University of Arizona Top Questions

From all the I have learned throughout my four years at the University of Arizona, the strongest advice that I can give to a student is to be optimistic. Not only to be optimistic when you are finding a college but optimitic throughout your years at the place that you choose. You need to open yourself up to all different kinds of opportunties and be willing to take risks. College is not only a time to find out where you want to end up in life, but it is also a time to find out the kind of person you are. Being flexible in all situtations you are placed in and not being afraid to open yourself up to complete strangers, can really teach you so much about yourself. Be involved in as much campus actitivities you can; your college is full memories to be made. Overall, always remember, you get what you give in. This philosophy has a really helped me to gain experiences that will last me a lifetime.

When looking for the right college experience I would have to say the best information can only come from the students who go there themselves. Only they really know what the campus is like. Check out websites like facebook to talk directly to students or surveys to find out the statistics about the school. If you get a chance, visit the campus to get a feel for its environment and city or town its in. When you're there you can also ask the students around to hear their opinion. Also, make sure to research the best school that fits your major if you know it already. You wouldn't want to be attending a school that has a mediocre department for your major, this way you can get the best education.

When it comes to finding the right college for oneself or your child, it is necessary to do your research. Finding the right college is essential for one's success. The college you choose is where one will spend their next four years living, studying, and excelling at, therefore, it is necessary that one is content with their choice and enjoy the environment. The first thing I would look at is the programs offered at the college. You want to make sure that your major is offered or if you're undecided, you want to be comfortable with the programs offered so that you can find a major out of the selection. Another thing to look at are the activities offered, such as clubs, peer-student programs, and off-campus setting so one gets the idea of the campus and the future student's social life. Lastly, a campus visit will solidify one's decision. Although it can become costly, an alternative is to view online posts from students of the college on the school's website.

While we may never know what the perfect college for each of us would be, there are steps that can be taken to insure that we come close to it or at least are able to get the most out of the one we do attend. Research schools that have something that interests you, be it a certain field of study, the extracurriculars offered, or the internships available. Any and all factors should be taken into account while choosing a school to go to. From there visit the schools, brochures and online tours can only paint part of the picture that is the college expereince. Actually being on campus and seeing it for yourself is a great indicator if the school is right for you. Most importantly, make the decision for yourself and be happy with it once you do. You are going to go there, you are going to study and learn there, and you are going to start your journey there, no one else. Figure out what you want and go after it and you won't be able to make a wrong decision when it comes time to select your college.

Pick a college that will nurture the student's individualism and knowledge of the world. Intelligence is a vital and significant contribution to society.

I understand that my time in college is short I have a limit amount of time that I am essentially free to make or break my and my fellow students futures, with this in mind I have thrown myself full force into the college experience. I have been a member and now a missional leader for the University of Arizona branch of campus crusade for Christ. I joined the Pre-nursing club, and have had the opportunity to participate in numerous walks for the cure, soup kitchens, and charity fundraisers. Living in the dorms has given me the awesome experience of being a member of Hall council; I was elected residence hall association rep, and have worked closely with reps from other halls to enhance the dorm experience for all students. I have pushed myself to take honors classes, and have managed to keep my GPA at 3.8. Aside from all this I have worked in the university bakery, and now at the desk of one of the residence halls. I have made the most of my college experience thus far and plan to keep pushing myself, to get more involved and to make a bigger impact on campus.

I would say make sure you pick somewhere that makes you feel comfortable. Make sure you are picking that school because you want to learn and futher your education not to become the "party queen/king". Dont be discouraged to go to a school because it is to much money because there are ways to get around that. This is your future, your life, and you need to do whatever it takes to make your life what you want it to be. Also, dont go to a school because your friends are going there. If they are true friends, then you will stay connected no matter where you guys are. You are paying for the school you choose to get an education. The bonus part is that you will meet amazing people and have the time of your life.

Send your student to a place where there is good weather. It seems odd but the good weather seems to influence the daily behavior. The students are more easy-going. They have lots of social plans and theme events because they aren't worried about getting rained on or that fact that they cannot hang out in the square. Even though this university is huge, I have never gone over 10 minutes without running into someone I know. My classes, with very few exceptions, have been less than 25 students per class (my last English class had 17). I think the 'competitive' schools are over-rated. A number of my high school friends are 'taking a year off' which I think is because of the pressure that they have been under since the 9th grade. My U of AZ friends would not leave for a second! If you pick a state university, pick one where the kids don't feel like rejects. The tour guides at UMASS said "I didn't want to go here but now I like it". Everyone at UMASS fells like a reject because they HAD to go there - not true at U of AZ.

Perhaps one of the most important decisions you and your parents are ever going to make together is the choice of where to attend college. This process is lengthy, stressful, and at times, tedious. Therefore, it is imperative that there is plenty of communication and thought put into your decision from the very beginning. In order to make the most of your college expereince you must ensure that you attend a school where you are happy. This should be the single most important aspect of your ultimate decision; ask yourself: "will I be happy?" Speaking from experience, I have seen many of my peers drop out of school because they were unhappy with the university they attended. It is an unfortunate reality of the whole college expereince but one that occurs often. During your visits to several campuses, imagine yourself attending that specific school (look through the dorms, walk to the recreational center, etc.) and see if it feels right. There is no doubt that if you, with the help of your parents, do substantial research and communicate with one another about your feelings and goals, there is no doubt that you will find the right fit for you.

Enroll in a college that you feel comfortable at. Choose friends that will last a lifetime. Take time to select the field you will enjoy the rest of your life. Work hard and enjoy the the time as it be the source of some of your best memories.