University of Arizona Top Questions

If I were talking to a future college student and their parents, I would tell them several things that helped me as well as a few new ones I would have loved to know when I was picking a college. When I was picking a college, the most important thing I found was do not rule out a school because it is too expensive. There are many scholarships, grants, and loans out there; cost is not a good enough to rule out a school. Also visit the schools you applied to before making your decisions, it might look great on paper but until you visit you will not know if you will fit there or not. I would also tell them to look at schools you might not have originally thought of; I never thought about the east coast or midwest, and know I really wish I would have. Overall, make your decision on you and what you want out of school. Most importantly, you need to make the decision not your friends or family, although their advice is usefull, they arent going to be there and do not know how you are actually feeling and what you really need.

Look into not the party scene, or for what sorority you think you should join. Look into the cultural diversity that attends the college, and how far your willing to expand your mind. I'm sure that partying is a huge part of life and the college experience, but think about your future, not your possible demise. And before you even think about attending college, make sure that it is truely for you. Too many students waste time and money by messing around and not knowing what it is that they want from life or school.

The most important piece of advice I can give is to visit the campuses of the schools you are interested in. College websites are designed to make each campus look like the greatest place on earth, and most schools do a very good job at this. More often than not, I've found that University campuses don't look anything at all like they are described on school websites. You can't get a true feel for a school without walking the campus, speaking to students, and even sitting in on some classes. By visiting each campus that you are intersted in, you can better your chances of enjoying you four years by a lot.

Really think about what do you want in your college and for your college experience and then go from there. Visit the colleges you are choosing and pick which one you really have a good feeling about. Talk to current students and almuni to get their opinions about the school and then really get a chance to ask these people questions. Since I didn't know my major I decided to go to a school that had a variety of majors to choose from. Pick a school which would help you most in your future and be realistic about the school you choose!

Take a look at the municipality the school is located in and assess opportunities available off campus. Take advantage of all resources available on campus and participate in extracurricular activities; they'll help you assimilate with a new environment and transition to a more independent life away from home.

The advice I would give to a parent or student looking for the right college to make the most of their college experience would be make sure they feel comfortable with the school environment including the type of activities the college supports and the school spirit. Make sure this college offers the type of academic program you are interested in studying to make a career of and that they offer a great advising team because for many new students need guidance from experience individuals who can help them and offer advice. It is very important to form an academic social life because they can come in handy when you become ill or need tutoring. Make sure your college offers internship opportunities in your area of study and have a great career services that can help you find a possible employer after college. I also believe that your professor really make a difference in the experience you have during you college experience. If your professor enjoys what they do and knows what they teach they will be able to inspire the student and make they strive in class activities and project and will make an impact on the student after graduation.

Having guided my younger brother through the brutal college application process, I know that many students do not have the financial or physical luxury to 'choose' a college. Therefore I would advise you to create your own network, especially in a large school, and become involved selectively (without overcommiting). Do those things which you enjoy most, and surround yourselves with those who will allow you to do it. As an avid reader and aspiring dentist, employment at UA BookStores and joining a pre-dental honor society were the best fit for me. I reluctantly dictate advice as I think you know yourself best; my best advice is to use the resources available to you, even if it means obtaining tutoring assistance as you have never before. When you graduate as the engineer or arts degree or whatever you wish to be, you will be a collage of the experiences you chose to have, not the mistakes we inevitably make. Appreciate your family too, and those that will be there no matter what. Finding the right college, is discovering a little more about you.

Make sure you know what your interests are. I reccommend taking an interest inventory survey, taking exploratory courses and speaking with professors in the interested field before making steadfast decisions. Find out what campus support systems are in place, external and internal activities, etc. Get acclimated to the new environment is very important for success.

Being female, the first thing I realized about finding the right college is it?s similar to finding the right pair of jeans. Obviously, you have your different brands: private or public schools. Within each brand there are a variety of styles: science and engineering or liberal arts schools. Finally, from this you have many different colors: big or small schools, urban or rural schools. When choosing jeans, you have to find jeans that suit your needs and flatter you. Conversely, you compliment that brand. As with jean shopping, college shopping is a long process. Really the only way to find what fits you is to spend time at the colleges. During the search for jeans, you have to explore many stores, trying on a lot of jeans; similarly you have to visit a lot of colleges which takes time and money, but in the end is worthwhile. By visiting the schools, you interact with the people and feel the atmosphere. From this, you can tell whether it suits you and whether you flatter it. If you spend time to find the appropriate college, you have already taken the biggest step toward making the most of your college experience.

Choosing the right college, in many ways, should not be the hardest or most crucial decision of your life. Rather a very important step along the path to getting you the right education and experience to guide you onto your career path through the rest of your life. There are many factors when looking at an array of colleges but there are some major points that should help significantly narrow the search. The age of your desired degree program at the school, experience and knowledge of the professors. Looking at the success rate of the alumni and if they?re going where you want to go will help show you a glimpse of what may be to come from that college. The cost of the education and the quality for the cost at the particular institution. Personally though nothing beats getting a feel for the campus, the classes, and the professors during a class day. Much of your happiness and motivation will come from the support and atmosphere of success around your classes and school. Enjoy this time, take it seriously, keep a positive attitude, and you?ll be quick on your way to success.