University of Maryland-College Park Top Questions

Be yourself. Choose the school that feels right. Don't worry about what anyone else thinks or where they want you to go: the decision is yours, and yours alone. Remember: there is a school out there for EVERYONE; you'll eventually find one that you love. Once in school, everything new can be overwhelming, so don't be afraid to ask others for help if you're having any problems. Find a balance between work and play, and keep focused. Have fun, and remember that this is YOUR life- don't let others dictate what you do or how you live.

For parents/students on finding the right college: visit the school, get a feel for the campus. Know whether you prefer a big campus or small. Choose one that fits your personality. On making the most out of the college experience: Do your work, make friends, prioritize. Learn time management.

never be afraid to take chances and try new things. When looking back at your college experience you never want have any regrets about the things you didnt do because college offers a unique experience that you can not find anywhere else

Apply to a lot of colleges, especially in-state ones. And, do not reject colleges just because you do or do not know people going there, you should visit as many colleges as you can and try to decide which is the right one for you. Also, take into account the value of education, because I love the diploma I will recieve from the University of Maryland, it means a lot!

The college lifestyle is perhaps one of the most riveting, challenging, and best experiences that one will ever have the opportunity to experience. Therefore, if I could advice any incoming students and parents, it would be to pick a school that will suit his or her personality in all different aspects. Location, diversity, academics, sports, religious needs, financial needs, and most importantly the right major are all aspects that have to be taking into consideration. It is also dire that the student picks a school that will benefit him or her in the long run. They should not choose a school because their friend or significant other is attending that school, it might actually be the worst mistake of their life. Financial aid is also very important. As an out of state student, I was thrilled to have been accepted at UMD, but after taking out so many loans and exhausting every other loophole I have become a have become a statistic, "students in debt after college." Even after all of this, I do not regret attending UMD because, the school has shaped me into the strong woman that I am today, it hs made grow and expand my knowledge.

be open to change, you can always transfer and make sure you are doing what makes you happy because you get the best out of college and life that way.

Don't go to a school because it has "a beautiful campus" or because you think that the bars hold drink specials. You should go to a school because you want to further your education and improve yourself. Make the best choice for both your brain and your liver and choose a school that will provide the academics and facilites that you require to succeed.

Talk to students extensively who actually go to schools you are looking at and have experienced life there. This will give you much greater insight than anything you can learn from a quick tour, or even a night at a school.

College is only four years of your life, and it's pivotal to remember the big picture when choosing a school. Try not to stress so much over the college application process and instead think about what will make you happiest for these four years. Once you narrow in on what it is that makes you happy- or even if you're aren't yet certain what that is- try to see if you can find a college that will allow you to pursue those interests, or allow you to discover what it is you're passionate about. To quote Harold Whitman, "Don't ask yourself what the world needs; ask yourself what makes you come alive. And go do that, because the world needs people who have come alive." When you visit a college campus, envision yourself there. Is this a place where you will "come alive," developing into a mature adult able to face the world, diploma in hand, ready for whatever life throws at you? If so, you've found the right school.

Parents-- Let your kids know your financial situation. You child is not going to want to go to that liberal arts school that costs 93893813758712 dollars, if you're in the middle of losing your company. He or she will make the best of it. Or at least try to(if you've been a good parent that is, and your child doesn't COMPLETELY resent you). Also let them know you want the best for them, and you agree with their choice. Make the choice together. That's important. Students-- Know who you are. College is supposed to be about learning to grow and that whole bildungsroman spiel, but if you don't know who you are before you go to college, you're not going to go the college that best represents you. College is about socialization and becoming part of something bigger. There's also a spiritual aspect that's only describable when you get here. Finding the right college is about knowing who you are, but having a good college experience is about not being afraid to grow up some more once you get there.