University of Miami Top Questions

After a year and a half at the University of Miami, I ended up having to transfer to a University closer to home do to some family circumstances. I figured that all colleges were pretty much the same, and thus my experience at home would be similar to my experience at the University of Miami. However, this belief couldn?t be further from the truth, and I have realized how important the college decision really is. I have now been able to return to the University of Miami, and the sense of belongingness that I feel at this school is undeniable. Finding the right college fit for you might seem simple or daunting. It is important to keep in mind that your college experience will be shaped and influenced by the college you choose to attend: they are not all the same! Social and academic environments will play a key roll in your future, and it is necessary to find a balance that meshes well with the individual you are becoming. And although the college environment is an essential part of the initial choice, it is ultimately up to you to make the best of this experience!

Visit schools and talk to current students

Don't be scared to go far away from home. Myself and my friends that went to far away schools have had a much better college experience and have all grown more than those that stayed with friends and family close to home. Get involved in your school! I'm in a sorority and it was the best decision I ever made. Also don't stress out over school work and enjoy your 4 years.

Make sure the it is in a town/city that appeals to the student's interest. If he/she likes big cities then attend a school in a big city, vice versa.

The college experience and "finding the right college" will depend on to what extent the student makes the learning opportunity worthwhile. Although a student always has a certain university in mind and wants to go to that one, he/she should always be open to all possibilities. The student's goal should be doing his/her best in whichever school he/she attends. Parents should always be supportive and, although college is a good time for kids to find their own way, parents should always be attentive to their children's life. Making the most of the college experience is not what most kids think: party, try "new things", but study, get involved, know people, admire the diversity, and most of all, being one true self, no matter what others think. College is about learning how to become a professional and how to develop you own identity as an individual able to interact with society towards a better world.

When students venture out on the quest to find the right college for themselves, they have no idea that their actions and decisions will affect the rest of their lives. A student has a few decisions to consider in this important decision. First and foremost are they interested in attending a local college? Second what are they interested in studying? Third are they interested in attending a public or private insitution? Are they interested in attending a 2 year college or a 4 year university? Are they financially/academically eligible to attend the institution? Is the school campus large or small? What are the class sizes & the teacher-student ratio? Is the campus ethnically/racially diverse? Is there a Greek system within the institution? Are there other means of helping a student pay for the education? These are all small factors to consider while choosing the institution that is right for you.

(I think the student should look for a school that gives them a good vibe when they walk around the campus. That "gut" feeling could be based off of the way that the people interact with one another, the campus scenery, the size.. All of these things really contribute to the college experience; a lot of colleges have great academic programs, but the feeling one gets from the school is what keeps him/her happy and wanting to attend every day.

Finding the right college can be tough - a school can look good on paper but turn out to be the wrong fit for your wants & needs. Listening to what the students are saying about their school can be a good way determine what your own experience would be like. Once you pick out your top choices, visiting those campuses is crucial. A university you thought was your favorite can turn out to be different than imagined, and another school might be even better than you expected. Once you find the right one, you'll know. It won't take long for you to realize you've set foot on the campus that just feel's right and has what you've been looking for. Once freshman year starts, diving right into things is the way to go. Don't be afraid to talk to strangers, and leave your door open in case your floormates walk by and want to meet you. Making friends early is great way to feel more at home early on, and having someone to rush a fraternity or join a club with can make life easier and more enjoyable.

Go to UM!!!

Make sure that our son/daughter is happy with the school that they are attending because it will be their home for the next four or so years of their lives.