University of Maryland-College Park Top Questions

Don't stress, it'll work out.

Go there, to the campus. It is weird to say but it is like finding a soul mate. It clicks. You see yourself walking the campus and sitting under a tree. You just know it will happen. And once you get there if it sounds like something you would want to do then go to it. It never hurts to try and getting involved is the best way to make the most out of college.

Parents should make sure they give their kids the right to go to the school they want to; do not force your child to go to a school just because you think it will be good for them. For students, make sure you visit the school. Also, make sure you know your options; if one major does not suit you, know which one you would want to pursue as a back-up.

Visit the school and surrounding off-campus area before making your decision. Join clubs, or get a part-time job to make friends and try something new.

Instead of looking at the campus itself, also look at the surrounding areas and the cities around it. When I looked at Maryland, I took a look around the various majors I want to explore, and also the various internship opportunities. Maryland being only a metro ride away to D.C. has a lot of internship opportunities for business, as well as internships/jobs for health related majors at the National Institute of Health. Weigh your various options since its money your/your parents/your hard-earned scholarships thats being at stake. Get the most out of your education and immerse yourself to various organizations since they are most likely free. Any activity done in college looks good on your resume and there are many organizations that cater to your needs. If there isn't, create an organization which is even more attractive to potential employers.

As a college first-year, fresh out of high school, the submersion can be overwhelming and confusing. Your undergraduate years are the ones that matter the most; where you make the greatest friends, have the greatest opportunities, and map out your path for the rest of your life. At the beginning, it seems difficult. Choosing a college can be especially difficult. My advice is to go with your gut. Visit schools, take the tours, feel the campus because it's important that you love it before you even get there. After you get there, and the anxiety hits, and the social pressure comes, there's only one thing to remember: your experience will be what you make of it. Enter with an open mind about what you may encounter. Remember to cherish your education, your relationships, and the things that are most important to you.

When I was applying for colleges, I didn?t know which college was right for me. I was confused scared and lost; I wanted advise. I am here to let the future college students know that any college would be wonderful as long as you go into the new experience with an open mind. As long as you are willing to reach out and change what your comfort zones are; I know you can have a wonderful college experience. Go out there and let your voice be heard and; be INVOLVED. That?s my advice.

When trying to find the right college, don't underestimate the effect of the location on your college experience. I didn't think of this my freshmen year when I attended a school that was three hours from any major city. Although I wasn't a city person, I realized I didn't like being at a school with such a big partying atmosphere and not many alternative ways of socializing because of its location. Also when making your decision, try not to limit yourself to thinking you will be stuck at this school for four years...we're all humans and we can't predict what we'll like in life-changeing situations. For example, I transferred after my freshmen year and am currently on an exchange program in England now, three years ago I never thought I'd be doing that! We all change our preferences. Finally, when you're at your school don't feel obligated to join every society or club in order to make friends. Although it's a good way to meet new people, for most people the friends they have freshmen year are just the people who live with them in the dorms.

I would first say to parents that they should allow their children freedom when choosing a college and not to have a predisposition as to where your child will attend. If it is not the choice of the student, they are less likely to succeed and enjoy their time at college. To the students I would say that academics should come first. This is said by everyone, and the students are probably tired of hearing about it, but if you attend classes and actually complete all the assignments, you will not have nearly as much stress. Students should also become engaged in as many activities as possible. Attend the sports events, go to parties, play intramurral sports, do whatever you will enjoy. This will help you to make new friends and to expand your mind.

There isn't a time limit in which you must achieve your degree, the most important thing is to learn and that everything we learn here is going to affect our futures wether it is directly or indirectly. Remeber to pick a college that YOU are going to enjoy because you have to the work and you have to be here, so college should be a choice for you and no other person. Take advantage of all of your opportunities and know that every experenice-good or bad is a building block for character.