University of Hawaii at Manoa Top Questions

When searching for the college that will give you the best experience, the student should never settle for a school just because it is near home or because all their friends are going. It's great to have a support system near by, but I feel college is the time to explore new places and meet new people while furthering one's education. Knowing you major is a great start to figuring out what school is best, but other big factors are class sizes and location of the college. For example, if one is more reserved, then maybe a smaller college is best for them, because teachers are more accessible and it maybe be easier to talk to classmates in that type of setting. Students should also remember that to get the most out of college, they should try to get involved in something, whether it be sports, student government, or other clubs. Its these types of activities that will help make more lasting memories of college.

Finding the "right" college for yourself, or perhaps your child, is tough. There are so many good schools out there. Don't limit yourselves to schools in a certain price range. There are tons of scholarships and financial aid opportunities. If you really want to go to school, you'll find a way to make it work. I suggest that you, the student, be true to yourself and choose a school that would help you the most. Find a school that will allow you to be your true self openly. If you're coming from a small school, don't just dive into a huge school. It'll take a while to adjust and hinder your academic progress-- believe me, I've been through it. If you do end up going to a large school, put yourself out there and get involved in clubs and organizations, whether it be a social organization or not. It would definitely help you feel some sense of belonging in a new and strange environment, thus keeping you on track and helping you to make the most of your college experience.

I would advise parents and students alike that regardless what school they attend to stay there for a full school year. I think too many time students drop out or transfer prematurely. It might take a couple of sememsters to familiarize onself to a given university. In order to make the most of the college experience you need to get to know facutly, university behaviors and who you are. You cannot do this if you stay at your first school is short.

Be practical. Go to a college that you feel fits you best. At my previous University I felt that the school was a very organic mesh with my own personality, but upon transfering to a different school, I never felt that feeling. As a result I have regreted transferring, but what is most important is that I never let it bring my academics down. I just simply viewed it as a learning experience.

During the process of finding the right college, be sure to consider all aspects of the college in mind. Every college has its own advantage and disadvantages. Being able to distinguish and select the college that is most suitable will be very beneficial in the future. Brochures and catalogs are freely available for most colleges and is a great source in the decision process. Also, campus visits, if applicable, are very effective. It will provide a brief overview of the experience a student may have during their college career. Another great source is the internet. Many web sites, such as CollegeBoard.com, can assist parents or students and provide valuable information. There are a number of ways to find the right college, so don't hesitate to explore. There is a college for everyone! Attending college is similar to an investment. Remember, the amount of effort and commitment you put into your college career significantly determines the outcome. Therefore, choosing the one that fits best will allow any student to achieve success and happiness.

Don't limit yourself. Base your decisions off want you want your life to be like and everything else will work out. Don't worry about being too far away or where you don't know anyone....these are the places you'll learn the most about yourself and grow.

I am a student who has done everything by myself to go to university. No one in my family has ever attended nor has helped me. To find the perfect school, select a location where the scenery/lifestyle would best fit you. This is what will make you the happiest. Next make sure they have the major you would want to have a degree in. Also find out about clubs and activities they have available to you. Lastly, make sure they have enough finacial aid to help you further your education!

I think a very important part of the decision is choosing a school with a diverse faculty and student body. This not only fosters greater learning potential, but also creates a healthy environment for studying. In this type of college, students are more likely to take their new friends surfing or go to see a foreign film than to stay up all night drinking at campus bars. It also invites a cultural curiosity, and study abroad programs can be one of the most enlightening and fulfilling experiences of any college career. College will always be a time for experimentation and new experiences, and choosing an environmentally and culturally conscious school will ensure that those new experiences are positive and productive.

As unknowledgable parents and incoming students whom do not know much about the college experience, the advisor i would give, is to first visit the school and see if you like, if it suits your personality or lifestyle.

I work as an academic advisor at my university and, from my experience, the most important advice that I can give you, as a parent or a student, is to keep in mind your financial situation. It is often the case that when entering the world of work the university you went to is less relevant than the job experience and social connections you have. Having to pay off student loans the rest of your life will put a damper on things. Students- pick a major based purely on your interests and not on your parents' recommendations, apply for as many scholarships as possible, and seek regular advising. Parents- do not try to coax your child into a Business or Engineering degree if it is not what they want, encourage them to apply for financial aid and scholarships even if you might not think you are eligible, and let college be your children's chance to learn independence, they will come to you when they need help. College will be fun no matter where you go as long as you follow that simple advice.