University of Arizona Top Questions

I was always told that I would know when I found the right place for me. It turned out that the first college I visited was the right place for me, so every college I visited after that didn't feel quite right. Don't stress out about this process. Just think carefully about your options. Be sure to visit the places you are considering. Once you have your options narrowed down, apply to all the schools, and apply early. The earlier, the better. College is most definitely about learning. It's about coursework and homework and new information. But even more then that, college is about figuring out who you are and learning about yourself. So, in choosing a college, find someplace that will have everything you need academically, but also someplace that will foster your own personal growth.

First of all, choose the school that you feel the most at home at. Be sure to choose a school that has academic programs that you are interested in. Don't be intimidated by the intensity of a program, but choose a school that will challenge you academically. Be sure to get involved with multiple clubs/organizations on campus; that will make the difference between success and failure in your classes, believe it or not! I do strongly suggest that you try living on your own because you will learn a lot about yourself and you will definitely grow as a person. Living in the dorms is your best bet your Freshman year. Thats where you will meet a lot of new friends and it gives you a good idea about how the university and residence life is conducted. Plus, everything you need is walking distance away! If you are going to go to parties and drink alcohol, be safe about it. Have a designated driver and know your limits. If you are a girl don't go running at night, rape is a real possibility!

Advice that I would give to parents and students about finding the right college is to go to the college that will fit to you, not the college that other people think that you will fit into. If you don't want to go to a big college, let your parents know. Also try to find a college that has an emphasis on your major, so that you can learn from the best. And if you are worried about money problems do not worry between the scholarships that the school offers and that you can find on the internet, there are thousands that you can find and apply for. And once you found that college that is right for you, you will know. Even if it is the arch-rival of your families school, you will know that it's the right college for you. And last, enjoy the experience of finding and exploring the different colleges with your parents. Because after you go to college you won't be living at there house and seeing them everyday anymore, except for maybe during the summer. So enjoy the time with your parents.

I think the most important important factor in finding a college and making the most of the college experience would be to make sure that your happy with where you go. I feel that if you wake up everyday and enjoy the people around you and the place you are in it makes going to school and doing the work much easier.

There are a number of important things to consider when you're looking for the right college for you. The following are the most critical areas to look at when considering a college that is right for you: cost, enrollment, class size, location, quality of education, strength of degree program you hope to pursue, sports, and clubs/extracurricular activities. It may also be helpful to contact the advisor for the specific degree program you hope to pursue at each college. Also, if possible, go to each of the colleges you are considering and take a tour of each campus. Try to schedule a tour when school is in session, so that you can talk to the students around the campus and ask them questions you might have. Students are the most honest, reliable source when it comes to learning about a particular college. Your education should be of primary importance while in college, although extracurricular activities are also very important. Most colleges have a variety of clubs in the following areas: departmental, honorary, governing body, international, leadership, service, religious, political, professional, sports, and special interest. Doing these things will allow you to make the most of your college experience.

It is very important to spend quality time on the campuses that you are thinking about attending. Take a campus tour to gain an academic perspective of what that college has to offer. Eat at the union and stroll along the university avenue. Hang out where there is frequent student traffic, during the daytime and at dusk, to see if the students leave after classes. Notice the way the school portrays itself and if it's congruent with what you observe. If you can picture yourself there, strike up some converstations with people. If it feels right then follow your instincts; you've probably found the school for you. The best way to gain the most from college is to enter with an open mind. Take challenges and try new things. Join clubs, make friends, put yourself out there. This is a time when you will grow and form beliefs that will begin to shape the rest of your life. Use this time to expand your mind by taking extra classes, internships, and research opportunities. Most importantly, don't be afraid to ask for help. The two secrets to making the grade: go to class and time management!

The best advice I have for prospective students is to visit the campus. There is so much more that you learn by visiting than by a school's website or brochures. Once on campus students will be able to get a feel for the intracicies of the school itself. How do you feel on campus? Do people smile or say "hi" when you pass them on the sidewalk? Do you get a general sense that you could feel at home there? In terms of making the most of your college experience, the simplest answer is simply get involved. Band, sororities/fraternities, athletic teams, political or religious groups, special interest groups, and living in a dorm rather than off campus are all ways to meet people and take pride in where you attend. Take initiative and even make the effort to get to know your professors - they are there for you. And keep school in perspective; academics is important, but the friendships you make really will last much longer than the piece of paper you receive at graduation.

Any college can be the right college. Ultimately, most colleges will have interesting courses, engaging professors, friendly classmates; your attitude and effort determine whether you are happy and successful in college. If you don't leave the door to your dorm room open or join clubs, you may not make many new friends; if you don't go to class you will not do well on exams. I have found that, even at a huge state school like University of Arizona, participation makes the school seem much smaller: in clubs I have met classmates with similar interests, in joining the honors program I found a small community, even going to football games gives a sense of belonging. Whether you are attending your first or fifth choice school, make, at the risk of sounding cliche, the most of it. When you create a community through participation, wherever you are will be the right place for you.

First of all, think about what you really want out of your college experience. Don't be afraid to take into account factors such as the size of the city, the availability of extracurricular activities that interest you and the 'feel' of the campus itself. Visit the school and just walk around, maybe even sit in on a class or two. You can usually pick up on the mood of a school very quickly. Do you prefer a more serious, studious environment or a more friendly and casual one? Remember you will most likely be living and breathing this place for the next four years so pick somewhere you are comfortable with. Choosing an institution with a friendly, easygoing feel doesn't neccessarily mean you are going to suffer academically. In fact, if you feel comfortable you will feel less stress (stress is almost a force of nature at university) and be able to study better! Likewise, picking a more serious or competitive institution won't neccessarily inhibit your ability to have an enriching social life (students everywhere want to make friends!) and can push you towards success .

I would say that any preconceptions that either parents or students have about college that are used in selecting a college must be thrown out the window and replaced with research. Visit the campus, talk to students, and make sure the school specializes in what you would like to pursue your career in. That way, you not only will be challenged and prepared for a professional career, but the people you meet will push you to be successful like them. However, know that you only spend four years, so students should never waste an opportunity to meet people or spend time with friends. We go to college for an education, but of what you learn you will remember what happens outside of the classroom the most. As a result, get as involved as possible in student clubs and organizations. Doing so will not only build your resume or provide networking opportunities, but it will lead you to making friends by providing an avenue to transition from work into play. I have made friends for life in college more through involvement by surrounding myself with people who are passionate as the same things as me, want to succeed, and are fun.