University of Louisville Top Questions

First and foremost, you really need to go and scope out some campuses before you pick one. See how things are setup and how big the campus really is. Check things like the parking arrangments and the meal plans. Also see what kind of extra help they offer on campus like tutoring. Once you do find a college that's right for you, get involved with as many extra cirricular activities as you can. You make new friends and have fun too. You don't have to spend all your time studying, you need time for yourself too.

Take your time and weigh all of the pros and cons about each potential college. It is a major decision that should not be taken lightly and can ultimately affect your career path and the rest of your life.

The best advice I can provide is to visit every possible school and see how you feel on that campus, surrounded by the students and staff. If you don't feel at home, you won't be happy there. This student will be spending 4 or 5 years of his/her life there and you need that place to be a welcoming, accepting, inspired environment. To make the most of your college experience is to talk to everyone. A college campus is such a diverse community within a defined area. You will learn countless things from people that are outside your social status, religion, race and culture. It will allow you to become a more rounded and open-minded person.

Visit as many colleges as you can and try to get a feel for that college campus. If you need to, see if you can sit in a class. Also ask as many questions as you can and record the answers from the various universities and record how you felt at that campus. When you are on a campus that "feels" right, then it is most likely the right fit for you.

Visiting potential universities was not only an interactive way for me to see what a school had to offer, it was a chance to see actual students engaging in campus life. I remember visiting the University of Louisville and seeing kids camped out on the lush green grass in front of the library laughing and having a good time. Get as involved as you can with potential schools. Ask random students you meet during your visits what they think not only about the university but about the city, their social lives, their appartment or dorm and pay attention to details.

Look around thoroughly.

Pick the college that fits you best. Don't go somewhere just because it close or because your friends are going there. If you are motivated and a good student the money will be there. And don't dismiss state schools, private schools can have a high school feel and public schools are a great place to get a great education without breaking the bank. As far as making the most of your college experience. College is a place for growing as well as learning. Don't go home every chance you get. Get involved on campus and make great memories with your friends. Try new things but dont forget about what you're here for. But also don't forget that education isn't all thats important. If you're a good person and always remember your values the rest will fall into place. Never judge anyone because they are different. Different is not always bad, infact it rarely is. But don't forget to study because without good grades and you wont be as successful in life and without success its harder to help others and be happy yourself. Go Cards!

Find a school with the appropriate social setting!

At the time most of my friends were applying to college, I was feeling completely overwhelmed. It was exciting to think about finally getting the heck out of dodge, but at the same time I was hesitant. It seemed that most of my friends had better GPAs and were more involved in extra-curricular activites than me. Even those of them not in Beta Club or on Year Book Staff had after-school jobs. When I sat down in front of my computer to write my essays, my mind would go as blank as the page in front me. Why was I applying for college? I procrastinated. Application deadlines drew nearer. Maybe I hoped the answer was going to fall into my lap. It never did. At nearly the last moment, I applied to two schools. I got into both. Neither was really affordable. My advice to current high school students is this: a) don't doubt your skills b) apply to every school you have even the smallest interest in (there are fee-waivers for those who can't afford them) c) apply early! Also, there are programs like Americorps if you are unsure about college right away.

As for finding the right schoo, I would suggest to the parents and students to research as much as possible before making a final decision on a school. There is no better defense in any situation than being armed with information. By researching schools and the programs offered as well as the life a typical student at that school leads, parents and students will be able to narrow down specific choices quickly and easily. As far as making the most out of the college experience, I would encourage the students to get involved in something on their campus. No matter how small of a group or organization they get involved in, that obligation to the campus creates a lasting bond between the student and the school. By creating a bond with the campus and a sense of responsibility to the school, the involvement of the student keep them in school and increases the likelihood of graduation and other successes. Also, becoming involved on campus creates opportunities in social arenas, professional arenas, and personal arenas.