University of Michigan-Ann Arbor Top Questions

What should every freshman at University of Michigan-Ann Arbor know before they start?

Austin

First, visit the campus. Second, make sure that you understand how much everything is going to cost, and if an in-state school can offer the same opportunities, without the high prices. While it may not be your dream school, it'll save you A LOT of money, and still get you the degree you need, and no matter what, it's college, you'll have a good time. Calculate how much tuition, if your going to live on or off campus, food, entertianment, how much a date is going to cost. Include everything, and make sure it's ok. Also, go into a major that is right for you. I'm a dance major. I'm not going to make a lot of money, if any, but I know that this is what I want to do. Just because you get a degree in one thing doesn't mean you'll get a job in that field, that goes for all majors; business, medicine, law, english, pychology, everything. College is about furthering your education, and getting a degree. Some people see it as learning life lessons, others see it as getting a job, some see it as both.

Heather

-know what is best for the student -know yourself -explore your options -find out what it is you want to major in quickly but not too quickly where it is not right for you -everything is about the right fit for the student -know what type of student/personality you are and pick a school that suites you -participate in clubs or IM sports, there is always an option for anyone's interest if you look -dont be shy -dont be close-minded -dont be afraid of change -talk to your classmates -use the library!!! (you dont always have to buy books you can check them out too) -do not be afraid to ask questions -form consistent study habbits and stick with it -learn from your classmates and the other cultures and diversity

Kaelen

For starters, absolutely visit the college you are thinking about. If you can't see yourself there, you won't like it. It may also help to talk to kids from your high school or who you know who already attend. They can give you an insiders opinion on what it is actually like to go there. Take advantage of orientation programs, social activities offered, and even residential programs. You can find something out there for you, you just can't be afraid to look.

Stephanie

As a high school senior, I was terrified of finding the right school for me. What other students and parents need to understand is that your college experience is completely what you make of it. I love the University of Michigan, because I put the time and effort into joining clubs and programs and meeting new friends. I work hard at my schoolwork and love to be involved in the school's athletics. The only way to enjoy a school is by being proactive and positive. While Michigan wasn't even my first choice, I now cannot imagine myself anywhere else because of the experience I have had. I also know that once I leave this school, my degree from such an accredited university will be highy favorable. I also cannot wait to come back for the alumni weekend football games! Students and parents should try to find a school that is well rounded and can provide everything for them.

Ariel

definitely visit schools before applying to them, and most certainly before deciding where to matriculate.

Kelsey

To find the right college you should definitley make appointments for college tours because although you may be sure of a certain university after reading about it, or seeing pictures of it, or knowing the background and opportunities available there, you really never know what it's like until you are there and you are experiencing it. Once you have seen it and imagined yourself actually attending there and knowing what it would be like, then you will know if it is the right choice for you. Also to make the most of your college experience I would suggest to try anything and everything, there are so many activities and club and events around campus, that you might not have ever heard about before or been around, and college is the perfect time to try and see if those are hobbies or even possible future careers that you might be interested in. Just don't let anything pass you by!

Jennifer

It's not all about the brand name because there is no much more to a college than just its ranking. Visit the college first, ask questions, stay open-minded.

A

Visiting a college is very important in making the choice. Getting a feel for he location, the buildings, and the people on campus can definitely make or break a school. Try to find potential extracurricular activities at colleges you're looking at and meet some people who are involved to get an insider's perspective. When choosing a college, it is very important to evaluate what is most important about college life to the prospective student: whether it's the quality of education, class size, sporting events, extracurricular activities, the "party atmosphere," or other factors, be sure to weigh them accordingly. Weighting these factors and sitting down and constructing a table to compare colleges is a very effective way to find the college that's right for you, or at least eliminate ones that aren't. To make the most out of college, find something you like and do something constructive with it! Don't languish in the dorms playing video games or watching TV, and don't blackout every weekend. Find something that you like, or that you're good at, and join a club. You'll enjoy college much more if you participate in something you enjoy.

Mallory

Make sure you can afford to go to this school it is very expensive.

Alexandra

I believe that it is important to attend classes before hand to see how accessible the professors are. Although this may seem awkward, you should either wait for the students to ask the professor a question or ask him a question yourself to see how helpful his/her response is. Alot of professors at the University of Michigan are condescending when answering questions. I would also ask students what it is like to live at the university, especially if you don't like drinking and expect to stay in on the weekends studying.

