if they got rejected from their favorite school. Choosing and accepting to a University should be fun and often times outside pressures especially from parents or loved ones makes the process more stressful. In order to make the most of the college experiance it is important to surround yourself with positive activities, relationships, and courses that stimulate you and keep you engaged in your school.