University of Delaware Top Questions

In finding the right college, know your limits--if you want to move away from home or not. Also, try to pick a major before-hand, that way you can choose the college that has the best options for you in that field--make sure the college has enough options for you in that field in case you have a change of heart.

The transition into college life is almost universally difficult. It is a different lifestyle than most young adults are used to. However, a well chosen college can help with this change. As far as picking a college is concerned, focus on the size and typical weather of the campus as well as which school is offering the best financial aid relative to their tuition. The bit about the weather is more important than many people realize. If it is always hot, or rains a lot, or snows too much for your taste, then even an otherwise ideal school might not be the one for you. When you do get there, get to know the people you're living with. Usually, they're going through the same thing you are, and it is a great way to make new friends. Then, find a club that does the sorts of things you're interested in. The people you meet their may turn out to be some of the best friends you ever make. Finally, go to class. One of the biggest and most common mistakes I've seen new students make is skipping classes. You'll regret it. Now, get to it!

My biggest tip for parents and students when finding the right college is to follow your gut. If you feel that you'd be better in a small/large school, pay attention to that feeling. If you get a weird feeling while walking around campus, don't ignore it, it probably won't go away. Sure you can always transfer if you realize you made the wrong choice, but the transfer process is more of a pain than the original application process, and you won't have your high school counselor there to help you with it all. Plus, sending grades and transcripts are a lot cheaper as a high school student than they are once you start at a college. College is the time when you learn to transition from student to adult, from a sheltered world to absolute reality, and the last thing you need is to be uncomfortable and unhappy.

In order to find the best college, you must first determine who you are as a person. The college that you chose to attend should reflect your personality, your aspirations and the principles that you hold dear. For example, if you are a very independent person and look forward to operating in an environment with independent goals in mind, a larger school might be best, because a person who is a go-getter and individually inspired will be rewarded for their efforts. If you thrive off of comradery from peers and teachers, a smaller school, or a larger school with a more intimate setting for your major or an honors program, would fit your needs. If you are able to hone in on what your own value system is and the best setting for success for you, then you can use your own internal compass to guide you to the perfect college. It will be that college that you will be most happy at and will satisfy your needs the most. Then, you will be successful and, most importantly, happy; the perfect college comes from within you.

choose whatever you feel is right for you! i've found that UD is the best school for me and hope that you would too!

When selecting a school, get the most use out of the resources available, such as tutoring or extra help, scholarships, internships, or job availability. Make the most out of college by participating in campus activities. It makes finding friends easier when you join clubs, fraternities/sororities, sports, and other activities and gives you something to do both during the week and on the weekends. Get to know your professors whether it's a big class or small, it will benefit you in the long run. When looking for a school think what environment you see yourself most in, for example do you see yourself in the city, or suburban environment? Make friends with upper class men so you can learn more about your school and get pointers on what classes and teachers to take. Make the best out of your four years!

The FISKE guide to colleges really helped me, as well as searching through collegeboard.com. Both of these resources gave me a good look at the basic things I was interested in, such as school size, cost, what majors they offered, things like that. I think knowing what size school you are looking for is important, because that's a big part of how you learn. If you don't learn well in big classes, a huge school wouldn't be right for you. I believe making friends is easy wherever you go, but if you go to a big school and want a smaller environment, I would suggest joining some sort of club. I would suggest that anyway, to anyone, because I think it's nice to have a community within a community. You meet lots of people when you join clubs, so sign up for a bunch and see what you want to stick with! But if you don't know what type of school you're interested in, just go visit! I had no idea where I wanted to go and I couldn't be happier where I am now.

Choosing a college can be overwhelming...I know! I went to at least 12 different schools along the east coast, trying to find the one best suited for me. When trying to find the perfect school for you I suggest you keep an open mind because each school I looked at offered something special and unique. Know whether you want small classes, large leactures, and a small or large student body and that can hel you narrow down your search. Also, it helps to know what major you want to focus on! I suggest looking for an exciting student environment and the extracurricular activities each school has to offer. Look at the library and study center (you'll be spending a lot of time there!) and check out the sports facilities (intramural sports are offered at most schools and are a great way to relax). Some schools even allow you to see a dorming facility (It's not the home you're used to, trust me, but you learn to love it!!) Finally, I'll suggest looking at the University of Delaware! It's a fun school with a great student-faculty relationship and an exciting, thriving environment!

When you visit, you can feel where you belong.

Make sure you select a college you can afford. A better college may look more appealing but it's important to weigh and the pros and cons getting a degree from that institution versus graduating with a huge amount of debt. Get to know people on campus, form a social network. Get to know people in your major, it will be useful. Take advantage of any tutoring services on campus, a lot of times they're free. Always ask your professors questions, don't be too shy to raise your hand. Someone else in the room is thinking the same thing. Don't procrastinate, it will come back to hurt you.