University of Georgia Top Questions

First and foremost, the rising college student must be true to what he or she wants out of life. Get involved in researching colleges early and really get an idea of what you might want to do when you're thrown into the fast paced world that awaits post-academia. If you are like most fresh out of high school students and have little inclination as to what you want to do, scope out universities that offer a wide range of opportunities. Do not only look after your academic interests, but also your extracurricular activities. College is a cohesive experience that sculpts an individual both intellectually as well as in character. Parents, help guide your new college students in their decisions with your past wisdom and get active in seriously discussing what your child wants in their future. Do not let finances stand in the way of bettering yourself through education and collegiate experience. Aid is abundant and can be found through state loans, federal work study programs, as well as fine scholarship opportunities such as this. Once you have found your school, dare to learn! Dare to live! Dare to find yourself! That is what college is all about.

Take an "off the beaten path" tour of campus. Walk around and talk with people. Sit in on a class that the student might take. If possible, have someone you know who goes to the university show you around as well. The future student should, if they feel comfortable, explore part of the area on their own. This allows both the parent(s) and student to find out things and ask questions without the pressures of the other group.

College is when a student learns how to live without his/her parents. Finding the right college is a difficult decision but with a little research, it may not be too hard. First the student and parents should discuss cost and distance. If these two factors play a role in the student's ability to attend a college, he/she may consider a community college. If its do not matter the student should make a decision on the location he/she would like to spend the next few years of his/her life. The college itself is important but also consider the town or city it is located. Some important issues which need to be considered are classroom sizes, activites on campus, and meal plans. The best thing a student can do is ask current students who attend the college and learn different aspects. Two ideas for all students to keep in mind is consider your parents when finding the right school. The student is not the only person affected when attending a college. Second, later if you feel like the new college was not the right one you are still able to change to your second choice.

Find a college that you are comfortable in and can become proud of. The college that I go to is huge and very tough when it comes to academics and athletics, but I still feel part of the "group." When it comes to making the most of college, look around your college and see what you find out. This goes beyond just joining clubs, fraternities/sororities or organizations. I have had the most fun by just walking around the campus and seeing what is around. College is a journey, a journey of educational and in the end, personal enlightenment.

Research schools that are near by home first if you plan to attend school in the area; if you plan to go out of state, look into how much out of state tuition is. Keep in mind that expenses can get really high and out of hand if you don't know how to budget and keep organized. In state or out of state, expenses will come to you either way. Find colleges that you know you will be safe attending; safety is important when living on campus. Look at what the school has to offer, clubs, intramural sports, school sports, sororities, fraternities, etc. It is always good to be involved on campus to meet and make new friends which could lead to life long friendships. College is definitely a huge stepping stone in life, and you really leanr to find out who you are and what you want. Determination, independance, and responsibility are qualities that you acquire or strongly develop during your time in college. College shapes you to be the person you will someday be in the future.

Always choose a school that offers the degree program that you want, but make sure that it also offers desirable alternatives in case your plans change. Also check out the social life - you'll want things to do on weekends when you're done studying. When you make your choice and finally get on campus, try to maintain an effective balance between studying and socializing. Most of the friends you make will be in classes and in the dorms, so try to live on campus as a freshman or sophomore. Also, GET INVOLVED! That is the quickest way to make new friends and stay active. You can try clubs, sports, fraternities or sororities, but definitely do something. However, remember the main reason you are there - your education. Always keep up with your classes, ask your professors for help if needed, or form study groups with classmates. Maintaining a high GPA as you complete your study programs has many benefits when registering for classes, not to mention those you get after graduation.

To maximize my college experience, I took into account many factors. Distance from home, the quality of the campus, the academic fever of the campus, and the ability to grow as a student but also a person. Parents and students should discuss all of these issues before making a college decision. For parents, make sure to set up a budget with your child and also keep an open line of communication with your child throughout the year. For students, be willing to accept those different from you. When I arrived to college, I was so astonished by how many people there were and how different they were from me. Please don't let these differences keep you from making amazing new friends. In addition, students, be wary of slipping through the cracks academically. Make a promise to yourself that you will actually attend class even if attendance is not taken. Being in the presence of the professor really does make a difference in your GPA. Furthermore, seek advice from your elders and your parents. They have a much greater amount of life experience and asking the opinions of older people really helped me make major decisions, such as my major.

First and foremost, a student or parent should decide what their expectations are from a college. They should determine certain aspects which they view as essential to a successful college career, such as a strong research program or opportunities to study abroad. Secondly, they should choose areas that they would be willing to compromise on, such as mandatory on-campus housing. Maintaining a certain level of flexibility is important when choosing a college, since it is unlikely one school will have everything that they desire. Another important tip to consider is that throughout a college career, one will grow and change as an individual. Therefore, the student should choose a college that will allow them to pursue their own interests and hobbies, as well as explore new ones. A diverse college, one that exposes students to new ideas, situations, and people, will help them become better-rounded as individuals and more prepared for life after college. Always bear in mind that the individual, not the college, is ultimately responsible for their own college experience. A student that is friendly, spirited, outgoing, intelligent, and eager will find that their college experience will be great no matter which college they attend.

Guide your kids, but let them find their way. Avoid being a 'helicopter' parent and let your kid have their own college experience.

Read everything and stick to your plan. If you go to school with a "loose" game plan and you stick with it you well do more than you ever dreamed. Also, when you read everything you discover so many different opportunites toward your major, money, and even great things like research opportunities or free study abroad programs. When you take charge in your education you will enjoy the experience so much more.