University of Arizona Top Questions

It seems today that competition in terms of higher education--what type of degree you have, where you can afford to go--remains cut-throat, essential to the prosperity of an individual in this new American society; as a result, a person with a B.A, or even a B.S , makes significantly less, proportionally, to what he/she would have twenty years ago. Check this data. It's fact. To sustain a life of prosperity and happiness, you must have at least an M.A or, if you can afford it, a P.H.D. These degrees cost at least the entire lifetime earning of a working class family. Check that too. It's also a fact. So, is going to college worth the lifetime of debt and heartache of what could have been? Of course not. Again, check that. It's the most important fact. So parents, are you listening? No, put down that cell phone/electronic device/Coach bag/eviction notice down for a second and listen: if you can't afford to send your child to college, even now as you are living beyond your means, don't do it. Don't give them false hope.

I would advice that students go to their orientations to get a feel of what the campus is about. As well look at different clubs or activities that are planned on or around campus that the person might be interested in. For making the most of your college experience is just get involve from clubs to attending sports events.

Finding the right college is not a simply decision. It takes time and research to truly end up satisfied with your choice. The absolute worst thing to do would be to make a quick choice and regret it three years later. First I would suggest making a list of majors you are interested in along with places you are willing and wanting to live. This will help you narrow your search of universties according to their location and their offered programs. Many students end up changing their majors throughout their college career, and while that is not necessarily a bad thing, it will save transfer problems if you attend a school that offers programs for your multiple interests. Next I would look at the rankings of the schools' programs to see which could do the most for you. Finally, taking a trip to some of the universities may be beneficial. Even speaking with some current students might give you a better idea of what the schools are like. All of these will help you make the ultimate decision, but it eventually comes down to where you feel most comfortable. Always go with your gut. Good luck!

take a college tour..then you will know if its the right place for your child. You can just feel it!

My advice to parents is simple. Support your young adult's decision, whatever it is. This is a crucial juncture in their life, and the one thing they need to know they can count on is you and your support. For the students, my advice is fairly simple. Follow your gut. You will know which school you want to attend. Whether it is a school that you have always wanted to attend since you were a young child, or a school you recently discovered that provides you with all the tools for success, you will know. Cast out what other people are pressuring upon you and telling you where you SHOULD go. This is your time. Seize this moment, and make one of the biggest decisions of your young life. Do not let others make this decision for you, for then you will have lost the greatest chance you have to mold yourself. All your life, you have been molded and shaped into the person you are. Now it is your opportunity to choose how you want to be molded. Your instincts know where to take you. Listen to them, and acheive everything you ever thought you could.

Often times, students and their parents visit a university and listen to the prepared speeches of the college faculty and student ambassadors. This is a good way to find out the highlights and positive attributes of a school, but students and parents deserve to find out what's truly in store for the next 4-5 years if they decide to attend that university. I would advise students and parents to sit in on some of the classes the student would take. Perhaps (freshman, sophomore, junior and senior) classes from the major of the student's interest to observe the structure/format to see if they really like it and to look for the student most like them and see if (s)he would be willing to share his/her opinion of the college, major and programs available to participate in. This would be a great way to see what life really is like as a student at that school. These students could tell the real story and give helpful tips on how to make the most of the college and the major.

I would advise parents and students to choose the best colleges that apply to the students major. Apply for as many scholarships the student can as possible to prevent getting loans, Be involved in college and study hard, but have fun!!

Parents should have their children participate in progams such as upward bounds in order for them to be able to interact with college students and some faculty and ask their opinions about the different schools they want to apply for. Parents should also investigate how diverse the school is, how good advising is at the school, since advising does play a big role in a student's ability to achieve his educational goals; they should also check out the faculty and administration of different departments' availabilty to students who are seeking advice. Another advice for parents would be to pick a school that is not too far away from home, so that it is easy for students to go home as often as they need to.

For the parents of prospective freshmen, although you want your children to make the best decisions don?t force your kid to attend any college they don't feel comfortable with. A senior in high school that visits different college campuses is the best decision maker for picking the school that they believe will best fit them. To future freshman be prepared to not be prepared, learn to go with the flow of things. Most of the time things will not go as planned, but it is all a part of learning. And most importantly come to college with an open mind.

Just go with the school that you feel comfortable with. If you are going to feel like you don't fit in or are going to be scared to be yourself, then you should pick a different school. If you are content with your college choice, then you will succeed because it is a place where you want to go. Its not a big deal if you don't know what you want to do with your life yet. Parents please let you kid decide where they want to go. Do not try to force them to do something that was your goal or something you wanted. Your kid deserves a chance to go to the school of their choice and succeed on their own.