University of Maryland-Baltimore County Top Questions

Take a deep breath and understand that state Universities provide many oppportunities. Name brand colleges are not always the answer, especially if you can get into them for graduate schools. Really research the colleges and understand what it offers, and consider the bills and loans to the career path the major will take you.

Definitely take you're time because a good education/college experience is worth much thought and consideration.

take your time and find out everything about the school before you decide. and its not all about the money.

GO visit the school. Talk to the students who currently attend the school. See the surrounding areas and meet some of the teachers.

Go and visit the colleges you like, talk to random people there and ask them what they think about it.

Work hard in school so you can get into the school of your dreams.

I believe that students and parents should take their time in finding the right college. Students should find a school that reflects their personality and allow them to grow. In order for the students to make the most out of their experience they must get involved. By getting involved in the school it allows for the students to feel a part of the school. Also, becoming involved in the schools allows the student to grow. Students become exposed to new people and ideals and allow them make friends for life. Doing school activities allows the student to have an outlet. It allows for the students to have something else to do besides schoolwork and allows for them to be able to enjoy their college experience. To me the best part of going to college is all the activities that are available. It allows me to do activities that I enjoy and engage in some that I otherwise would not have engaged in.

The best advice I have about finding the right college is to consider how you liked your high school experience as well as what you intend to study in college. If you liked your high school because it was small and personal, choose a smaller school or one with small class sizes; if you're looking to be self-sufficient and left to explore different major options, choose a bigger school with a wider variety of majors offered. That being said, be sure to visit all of the campuses of colleges to which you intend to apply to know if they have the "right feel" to you. Once you're in college, don't be afraid to go out on a limb, always leave time for more friends, and ask for help whenever you need it and you'll do fine.

Find something in your price range that provides an enviroment that your student can be happy in and that allows for the best educational experience.

First start with the basics of what type of school you want to go to. Then narrow down your search gradually until you get just a handful of schools you may wish to attend. Finally make an effort to visit these schools before admission.

College will be the best and worst years of one's maturation from teenage years to adulthood, so make the most of it - minor in a course you'd never thought og, join a club you'd always wanted to be in, change yourself. Remember that its like starting afresh from highschool. Its here that you redefine how the world looks at you as an adult.

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Visit the school and talk to the students as well as research what school is best for your major, the help or resourse you want, and the size of the school.

Choosing a college can be a very difficult process, but there are several things to remember to make the process easier. The first step in choosing a college that will yield the best possible experience is narrowing down your choices based on academic programs. This may seem obvious, but it is more than just picking a major. Students should choose a school that offers programs that interest them besides their desired major. This allows students to change their majors without transferring to a new school. Also, students interested in music, for example, which are enrolled in practical degrees program such as computer science are likely to find extracurricular activities related to their interests if a school offers a degree in music. Another thing to keep in mind is the size of a school. Larger schools offer a variety of choices in classes and social functions, but the class sizes are often too large and there are plenty of distractions that can keep you from studying. However, a small college may not offer many electives, but the instruction will be more personal. Choose one that has a balance appropriate for the student's needs and study habits.

When looking for the right college, diversity matters. Once immersed in college life, whole new ideas, philosophies, and career options open up to you. By picking a college saturated with diverse cultures, political options, lifestyles, and academic choices, broaden your options in your life ahead. The path you have laid out for yourself when you begin college may shift during your college experience. New interests may be sparked, new outlooks may be developed, and new passions may be kindled. The more diverse your college, the more opportunities there are to find your true calling, discover yourself, and enrich your life.

When I first started looking for colleges; I thought I knew everything about the college-process, however, I was disappointed to realize that I really needed to do more research. I knew from day one where I wanted to be....or at least I thought I did. After learning more about the school, I realized I really didn't want to be a student there. My number one advice would be to visit the campus- more than once. Ask other students what they think about the school, and don't limit yourself to standard questions such as class size, or campus housing. In order to be happy and successful at college, you have to have a sense of pride in the school you are attending and actually enjoy your time there. Prospective students should make their own choices and go with what they feel is the best decisions. My parents pressured me extensively to choose a certain school, however, I knew I wasn't comfortable in that environment. Interact and learn more before you decide on where to attend college. You control your future.

Make wise choice for your Child's future.

To parents and students: You get out of college what you put into it. Don't be afraid to challenge yourself and try new things. Chances are you will meet interesting people and find new friends and discover new passions in the process. Don't be too concerned with playing all the time, you're here to learn. On that note, this is your chance to find out what you want to do and learn about anything, so take advantage of the many opportunities in research, extracurricular activities, clubs, and student life. The important things to keep in mind when looking for the right college are location, number of people, environment, research/internship opportunities, and overall friendliness of students and staff. Don't be overly concerned with getting into the most prestigious college, since in the end your education rests on your shoulders. Pick the college where you will best fit in and meet the kind of people you like, since your college friends will likely stay with you. Work hard and try new things, because college is your chance to experience anything, and your chance for a great start in achieving your goals.

Be sure to visit every school you are considering. Get a "feel" for the campus and what it's like on a normal day. It is important to feel comfortable and happy about your school's campus. Pick the school that has the best combination of academic and social opportunities and feels like a good place to live.

Start early. This way you'll have enough time to complete all applications for colleges, grants, and scholarships. Also, visit the schools you're considering, more than once. It's important to see schools during different seasons and different times of day because you will get very different perspectives. Also walk amongst the students, alone if possible. This way you're not shielded from anything the administrators may not want you to see. Make friends early with your guidance counselor. He/she will be a huge help to you if you need it.