University of Maine at Presque Isle Top Questions

If I could tell myself as a high school senior anything about college life it would be that it is very different from high school. I would tell myself to learn not to care what others think as much because it is something I will need to do in college.

If I could give my high school self any advice about college, I would tell myself that I need to go straight into a major I actually love so I can graduate on time. As much as English was fun in high school, History is my true calling. I would also tell myself not to focus on women as much as I currently have. Yes, the college experience is to make mistakes and learn from them, but to base your life around the opposite sex is just not worth the skipped classes and missed social events.

I would tell them to visit the campus(es) that they are interested in. While there, stand in the middle of the campus and ask yourself "Can I see myself attending here?" That is what I did. The university I am currently at was not my first choice. When I visited the campus however, I was sold on it. Also I would encourage freshmen to attend all the Orientation activities. The best way to make friends is to get out and do things. Be as active as you can and look for things you are interested in doing. Consider all of your options wisely. Weigh the pros and cons of each institutions before you make your decision.

I did not attend the school I wanted to. I wanted to spend twenty thousand (or more) a year by attending a "respectable" private college. I wanted opportunity, I wanted to escape from home. I've since learned that I'm kind of stupid. Honestly, it isn't the school you attend, but what you do when you get there. First, don't have a job on the side. Not the first year, at the very least. I've worked all four years, and it has honestly burned me out. Secondly, take advanced courses as soon as you can. Universities tend not to mention the rarity of certain "required" classes, and you may not have time for them when your last year is starting, so spread out the 400 level classes among the 100 level ones. It is also and easy way to make your senior year your easiest year. Even if you don't take the rest of my advice, then you should take this: GET INVOLVED. Something, anything, make friends who are responsible and spend time developing those relationships. My new friends are my most valued commodity from school, and I know those relationships will last beyond.

The most important advice I could give to parents and students about finding the right school and making the most of the experience is to be honest with yourself. The decision to attend college should be based on what you really want, not unrealistic standards of what you think you should have. Everyone dreams of that perfect school with traditional cliche experiences, but in reality that could be a lonely dream. Look for a school that fits your individual character, and a school that will bring out the best in you as a student. You want a school that will work with your dreams (even if they change) and one you can enjoy. Once you've chosen a school, socialize! To make the most out of your college experience, try everything once (as long as it isn't illegal, that's never encouraged). Talk to new people, sign up for clubs and activities, and sit down and talk to your professors outside of class. You'd be surprised how much you could learn without even being in a classroom.

For me this is difficult because I didn't have parents that pushed me towards college, so i'm not sure of the general norm that parents tell to their kids. If i were going to go to a parent and give them advice about their child's college choice I would tell them they need to find a college that has a warm feeling to it. Many times if a student gets into a college that is too big they never feel as though they fit in. That doesn't necessarily mean that the school has to be small either, it just means that if you get a nice welcoming crew, and feel as though you belong when you leave the campus follow your feelings. Feeling like you belong gives you such an upper hand when going on your own to college. It can be a hard place for some but with the right people to get you through it won't take long before you realise that you can do it and nothing is going to stop you.

In choosing the right college, parents and students have to consider what academic programs this educational institution offers. Unfortunately, finances are very important, distance to home-town, etc. There are a lot of people coming to the university I am enrolled in only because it is relatevly cheap. I would tell the parents to help their kids with the choice of an university but not to intrude too much. Once the student is enrolled, the best advice is to participate in numerous clubs and organizations on campus. Maintaining a good GPA is important but on-campus envolvment helps you develop leadership skills and meet people and establish connections.

Make sure that you are going to college for something you love and are willing to do for the rest of your life. It should be something to make yourself happy, nobody else. And when choosing the school - make it someplace that has the right program, the right atmoshpere and looks like a place you can spend the majority of you time.