University of Kansas Top Questions

It's crucial to visit a variety of schools, even if you think you already know where you want to go. I've found that the instincts and gut feelings we experience walking on a campus are extremely helpful and usually correct. A school has to feel right. Students, when you find the right one, you'll know. Parents, try to leave the decision up to the students as much as possible. Share your opinions if you have them, but try not to add any pressure. This is already an extremely stressful time for us. We need you to help us through it, not make it more painful. Once you've chosen, get involved. Walk around your dorm, knock on doors and meet people. Join a club that interests you. Freshman year is a great time to really put yourself out there because everyone is in the same boat. Everyone's nervous, alone and a little scared, and it's the perfect opportunity to make life-long friends. I've made better friends in college than I ever had growing up because we took this huge leap into our futures together. Most importantly, have fun!

I would say that go where ever you are the happiest. You can always apply for more financial aid if need be, but in the end you will be a lot happier with the school that you love instead of a university that you sort of liked that was a lot cheaper. I would just follow your heart, whichever school you love go there, and don't stress out too much!

I would simply advise that a prospective student finds a place they could feel at home in. It is extreemly important that you feel comfortable and happy. Student success demands a proper mindset. This state of mind is much easier to achieve if you're energized and ready to succeed. Finding a place that has promotes diversity, while at the same time sharing values that you posess will make the transition from home to college much smoother. Find a place that is easy to succeed in. Look for schools that are as goal-oriented as you are. If at all possible go to a place where you'll have some sort of background. Go to a school with a friend from your childhood, or return to a town you once spent a lot of time in. This is the one thing I can stress more than anything. Be happy. If you can find a place that makes you feel like you beling, everything else will fall into place.

The most important thing to remember when trying to decide what college is right for you is what type of person you are. Do not go somewhere because that is where your parents went or because all of your friends are going there. Go where you feel comfortable. Take a visit to every school you can, get as much information as possible on each school, and come to an educated decision based on your needs. If you do these things there is no doubt that you will find a school that you will be happy with. College is an opportunity to take on responsibility that you did not have in high school. It is a place that you can go and find yourself; it is the best time of your life and I wish you good luck in finding a school that will provide that for you.

The advice I see as most helpful to students and parents is to visit the school beforehand. Take some time to check out the campus and see if it would be well suited for your likes and dislikes. Talk with an advisor and see if this school relates well to the career or path in which you choose. Also, try and decide on a clear major prior to attending college. I made the mistake in just going to college and trying to figure out my path as I go, which has cost me a lot of money and time.

Finding the right college is always hard because you never know for sure what your experience will be. But the most important thing to consider is your learning direction and if the university has a good reputation for offering the type of curriculum you are interested in. Once you have decided and have been accepted to your college, you must make the most of it in many ways. You must get involved in student-run activities. You must use your professors' office hours to your advantage. You must realize the big picture and understand what your purpose is at school, this keeps your academic goals in line. You have to be willing to open your mind and learn not only in the classroom, but also in every other situation possible. Only then will you have made the most of your one chance at being a college student.

The two most important factors in determining the right college are status of the university nationally and regionally as well as the quality of life on campus. Now that I am interviewing for medical school, I have found that the prestige of a university correlates with the quality of the education. It brings a sense of achievement to trudge through school knowing that the end result will be a diploma from a renowned university. But the factor of utmost importance is the campus life scene. Staff who always give a smile and never cease to help, professors who aim at student success because it is their life goal, and students who work towards a cohesive student body all add to the vitality of the perfect university.

Look for a college that contains what you hold as the most valuable life experience whether that a campus social life, extracurricular activities, or a certain academic major.

The students have to decide what's right for them. Only they will know what they want to get out of school and what is right for them. It is still a very smart idea to take into consideration your parents opinions on school since more than likely they will be helping pay for it. To really get the best out of college you always have to keep reminding yourself that you are here for school and that should be your main focus. However, don't get so wrapped up in studying so much that you miss out on the great friends and experiences that are available at college. You don't have to even drink to make friends; you can easily make the responsible devision to not drink alcohol and you're still able to go out with friends and no one will care if you choose not to drink. Also, don't get too wrapped up in your social life, there's much more important things going on. My biggest suggestion is to stay organized and prioritized; if you do that then you should be able to balance work and play.

College can be hard for many reasons: you're on your own, harder classes, independence. Your future is in your hands. The University of Kansas does a great job at making you feel part of a whole. I reccomend living in an on-campus dormatory; you'll become acquanted with other students, most of whom will be in your general education classes. Take advantage of the Universities librarys, they really the perfect quiet setting to study at. Don't worry if you have no idea what you want to major in. You have until your Junior year to declare, and even then you can change your mind. Also, don't worry if your grades are not what they were in high school, it takes time to get into the groove of how much more studying is required. The proffessors are amazing! They really enjoy the subject they are teaching and really do want you to succeed. The last but not least, as a student you must MUST go to a Jayhawk basketball game in Allen Fieldhouse, it is magical! Rock Chalk Jayhawk!