University of Colorado Boulder Top Questions

Find the place that will keep you happy and healthy. Choosing a school should not individually be based on education. Think about where you would want to learn your life lessons as well. If you are content in your environment, focusing on studies will come more easily. Discipline yourself to go to every class. It is not impossible; you will wish you had gone in the end. Remember to reward yourself as well, everyone needs unique personal incentive. College is an experience of self discovery that will lead to wisdom of who you are and how you will contribute to our world. The journey is challenging. Learning is not meant to be easy, but it is always worth it.

Make sure you are aware of the social, economic and community while being advised of academics

We hear the quote ?ask not what your fellow man can do for you but what you can do for your fellow man? all the time but we only selectively apply it to life. When parents and their kids are looking at schools to attend they are usually focused on what the school is offering them in terms of academic reputation, real-life experiences, financial aid, or diversity. These sorts of thoughts are examples of asking ?what your fellow man can do for you?. Instead look at college as a chance for you to do something for your fellow man. Don?t go into college wanting an opportunity to approach you. Go with the attitude that you are going to make a difference on this campus and leave a legacy for those after you. The most meaningful lessons I have learned in college do not come from the classroom but instead come from the times when I took the opportunity to make a difference and become a leader on campus. If you live your college experience with the attitude that you are going to make a positive impact then you will make the most of whatever school you attend.

The meaning behind finding the "right" college can be different for every student. An individual may generate lists containing certain aspects in which they need in a college, however, they may not have the same aspects and qualities within a school by the time they graduate. In order to find the perfect college, one must be able to allow for alterations within their composed lists of qualities of their desired institution. Take risks. Allow for some room to grow. Make sure to individualize yourself, and do not be afraid to step out of your boundaries.

Aside from choosing the right college based upon location or weather, I recommend that recent high school graduates take a year off and spend time volunteering, travelling and perhaps a little working in order to really understand who they are and where they are going in life. Afer discovering that I was not intended to study business as first thought, I discovered my love for foreign languages and exploring the world. Volunteering is an amazing opportunity to meet people with incredible wisdom to share and circumstances that will undoubtedly create a lasting effect upon one's life. After I found myself stuck in a large state school, I realized that it was too late to transfer to a small liberal arts college. I truly believe that all high school graduates about to start an exciting new chapter in their lives must dedicate a portion of theirs to understanding and helping others. It is the most valuable lesson to be learned and is not offered in any classroom.

Talk to some of the students that attend the college and ask them their opinion of the college. I also would tour the campus, check out the extracurricular activities and make sure there are clubs or activities that interest you. Spend a few days at the college to get a better feel of the city and atmosphere. College is difficult to adjust to at first but everything gets better.

BE HONEST with yourself! Do not try to pick a college for what you want to be or who your parents want you to be! Be true to yourself and be honest with what you want out of your college experience. Find a place you'll be comfortable in. This is where you'll really strive, because you won't be pulled in a million different directions to be somenting or do something your not. With that said, do reach a little bit higher than you think you can, you'll be pleasantly surprised with a little push and what a little challenge can do, and rising to the occassion will come much more easily than you think! I've heard time and time again "time management is key", "the difference between a good student and a great student is time management," and though I've fought it for so many years, but guess what...IT'S TRUE! Though I've said be honest with yourself that doesn't mean don't try new things, because that's what college is all about! So remember TIME MANAGMENT! Be honest and open with yourself! Push yourself! Try new things! HAVE FUN!

Searching for the right college can be a tough process, and when you start out, you may have this perfect vision of what your college should be like, or where the perfect college experience will take place. It doesn't always work out the way in your dreams, however, but that doesn't mean that you didn't end up in the right place for you. Once you get to the University you accept, get as involved in the community as possible, that way, you can get to know the community and all the people in it. Join the Greek system--it's totally worth it. And just be yourself--things always work out when you are.

I would strongly advise parents and students to keep their minds open. If there was one regret I had about the college application process, it would be that I didn't explore enough colleges. I know many are concerned about the cost. I was, but there are many colleges out there who offer stupendous financial aid packages. They might not be as well-known though. Attendance at the Ivies does not necessarily mean success. Employers like to see those with intelligence, but also those with personality. Get out there and visit colleges. Find an environment that *feels* right to you, an environment that you feel you can grow in. As cliche as it sounds, college is really the time to be exploring. So many of my friends have found hobbies or interests through joining university organizations. I mean, how do you know unless you try? From health to snowboarding to environmental protection, most colleges offer a variety of extracurriculars. Not only will they balance out your schedule (class gets old), they might light a spark and set you on track toward a career that you'll really feel passionate about.

get involved in school activities visit as often as you can with professors and t.a.s there is always financial aid if you need it