University of Idaho Top Questions

Choosing the right college is like finding the right job. While it is important to base your college choice upon factors like finances, personal goals, school reputation, and location, it is more important to realize that things change in life. Many people change their majors partially through their school career; this might cause them to change schools in order to pursue the new major. However, the most important factor is the reputation the school has for the interaction between the professors and students. The thing I enjoy most about school is this interacton, as I can glean information from professionals and use it to build my own knowledge about a certain career choice. Another thing that should be considered for a college choice would be the social atmosphere of the college. As much as college should educate you for your future career, it should also present you with opportunities to enjoy life and relax. If this is not there, it is highly likely that students will give up in their studies. As the old saying goes, "All work and no play makes Jack a dull boy." So don't be afraid to try new things, expect change, and have fun!

Go visit the college that you are interested in. You'll know right away if you feel 'at home' or not.

Go where feels comfortable. It isn't all about what school offers the most money.

You have to take into consideration that a college is more than its statistics. Talk with students there and ask them to not sugar coat it. Parents and students alike need to also realize that while you have to study hard and work to get good grades, college is also about growing socially. This may be the first time you meet people with such different viewpoints, and it's important to see what else is going on besides what you are used to, so that you can make well informed choices about your life. Also, if you have a major in mind, find out exactly what it will take to get that degree. Some schools require a lot more classes that you wouldn't expect you'd have to take, and the last thing you want is to be taken off guard your senior year and have to do a really time heavy freshman course.

I would tell parents/students that they should look beyond location and geography when selecting the right college. Programs inside the college are very important, and it is cruicual that your school has a good program in the area you are going into. Kids going away to college are more alike than they are different, so don't judge a school based on just its appearance. For example: a school on a beach or in a big city may be glamourous, but will the education you receive there really add value to your diploma? Will your education make you able to compete with the best of the best? Also, college life is extremely important. Make sure your school has what you like (a greek system, cultural activities, diversity etc). As for making the best college experience; don't be afraid to have fun and make friends. Do your work - slacking off one semester can make for a huge headache down the road. Don't worry about others, do what makes YOU happy!

The most important thing to consider when choosing a university to attend is how involved the student is willing to be. If they are more interested in academics, then they will fit better in a college that is based primarily on academics. If they wish to be involved on campus, choose a school that has a strong student leadership program. If community action is important to the student, they should look for a school that offers a range of community service projects such as an alternative spring break program. If the student wants to leave room for an active social life, a college with an strong Greek system will be the best fit. The more you tour and research the university, the more prepared you will be to make an accurate decision. Also, be sure to attend any type of tour day, most colleges have a weekend for prospective students to visit the school and get acquainted with the activities available and the type of student that attends the school. This should be the decision making factor. Just be sure to choose somewhere that you are most comfortable so you will really be able to shine!

Don't choose your college based on a prestigious name. Find the school that fits you--one that will help you discover your talents and passions, and that offers classes and activities to help you develop those gifts. Opportunities wait around every corner, but they won't seek you out. You have to make the decisions that impact your entire experience. It's not like high school. Your parents won't be here, reminding you to write every English paper. You decide: get drunk five nights of the week, or... play intramural soccer, become president of the engineering club, sing in the jazz choir, build houses in Guatemala on an alternative spring break, learn to ballroom dance, join the honors program, have coffee with your philosophy professor, attend a symphony, scream your lungs out at the rivalry game. This is the only time in your life when so many opportunities will be right in front of you. You are up to the challenge, but the choice is yours. What will it be? You can coast by, or you can invest yourself in every moment and have the experience of a lifetime. It's up to you to seize the day.

I would tell them to visit the college while it was in session and talk to students that aren't involved with recuiting new students. I'd also tell them that they have to be self motivated because there's no one there to hold your hand and tell you when to study. Research many different colleges and make sure that you pick the one that fits you the most because you won't be happy if you choose the college that someone else wants you to choose.

Make sure that you choose somewhere that you could see yourself living for four years and somewhere that you feel at home. Also, check out all of the student services first such as student living, financial aid, payment options, advising, and major programs. Out of all the schools you preview, pick the one that just feels "right".

Find a school that fits you. Picking a school based on prestige or based on parents' wishes may leave you unsatisfied in the end. Look at all of the factors: location, size of campus, student population, diversity, sports, activities, financial aid availability, and above all, areas of study. Research the schools and go visit the campus to make sure you could spend 4+ years there. You get what you put into college. Making the most of your college experience is about balance. You can do well in the classroom while still finding time to participate in sports, clubs, student-government or have a part-time job. Besides success in your studies, a social life is important in college, and meeting people is probably the most important aspect of your college social life. Despite the cramped space of residence halls, living in the dorms the first year will help you meet so many different people that could become lifelong friends. Above all, the relationships you have with people, friends, teachers, and members of the community, will be the most memorable, not whether you got a B- or a C+ on your Statistics final. So focus on school, but enjoy college.