University of Maryland-College Park Top Questions

I think the biggest thing is to look at what you want from college: do you want a small, intimate experience or do you want the traditional college experience with a lot of people and sports games and fraternities etc. Plus looking at the diversity of classes and majors is important as well so you know what kind of education you will be getting- does the school specialize in the area of study you are interested in? Can you take a lot of different types of classes if you have no idea what you want your major to be? etc. But I think the most important thing to do is visit the schools you are applying to and see if you like the atmosphere- can you see yourself there?

Choosing a college can be a tough decision. My best advice would be to research prospective universities using collegeboard.com or something like it where you can compare facts about each university you are considering. From there I would suggest visiting at least 10 if possible. Even without taking a tour, a visit to campus can tell you a lot about a school. Next I would suggest applying to between 5-6 schools. 2 dream schools (those that may be tough to get into), 2-3 good schools that you are pretty certain you could get into and then 1-2 safety schools. Once accepted I would suggest visiting the schools you are accepted to a second time if possible to help you make your decision. Also, there is a lot to be said for "going with your gut." Someitmes a school just doesn't feel right or feels great when you go on campus. Its good to try and go to the school for a day and picture yourself attending there to see how it feels.

Understand yourself and learning abilities as a student. If you tend to do well in smaller classes, then select a smaller school, that way you can have a more focused relationship with your professor. Also make sure that there are a lot help available on campus, such as free tutoring and counseling. Diversity is always great when finding the perfect college because it enables you to broaden your perspective and helps you learn how to work and accept different people with different backgrounds and cultures.

When choosing a college for yourself, make sure they have all the resources you need. Whether it be computers, online research ports, clubs and organizations to join, you should make the most out of your college experience. Remember to think about the competitiveness of the school and whether or not that stress may affect you academically. There is no point in going to a school where you become depressed and your grades suffer because you are overly stressed by the work and lack of recreational outlets. Being involved on campus also makes you a well-rounded student, giving you real-life experience. Look into whether your school hosts job fairs or offers internships for your intended major. All these resources will be there to help you while you are enrolled in school, as well as after graduation through your alumni center.

Follow your heart.

I would recommend spending a night or a weekend on the campus, with people that you would be likely to spend time with as a student. Know as much about the social atmosphere and the types of students the school tends to attract before making a decision. Also, look into alumni connections and support. I regret not knowing more about the alumni network before choosing my school. Look into promises the university has made over the past 5 years - how many of those came to fruition? How much construction is underway or in planning? These are factors that will increase tuition. Choose a major that can set you on the path to multiple careers. In today's world graduate degrees are the only ones that really set you on a path to success. Choose a broader undergraduate degree that opens doors to many careers or graduate programs, as there is a good chance you will choose to leave your original major or the field it sets you up to enter.

I strongly encourage students to make sure they know themselves before trying to find a perfect fit for college. I entered high school the year following my older sister's graduation, and I might as well have been her puppet. I felt so pressured to immerse myself in her group of people--God forbid I defied her. I took her judgment to be the ultimate. This followed me to college. I now attend the same university that she graduated from. It wasn't until I got to college that I really discovered my individuality. However, I had already made the decision to follow her alcoholic social life as a delayed 4-year shadow. In spite of my newly discovered individuality, I am still surrounded by people whose social lives revolve around alcohol. While most schools encourage non-alcohol related activities, it is difficult for me to convince my friends to attend them with me. I've found that it is extremely important to make a decision without being so influenced by siblings, parents, or other students. Had I been able to find myself during or before high school, I could have found a university that would fit me better.

My advice would be to find a college where academics aren't too challenging, and where you will have the greatest opportunity to make a difference on campus. I grew up being a very reserved person who mostly focused on school, music, and church. When I went to college, I found that I had more "free" time than high school, and while I thought that it would be a bad thing at first (because I didn't want to let my studies slip), I've realized that it has given me so many wonderful opportunities to get involved with extracurriuclars, and it has really helped shape not only who I am, but it has shown me that one individual who cares can really do a lot on campus. If there are three quotes I could use to guide you on your decision making, it would be these: "Be yourself," "It's not about what you know, but who you know," and "Follow your dreams." I hope that helps! Best of luck with the whole college searching process, and enjoy the college experience. It honestly is "the best time of your life," so be sure to make the most of it!

Be sure to visit the college and let your child pick the one they like. Stay positive.

For students I would suggest to take time to look for colleges, visit the campus, talk with advisors, and research the opportunities that the college/ university offers. Take the time to see if your preferences are compatible with the activities and clubs that are available. Also have in mind the size of the university along with the competitiveness. Some majors require an application process and cannot always be simply declared. Big universities tend to have larger lecture classrooms and one-to one interaction with the professor may be difficult, so always keep in mind the factors that make you confortable for making friends and optimal for studying. For parents, visit the campus with your child and examine the location and safety. Search in advance for on/ off campus housing since it is difficult/ expensive to find dorms and apartments in big universities. Talk with teachers and advisors concerning opportunities after graduating. Make sure that the decision of a university is made by the student not the parent.