University of Florida Top Questions

you'll know it when you visit and try everything at least once.

The parents and students should do their research about the specific college or university they wish to enroll. If its too big or too small or even the city size. Also the quality of the education and if they know themselves enough to be mentally prepared to take on certain challenges is important in determining their choice of school.

PARENTS: Ive met lots of students throughout my college journey thus far, that say they hate their parents for making them go to certain schools. We students, dont like to be pressured. Therefore, I defintely agree that the parent should let the student decide what university THEY would like to attend. It shouldn't have to be based on legacy or what the student has always known. Take them on a roadtrip to visit other schools. Do research online, nowadays, parents have information about EVERYTHING within the click of a button. STUDENTS: College is all about working hard, having fun and networking. Make sure to become close to all of your teachers assistants, they sometimes can make or break your grade. Join lots of clubs and organizations, you will meet your very best friends and future co-workers at meetings and social gatherings. Learn a new language, Study Abroad, make new friends everyday and be practical. This is the time where we have ALL the resources we need to learn about everything. Take advantage of it.

"Dont judge a book by its cover." if you're going to pick a school, spend more than just 4 hours on a tour. Plan on staying a couple of days and making a drive around town on a Friday night. See what kids are doing. Also, make a drive past the library, see how many kids are inside - especially on weekends and during "party time." Most importantly, find out from local apartments how much rent is going for. If you're on a tight budget and still want to send your kid to school away from home, then finding out much rent is; its good to know what costs will look like. And, a lot universities have dorms that are full (including a waiting list).FINALLY, look at academic places. Pop inside a lecture hall, see how big it is. Schools with smaller class sizes will have smaller rooms. Bigger public schools have lecture halls that seat hundreds! And, look for the tutoring center. Find out where it is on campus. If your kid is afraid of a tough academic schedule, knowing where tutoring is maybe reassure them that they can make it at a college campus.

The right college is where the student can find his or her own happiness. Although cost of attendance might matter the most to many parents, having the areas of study that the student is interested in is very important. As the student focus on what they want to pursue, they are more likely to succeed. Not only would the student be happy about what he is studying, he would also be satisfied of the atmosphere the college provides. Availability of social network is a crucial element. Away from home, it would be difficult to ask for help from the parents. At such a transition, friends are those who can truly help. Friends provide both physical help such as giving a ride, they can also give emotional support.

Visit the school before hand. Ask people who attend the University, even if you don't know them. Read about the University.

Size of the campus matters. A large campus vs. a small campus can impact your learning environment.

The most important thing to consider when choosing a college is your future. Put emphasis on your near future and college experience as well as your career path as it will shape your distant future. Choose a place where you will be happy and where you will learn as much as you can.

Narrow your search to a school that suits your personality. Your school should resemble your home environment so your transition is a smooth one. Adjusting to a new school in new town can be a devastating situation if you have not made a good choice. If going away try to stay closer to home for the first year. I lived in Miami and going to Gainsville which was only 5 hours away was a great choice for me. I went away which has been a great experience but I was close to home. This made the transition for me so easy. Going away to school has been the best decision I have made and I strongly recommend parent to let thier children experience this. I aslo encourage student to go away, it is so well worth the srtuggle and it truly prepares you for life.

Life is short and beutifull; make the most of it. To become more knowlegeable of the world around you is a great treasure but one that can be of a very costly nature at times, although too live is to fight. If you want it you can earn it. It may seam impossible at times but just keep fighting till the end. The memories are the most important of all the rewards.