University of Colorado Boulder Top Questions

To visit the schools they have in mind and try to go out at night in the town and see if it's the right atmosphere they're looking for. If they have careers or fields of study in mind - to look into which school has the best departments, but not to get too hung up on that unless it's very competitive... you have to be happy in your surroundings to succeed and thrive in school

I would say visiting the campus and doing the tours are always a good start to see how the campus and university is. That really gives you a good idea of what you think about the city and campus and a good idea of if you could see your self attending the university or not.

I would tell potential students to not be intimidated by the future. There are so many expectations it seems, but I would tell students that they should just take their time and find their niche in the community. Through interactions with other students, find what you are passionate about and stick to it. Your values will carry you through the rougher times. Additionally, no one will create your college experience for you, so be brave and step forward towards things you thought were impossible. And even when school gets stressful and you're feeling overwhelmed, never ever forget about the lines of people on both sides of you who are cheering for your success.

As you search for an institution of higher education, be sure to have an understanding of what you want to do in life. This will not only narrow your search but allow for more detailed characteristics with which to judge the fit of potential schools. Explore the practical schools, and look towards the specializations within them. Look for schools with high professor interaction. Look for specialized career services departments; ask about their efforts to bring new companies in to hire students. Look for schools with the atmosphere you want, but large centers of business nearby so as to allow for internships and work experience. Look for culteral fit for your family versus the area the school is in. Look for campus opportunities for involvement, whether that be student orgs, religious orgs, sports orgs, or intramural teams. Look for a beautiful campus to set pride in the school, and admire the beauty in the area. Look for housing right away as it comes to later years, it will matter. But MOST of all listen to yourself or your soon-to-be student and how they think they'll fit in to the campus., that's the only thing that matters.

Visit

Since the college you pick is going to be basically your home for the next 4+ years, pick somewhere that brings out the best in your personality. You are aiming to get a good career, so don't pick a school just because all your friends are going there. But also don't pick a school you are completely uncomfortable attending.

Investigate what is to be expected of you in order to complete your major. Try to find ways to establish a good group of people to rely on for socialization, support, and studying-- having someone to share your ideas and thoughts with constantly is a good way to stay encouraged and focused. Partying is fun, but in moderation-- school is for studying and creating your future. Partying should act as a reward, not a must-have. Don't believe everything you hear; find the facts out yourself and then form your opinion--especially when it comes to politics. Too many people are followers and not leaders; be sure that if you are following someone, you have an idea of where they are going to end up.

For me, I applied to tons of schools that I thought I had interest in. In the end, the right one chose me. You may not get accepted into every school that you want, but you should always keep an open mind because the school you may not consider could change your life. I didnt even know about the University of Colorado until January of my Senior year of high school. Now, that I am here, I can't imagine my college experience to be anywhere else. Visiting the campuses before choosing is also so important. You should get a feel for the culture, population, size, and attitudes before ever picking a school. It is a really tough decision, but just know that everything happens for a reason, and you may not get into your dream school, but there is an alternative waiting out there to give you something you probably never expected!

I think parents and students need to find a stimulating environment when they choose a university. The university you choose should be the center of your world while you attend it. Whether you choose to really dive into research or join a fraternity or sorority or get into cultural events and social responsibility, the university you choose should be a place where you can develop yourself personally as well as academically. Students and parents need to find a university that has enough going on that kids don't have to party every night (although the occaisional party isn't a bad thing). The university you choose should really pull you in. It should be a place that you are enthusiastic about committing the majority of your time and energy (not to mention money) for four years.

For the average high school senior trying to pick a college--he or she does not know exactly what they want or where they want to be in five years. So yes find a place where you feel comfortable and that offers lots of different opportunites, because college is not about finding a career, its about completing an education. The best thing you can do for yourself in college is try new things, whether that be picking up a new outdoor sport or taking a class about Vikings, or just striking up a converstation with the kid next to you. Don't be afraid, branch out, don't put yourself in a box. It won't be easy though, but never stop striving to shape your mind the way you want it to be. Don't forget though that every action/decision has a consequence, good or bad. So make small goals, take each day at a time, don't be pressured into thinking that you have to have everything figured out, because that's what college is for--helping us become who we will be for the rest of our lives.