University of Kansas Top Questions

Sometimes, the most prestigious school isn't the best choice.

The only advice I could give to anyone about choosing the right college is to be open minded to possibilities. The student's experience is completely dependent on what they make of it: don't get dragged down by the prestige, location or cost of a school. I have the same number of friends who are happy/unhappy at elite private schools as at state schools, at their dream schools as at their reject school. It is a matter of the individual reaching out to meet kindred peers and embracing this new, strange environment. Problems to do so are often a reflection of insecurities about leaving the known or an inability to accept the new enviroment; and this has little to do with a school being right/wrong.

The most important advice that I can pass on is select a college that has a great, well-known program for your selected degree. Also consider colleges with a past history and great traditions. This creates a greater enjoyment of college life. To make the most out of college, attend sporting events and get involved with campus clubs or groups!

The best advice i could give for finding the right college, is don't choose a school only because of things you read. Explore as many of the schools and their towns as you can. If deep down you feel the atmosphere of that school is right for you than it will mostly likely be the place you will succeed.

College will be the most wonderful time of a student's life, if they find the right place. First students should start looking for colleges before senior year. Go on college visits and find a campus, facilities, faculty, and student body that fit best with your lifestyle, beliefs, and values. I picked a school because they offered me the most money. I told myself that I would "get out" in two years max. My first year I didn't get involved until the end of the year. I was invited to go to a meeting on campus and all of a sudden I fit in. I was accepted and I found my place. I've been here 4 years and wouldn't change it! Students should try many groups to find where they fit best and don't get discouraged if you can't find something right away. You will find something, just keep your head up and keep searching. Try swing dancing, or rock climbing, or advertising club, or something off beat. You might be scared, but know there will always be someone else who's in your shoes and seniors aren't as scary as they look!

To parents: Guide your child to the right decision and the right school for him or her, not for you. If your dreams don't match up, take a deep breath, smile, and try to stay positive. Your daughter might want to live farther away than you'd like. She will get homesick and come visit. Your son might want to attend a more expensive, out-of-state school. Coach him through loan and scholarship applications. Remember that this is not just four years; it is the beginning of their forever. And it is OK to cry. To students: It's ok to be scared. That is natural. But don't let your fear inhibit you. Go for your dream school, even if you might not get in. Accept the offer at the bigger school, even if you're scared you won't make friends. Once you're there, make friends at your dorm. Leave your door open: people will just walk in to say hi, and you will do the same to them. Take a class with little academic value just for fun. And the cliche but true advice: Get involved. It helps. And it is OK to cry.

Have fun, but make sure to do your work and study a lot.

High school students should visit as many college campuses as possible before making a decision. Before deciding on the University of Kansas, I visited two other college campuses. I was not impressed with the first two, but walking through the KU campus and seeing the town of Lawrence, I knew I had found the place for me.

For students: really getting into the traditions of the school, and attending as many sporting events as possible. To give every opportunity to expand your social circle, and spend as much time on campus. Parents: be involved as much as possibe without smothering the student.

Best advice I can give anyone looking to go to college: GO TO CLASS!