University of Miami Top Questions

Parents and student should be open to suggestions and comments from others so not look at schools just for what they are rated but for its academics as will. I am happy that I chose the school I did but honestly my dad chose it for me; this is why I think parents and students should go into choosing a college not only based on cost but on how it will affect you in the long run. I had not planned on enjoying the University that I attend nearly as much as I do. Although it is very expensive, I feel comfortable and that is extremely important in making your choice, my dad saw something that I didn't and in my ignorrance may never have been able to experience. I am forever thankful for his help. Parents and students should go into this process knowing that teamwork is the MOST important aspect. Students: your parents want what is best for you and you should seriously consider thier thoughts and ideas and most importantly, do not forget to consult them while making your choice, its your life, but more often than not its thier bankbooks.

Let your kids go on the visits with a friend or family member of their same age. Its easier to find a school where they feel like the fit in if they are allowed to go with a peer.

When visiting college campuses, take the campus tour and be sure you can see yourself walking those paths everyday. Think about what services you value most in a school. Do you care about the library facilities, the recreation center, or the sorority houses? Then, introduce yourself to a few students and ask them what they do on the weekends. Would you rather hit up the clubs downtown or go hiking at the local park? Think about whether you see yourself fitting in with the students and whether your values and interests are similar to theirs. Once you're enrolled in a college, take the time to get involved. This might not mean joining clubs, it might just mean going to the free floor dinners or movies on the lawn. Keep your eyes peeled for posters and emails about things to do and places to go. This is the best time of your life to get FREE stuff. You get free or reduced admission to museums and parks, free activities on campus all the time, and if you look carefully, free food just about everyday. These are also great places to meet people and have a great time.

College is more than just a great education. It is most likely the first time a student is living on their own away from home. Make sure that whatever college is chosen, it is a very well rounded school. One that will not only teach you the facts you need to know in life, but how to apply those facts in real world situations. You need to be able to find a situation that will make you comfortable to be who you are but will also push you to the next level in life. Learning how to deal with other people is just as important as anything a book can teach and because of that, the school should have plenty of opportunities to get involved that interest you. Remember also, whatever school you ultimately choose, make sure it is one you can be proud of years down the road.

There is a little-known but unfortunate fact about humans-- We are forever focusing on the wrong issues. As children, we fight over the red crayon, failing to see how little impact its loss will have on our lives. As adults, we argue heatedly about how to solve the problems of the world, without a mention of how to prevent them in the first place. In between, we stress about where to go for college. A wise friend once told me that it's not the big decisions in life that matter, but the little everyday decisions we may not even notice. It's easy to get caught up in the "big" decisions of college-- Which state? How big? How prestigious? It's easy to overlook the "little" decision we can make everyday to make the most of the day we've been given, right where we are, no matter where that is. When we make this decision, the "big" decision that we thought was important becomes irrelevant. Decide on a college based on what you love, remembering that, no matter where you end up, you can decide to make the most of it. That's the decision that matters.

Visit schools of different sizes and in different locations, and figure out what your personal preference is. Then do your search based on that criteria as well as availability of your specific major. Once you've got all the schools that meet this, go in each school's website and visit schools if possible to narrow your final list down to those you plan on applying to.

Always always research before you attend. EVRYTHING is a factor. Do you want diversity? Are you comfortable with a liberal campus? All these things matter in getting the best out of your college education!

Finding the right college is more than looking at statistics. It is about realizing that this is going to serve as your home away from home for the next few years. It is a major chapter in your life and one needs to be certain they will not only feel comfortable at their school but that they are excited about their surroundings. My adivce would to parents and/or students about finding the right college would be to not only go on school tours, but make your own. You need to walk around and see if you can envision yourself walking around alone to and from places like class, the gym, dinig halls, etc. Also look at the type of people. STart conversations. Do these people look and act like people you see yourself befriending? If not, that college isn't for you. Making the best out of college would entail stepping out of your comfot zone and trying new things/becoming involved with people and activities you usually wouldn't.

I advise both parents and students to visit the universities that the "student" is interested in going to. Also, get as much information as possible, to the student, you will be spending 4 years at this institution, it would be wise to know what you are getting into. To the parents, its very good for you to be invovled in this process, since its most likely you who will be paying for your student, however, this decision should be the students. My parents and I went through this conflict and if you make your child go to a university that they don't want to go to, it breeds contempt within the student towards the parents and the school itself. Freshman year is hard enough with a positive attitude, I couldn't imagine trying to make that transition reluctantly. So parents, please give advice but remember, it will be the child actually attending the university. To make the most of your experience, make friends with upperclassmen, they can help you alot. Lastly, don't let other people decide whats fun for you. If you don't drink, its ok, people won't look at you weird. And just have fun.

Matt interviews his friends and fellow students at the University of Miami and asks them to give advice to incoming freshmen.