Lucy

Look for a school that is right for you. This means making sure you are completely comfortable where you are going. Go somewhere that has ideas and goals that interest you, as well as people you could see yourself working and getting along with. Make sure you will be happy there and can have a balanced life, including school and fun. Don't pick a school just because you know other people that go there or because they have a great reputation, make sure you are comfortable and will be able to enjoy your time. College is meant to be a new beginning to a great chapter in your life, take advantage of that decision. Make the right one for you. It's about you, not anyone else, so make sure you're picking for yourself.

Sheri

It's all about finding a place that you feel comfortable, and where you feel like you can make something of yourself. This is both in terms of the classes as well as the students that attend this university.In the end, a student should look back on his or her college experience and feel confident that he or she became a better person. They should feel as though they branched out, tried new things and really found out what in life will make them happy. Because in the end, the college, no matter what size or where it's located, should help each and every student discover what makes them happy.

Yachun

Start looking early, and ask lots of questions. Most importantly, take the ADVICE OF UPPERCLASSMEN! They can give you the most honest, real insight on the ups and downs of college and certain schools in particular. At college, give your 100{4a082faed443b016e84c6ea63012b481c58f64867aa2dc62fff66e22ad7dff6c} because you will definitely regret it if you don't. While I still don't quite believe the "college is the best four years of your life" mentality, I feel like they are still amazing years. Don't drink or do drugs, not only because it's stupid but because you will honestly be hurting yourself no matter how much fun you think you're having at that time. If you want an escape, STUDY instead! It's not only good for you, it's empowering when you see that awesome grade on your tests. MAKE TIME for socializing, even if classes seem overwhelming. It'll make college that much more fun. Do lots of extracurriculars and volunteering too, they're extremely rewarding. Don't do anything you think you'll regret in the future, because chances are you WILL end up regretting it xP

Rhiannon

The most important way to determine the right college for you is to visit! Checking out the campus of universities that interest you gives you a feel for the academic and social environment. While you're visiting, try to talk to faculty members and current students and consider the following questions. What do professors expect from their students? What's the average workload? Do students at this school tend to be liberal or conservative, or is there a wide array of political beliefs? What kind of social activities and extracurricular opportunities exist at this university? Are professors accessible or hard to get a hold of? Could I see myself spending the next four years of my life here? These questions will allow you to gauge whether or not the college is a right fit for you. No matter which university you decide to attend, get involved! Joining organizations and attending university-sponsored events is the best way to get to know other students and to make a mark on your new school.

Maureen

Remember who you are, but don't be afraid to discover more about yourself. College is a stepping stone in life. Be sure it is one that carries you forward:)

Colin

As for choosing the right college, choose the one with the opportunities and student life that you feel you want most. You won't be in class all the time, so you want a place you'll be happy to live and play at, too. Think about your own social and learning styles, too. For example, if you like to be be anonymous, you might want wa bigger school, or, for the same reason, you might want to challenge yourself with something more intimate. As for making the most of the experience, just try to remember that you've only got four years (or so). So don't be timid, and don't be afraid to get involved in activities. It's easier than you think to get to know your professors, too, and also more worthwhile than you think. Not only will you get a lot out of it personally, but they can help you out, too. Overall, in all realms, the most important thing is to take initiatave and, not being lazy or timid, seek out what it is you really want.

Laura

Don't stress about the classwork, have fun.

Carissa

I think it is important to talk to as many people as you can who actually go to the school and especially visit and stay over with someone to get a sense of what it is like academically and socially. I think it is also important to take into consideration how far you will be from home which a lot of people don't think about as much as they should.

Lily

Visit the college and meet some of the students on campus. Ask them about their experience and if you can relate, then it is a good fit for you.

Lauren

When finding the right college, make sure the student will enjoy being at the school. The best college does not have to be one of the top schools or one with lots of prestige. Take note on the community and environmet that best fits the student. Most importanly ,pick the school that will help you the most financial needs. The student may love the school but is it the right financial choice? College experinces could be awful when you don?t have the right plan for paying for collge and It can be stressful to students and parents. While out of state schools are great options as far as being diverse look, for schools in-state that will have just as much to offer in academics but more in financial assistance. Last but not least, get out and be more involved, take tuors and ask questions and explore all options.