University of Connecticut Top Questions

I would emphasize visiting the college (i.e going to orientation) before going to a school. A school may do all the things rite such as give scholarships, have friendly people on the phone, etc, however this does not mean that it's the best school for you. I also emphasize using all resources available to you when it comes to applying for scholarships. Make sure you like the school for you and not for your parents.

I would advise students to think for a long while about what they realistically intend to achieve academically at college, and then decide on a school that matches their goals. Many students seem to deceive themselves into thinking that they need to go just so that they can have the experience of living on a campus. This is far from true, and it should not be a factor (or at least not a very strong factor) when choosing a college or university. There is too much emphasis on having fun at college, so much so that some students decide to go to a school that looks more fun extra-curricularly over a school that is stronger academically. In the long run, how much fun a student had at college matters very little--especially when it comes to getting a good job. As such, it is far more important to choose a school that fits academically than it is to choose one that supports an excess of extra-curricular activities.

I would visit ALL schoools before applying and get a feel for it. Finding someone you know who attends the school is a good idea because then you can experience a day in their college life. Once you enroll and begin attending your school, give it a chance- if you don't like it at first maybe it's because you just haven't found your niche yet, so give it time and you will eventually find something in the school that suits you.

First of all, parents be open to your kids choices of schools, especially if you can afford it. For a kid to be able to attend their "dream school" would inspire that kid/ young adult to make an extra effort to be able to stay at the school. For those students who unfortunately cant afford to go to their dream schools, take advantage of the schools around you, enjoy the experience and use it to springboard into doing what they want to do and go where they go following their graduation. To make the most out of college, students must learn to associate and network themselves around good people who may benefit them in the future. College give the student a chance to get away from their parents at a time where most teens and parents may need a little space. College allows for students to get away, and it allows for parents to feel safe with knowing that their kids are in a controlled place. College is a great place to learn, as well as grow up. Freshman come in as 18 year old kids and leave as 22 year old adults and the experience is unlike no other.

Choosing the right college is one of the most important choices you will have to make in your life. I suggest that you sit down and go through all the colleges that interest you. Once you are done with that, you should go visit them as often as you can and talk to as many students and professors at the college that you can. Getting as many different views of that institution that you are looking at is the best way to get knowledge of that school. I chose the University of Connecticut by doing exactly what I said in the previous statements and have not looked back once. I love it here and if I were to choose to do it all over again I would not change a thing. Once you are at college you must make the most of all your opportunities. When you first get there, it is alright to focus solely on school until you get your footing. After a few weeks of that though you should really branch out and join as many clubs as you can and are interested in. The best way to maximize your college career is to become involved!

I would say to students is that you should pick the school that fits you socially and academically. College is your own personal decision and you should make sure that its the right one. I knew Uconn was the right school for me because it fitted my academic needs and my social needs.

Finding the right college: -Take your time to choose. Price is important, but you have to know that the culture at the school fits YOU. YOU are unlike anyone else in the world, but you share something in common with everyone. Just find the school where you seem to identify with everybody. Making the most: -It's up to you. Get involved in student activites. Do it. Even if you're gonna be crazy and be an engineer or something, get involved in a fun student group on campus doing what you love. Nothing will bring you closer friends and better connections than that.

Always go with your gut. Make sure it is a place you will feel comfortable and know that you will be challenged as an intellectual and as a person. Don't be afraid of growth and change.

Finding the right college can seem overwhelming. There is alot of hard work and time that goes into making the decision. When it comes down to making the decision go with wherever you feel the most comfortable. You should be able to see yourself living on the campus for the next four years. I didn't know where I wanted to go until the very last minute, but when I compared my choices I knew the right one was Uconn. I could totally see the next four years of my life unfolding here and I felt completely comfortable staying on the campus. I definitly made the right decision.

Finding the right school isn't easy. Its important to remember that just because a school looks great on paper,it might not translate into a fairytale. Having a star football team or prestigious alumni doesn't mean its right for you. So VISIT the campuses. TALK to students. What made them choose to attend? Tours are great, but the real dirt comes from students. Set on a major? Contact someone in your program who can give you the inside scoop. No major? No problem. Many schools offer exploratory programs. DON'T be afraid of big schools. big schools mean more people, but they also mean big options. GET INVOLVED. It sounds like a broken record, but there is no better way to meet people. Like to ski? Want to skydive? Learn Salsa? you're bound to find a club or start your own.TRY SOMETHING NEW! There is no better way to learn about yourself then by branching out. Play soccer or ultimate frisbee? Most schools have tons of intramural sports teams. If your school offers a greek life system, consider going Greek! No matter what you do, getting involved will make the transition to college smoother for you.

