University of Colorado Boulder Top Questions

My advice to parents and students about finding the right school is to focus on a school that will fit your personality. Big schools are not right for everyone, and the setting and focus of schools are different. It is important to go to a school setting that is going to fit your personality and make you happy and excited to live in that location. My advice about making the most of your college expirience is to get involved early. Connect with people in the residence hall, and find clubs or organizations that fit your interests and get plugged in to campus. Even the biggest school can feel like a small tight community if you are plugged into a group.

College is really what you make of it. Choosing the right college is contingent upon many things. Financial, social, academic, and distance from home should all be carefully considered. Although there may be rumors about the school being a party school or conversely being a very prestigious collge, each and every place is full of a combination of the two. The college experience is unique to each individual. I believe it is up to each and every student to follow their hearts and minds to find the balance between social and academic realms of their lives. College is a place full of opportunities and as adults, the responsibility lies within each student.

NTR

It's important to visit the schools and first decide on the size. Next, once you've decided on size, I'd suggest you visit schools in states that most interest you. Once these are identified a visit to each school really helps because you can see if there are students there that a like you. Also, it is important check to make sure the school offeres the degree or classes you are interested in studying. I remember when I first walked on the CU campus I know I wanted to go there. So, going with your gut feeling is important as well. I suggest the parents let the student make the decision. I know many friend whose parents would not let them go to Boulder, but I know they were the right fit for CU. Thats it!

During my junior and senior years in high school, I set out on a search to discover where I would spend the next four years of my life. I knew I wanted to go out of the state of New York, but I was having trouble deciding where to go. The qualities in a university that were most important to me were probably very similar to the qualities that other students may look for in their college search. I think it is important that a university has a strong academic program, not only for the studies that you want to focus in, but just in general. You have to think about the fact that you may not want to continue in the same major you declared Freshman year, so you will not want to have to transfer to an entirely different school. A college also needs a good balance between acadamics and social opportunities. You should not look back after graduation and regret not being able to go to football games or attend club activities that your college may not have offered. In general, I believe that you take out of college what you put into it.

An individual will find a place for themselves at any college they attend. Simply because a university has a certain stigma attached to it does not mean that that university is the right place for a student. College is a place for a person to find themselves. They will find the best friends, develop their personal and political views and grow into a responsible adult. As long as a person takes initiative and is determined to succeed, they will have a college experience that they will cherish for the rest of their lives.

Go away from home and your comfort zone of high school friends. Go a state or two states away or even across the country. Now known anyone is part of the college experience of meeting new people and living on your own without the posibility of going home over the weekend. Visit the campus; this was my deciding factor. Look for somewhere that revolves around the college and a school with a ton of spirit. The first week of school put yourself out there to meet new people, everyone is just like you and doesnt know anyone.

My advice that i would pass on to students and parents about finding a college that works for them is to look around. Travel to different colleges and just sit in on the action. I feel that the only way that you are able to know if you fit in at that university and if you are going to enjoy your time there is to be in that environment. Walk around campus and see if you enjoy the scenery, the size of the classrooms, how close your classes are going to be to eachother, the people, the transportation, the subjects they offer, and how close your house or dorm is to the activity on campus. If you find a place that you feel really comfortable at and you can see yourself walking around, sitting on a field on campus hanging out with your friends, going to social events like football games or just enjoying the scenery you will enjoy your time at that university. This will in turn help you recieve high grades because you enjoy going there, and ultimately that is what you want out of your experience! Enjoy your search!

I would advise a student to go and stay with someone that goes to that university for a couple days to interact with the people that go there and see if the classes are right for you. I would definitely check out variety of colleges and not just have your heart set on one. I would also recommend being open to people's ideas and values because you will learn a lot from people different then you, and they may even become your good friend. Always be open to have a good time and try not to judge people right away but let them prove to you who they really are. Don't use stereotypes, and form clicks.

When finding the right college... Be Patient-It may take a while to find the perfect school for you, but its worth it to look into multiple schools and then narrow down from there. Be Practical-Apply to colleges that you can afford, ones that have your major, and ones that you would be comfortable going to. Visit the campus-This seems like such a simple aspect, but visiting a campus can change your view of a school. I was torn on a few schools but once I visited CU boulder I knew that it was perfect for me. To make the most of your college experience.. Get involved-Joining intramurals or a club on campus is a great way to meet new people and adapt to your new atmosphere. Having something extra to give your mind a break from school work is also a major plus. Stay focused-There is always a lot going on, on a college campus. Learn how to manage your time allowing for school work as well as a social life. While its important to have fun in college, just remember that the main reason your there is to get an education.