University of Maryland-College Park Top Questions

Do not hire a college counsler to help you pick out schools, they do not help. Mine never suggested Maryland based off what I told him I wanted in a school. I transferred.

Look around for financial aid if your child is paying for school themselves and encourage them to go to an instate school

I wish someone would have told me to relax. It is such a stressful time, and it is important to stay calm. I am a first generation college student, so applying to college was a different and difficult process for my parents and me. I believe it is important to pick a college for yourself, not for your parents or your friends. Students should think about what they want to study, and look at schools that offer that program. If students are undecided, like I was, they should research schools they could see themselves at, schools that make them comfortable. It is also so important to visit schools before you decide you want to go there because visits can drastically change your mind. Students and parents should also consider the considerable costs of college, and remember that there are always scholarships, grants, and loans available. Once students get to college they should have fun, but remember that they are there to learn. Also, take advantage of every possible resource the campus offers. College is a wonderful experience and you really learn so much about yourself, and hopefully others as well. Lastly, students should enjoy college because it is life changing.

Parents, mentoring your prospective college student goes beyond ensuring their paperwork for admission is turned in a timely fashion and that they get rides to classes everyday. Although now your child is an adult they have more to focus on beyond the popularity issues of high school and making grades just to satisfy advancement to the next stage of life. Ensuring your child commits to an institution where they will be advanced in both intellectual interest and social development is pinnacle to allowing your child to meet the intensive role of the workforce after graduation; civic engagement and leadership opportunities breed the most success out of these labor candidates post-graduation. The "right" college for your child goes beyond the provisions of a quality education; padding the gaps with outside activities will keep the enviroment fun and allow your child to observe the transitions they need to undertake while progressing to the next stage of life. Students, heed the advice of your upper-classmates and get involved in all you can. Although all these sources may only give you advice, it is on your accord that you at least engage their rheteroic fairly to be a success in the future.

Going from High School to College is a big change, and the environment has to be just right for you. With College Park, it is a very large campus with 35,000 students attending, and there are about 400-500 people in many of the classes. With smaller schools, there are about 25-30 people in your classes. If your a person that can just read, and memorize, then a big school may be for you, but if your a student to engage in the material and need to ask questions to understand fully, then a smaller school might be your best choice. Don't pick your college just because of the sports teams, because you'll be studying more often than going to them. Judge it by the professors and the environment.

I would say that picking a college is something that needs a lot of thought. Visit a college that you think you would be comfortable at. Students should feel at home, Parents should feel comfortable that their kids can handle themselves. Nothing is worse then a worrying parent suffocating a student in his freshman year. Everyone needs to adjust. If it doesnt work out, then get out. Dont prolong something not meant to be and waste time and money. Not everyone is cut out for a paticular university or college. We all need time to find our own niche.

Find a school for your child that has a great academic background as well as alot of school spirit.

Picking the right college? Go with your instincts. Remember that you can make a big school as small as you want to, but you can't make a small school bigger. Consider how far away you'll be from home, and how you feel about that. Do you want to be with people you know, or do you want to start over? How about landscape? Urbanization, proximity to water, weather, seasonality; all things to think about. Just make sure you consider all aspects and weigh them accordingly. Make a pros and cons chart if you have to; it can't hurt. When it comes to making the most of the college experience, that's totally up to you. You choose who you want to befriend, if you want to go out, whether or not you get involved with Greek life and how much you study. The best advice I can give: Make friends with the right people. Don't keep people around "just because"; college is a big place and you don't have to see anyone you don't want to. Make sure you balance study time and social time, and enjoy yourself. College is fun; live it up.

I think that finding the right college is a process; a school can be right in theory, but actualy being able to go there and experience campus life is the one true way to figure out if a school is right for you. Don't be afraid to transfer. If something doesn't feel right with the school you are at, or if you just think you need a change of scenery, go to a different one; test the waters because you are not obligated to stay in one place your entire academic career. Make the most out of your college experience by going out and meeting people. A part of being away at school is socializing; I've learned from experience that a friend can really help with the pretty tough transition from high school to college.

Don't focus on the school name. Focus on the attributes you want in a school beacause college isn't all about studies. If you choose only based on academics, you may end up disappointed with your overall experience. Once you are there, don't be lazy. Take advantage of opportunities and school events. Go to sports games, speakers, join clubs, and meet people, because once you graduate, those are the memories that you will remember most. If you have to complete core classes, take something new and interesting, not the easiest class because it may end up being something you really enjoy. Even the things you may hate at the time you will end up missing, so enjoy everything and live in the moment.