Its not only where your college is located, but also what the programs offered are. Just because you want to go to a specific college, doesnt mean its the right college. To me it was about the program, and through that i've found friends that i know i will keep for life!

If at all possible, experience your choices beforehand outside of tour groups. Check out some clubs and lurk in on some classes in a field you are interested in to get a feel for them. Spend some time alone around campus to see how people really are when you are indistinguishable from themselves. You may know all the details about the school, but until you spend some time there in such a way as if you were already a student there, you will not know if it is for you. I've know numerous people who were thrilled about coming to my school, but after getting here they couldnt handle the environment , a feeling that group tours do little to help relay. To get the most out of the college experience, maintain an open mind. Until now, you've been in a relatively sheltered environment, and the change to college life can cause one to close themselves as they adapt. Instead, look for clubs or events that interest you, even if you've never tried something like them before. Dont overwhelm yourself, but always be trying new things to make the most out of college and out of yourself.

Make sure you visit the campus and talk to some of the undergraduates and professors before deciding to go to a school.

The best advice I can give others about chosing the right college for them is to think hard a make a list of the most important qualities you want your college to have and then to spend a long time researching a variety of colleges. I think it is important to give many schools a chance and to then visit them and experience different environments so that you know where you will really feel comfortable. I also encourage people to be practical and make a list of attainable and affordable schools. Students should definately look at average, safety and reach schools that are academic social and financial fits. Furthermore, I encourage students to base their decisions on what is important to them and to not be influenced by their parents prefferences. Parents do often know best and their advice shoudl be considered but, they are not the ones who will be attending the school!

One of the most important things to do to find the right college for you is to go to that campus. It makes such a big difference if you go for a day and just walk around like you would your freshman year. If you look around the buildings you'll be studying in or going to lecture in and go eat at the dining halls you'll be eating at, you get a better feel for what your college life would be like if you go there. Also if you ask people walking around campus how they feel about the university, you can see the pros and cons to being there. Once you get to your college the first thing you should do is to join clubs. I've personally found clubs to be a great way to meet people and to make life long friends and career contacts. Sure you could go through college without a social life, but college isn't just about academics. Through clubs and sports you can meet people who will make your four years of college some of the your best.

The only advice I really have to give is follow your interests and make sure there are a wide enough variety of classes that should you lose your passion for your intended major that you can always switch to something else. For a while I was set on being an Art major and then I decided I didnt like it anymore so I switched to History, and that was just one of a plethora of other options to choose from. Go where you feel comfortable and make it a place that won't put you in debt until youre 40.

Find a college that has a campus that suits your style, you feel comfortable with, and that you can afford without too much difficulty. While private schools are more expensive, they also tend to give gratuitous amounts of financial aid and often end up costing the same amount as public schools, so don't forget to check them out as well. Most importantly, do not think that only the best schools have a good education, while going to a well known school is something to brag about (and admitedly my be helpful for certain career fields) usually only the degree and experience in the particular field of study mater to a future employer.

My advice is for transfer students: do NOT rush into your choice. I was so excited about leaving my old school that I believe I ended up at a school now that is not really right for me. I encourage transfers to research even more than they did for entering their freshman year -- once you transfer, you can't really do it again.

Make sure the college you attend has a program that is not extremely hard to finish aka 5 years because you cant get into the classes. I would also look into the whole picture such as the ease of being at the school. Campus life and dorm situations can get ugly and knowing whats in front of you makes everything less shocking and inconvient. Enjoying the atmosphere of the school is a huge plus such as if the school is mostly greek life or sports affilated. Overall talk to people who have been to the school or when at the campus visit walk around and watch the actual spirit of the campus. GOOD LUCK!!

Make sure you go to the school before deciding! Go a few times in different seasons and differrent times of day if at all possible. College is a big invesment, like a car. You wouldn't buy a car without test driving it, so why go to a college without trying it out. To make the most of the college experience, students make sure you find something you love to do on campus. Maybe you join a singing group, or play lots of intra-mural sports, or a sports club. If you want to try something, do it!! You have nothing to lose. Make sure you leave time for your studies, the first semester is a huge adjustment. Good luck to all!!!