University of Michigan-Ann Arbor Top Questions

Students should attend a school where some of their friends are going so that they will be able to make a smoother transition to a postsecondary institution.

To find the right college, I would recommend that students visit the schools they are interested in and talk to current students. Try to set up a visit where they stay overnight with a current student so that they can get an idea of what classes are like, the dorms and cafeteria food, and the social aspect of the school. This will be very helpful and will give them the best idea of what that college is actually like because it's through the eyes of a current student. Doing tours aren't as helpful as the schools make them out to be because they only show the best parts of the campus. Also, I recommend going to extracurricular activities that the school puts on that a lot of students go to. This will give you a chance to talk to current students and see the type of activities that students are enjoying at this school. For example, go to a football game, a performance, or a rally at the school. These activities will give students an idea for the atmosphere of the school and whether or not they're interested in such an enviroment.

First of all, make sure that you visit the school. Sometimes it looks great on paper, but when you visit the school, you realize that it is not right for you. Also make sure that it has majors, activites, and clubs that you are interested in.

Do not discount the value of a school because you know several students who plan on matriculating there. Furthermore, do not make your college decision based solely on college ranking systems. BE ACTIVE! Hop on the internet and read blogs of current students, and email them with your questions and ask them about their experiences. College students by-and-large are friendly folk, and usually they like to talk about not only themselves (a favorite conversation point), but also the institution which they attend (the second favorite conversation point). Finally, as the old adage goes: "You can make a big school small but you cannot make a small school big." I initially wanted the small Liberal Arts College education, but have since been beyond pleased with class size at a large state university. Again, BE ACTIVE IN YOUR EDUCATION! Small, quality classes are your's for the finding, they just require the simple effort of...well, EFFORT!

I would remind both parents and students that comfort is a very important key into finding the right college. Parents should remember that how the student feels about a school is of utmost importance. Students should try to make their choice of school thinking of themselves, not of their parents and not of their friends. In regards to making the most of the college experience, students should remember to try to make the most of each day: attend lectures you think look interesting, join a club you think sounds crazy, introduce yourself to strangers, go to office hours and get to know your professors. Just as my dad always told me, "Work hard, play hard."

To the parents of a high school senior I would like to say, please let your child choose their own school. It seems to me that some of the most unhappy students I have met have no idea why they are at their school, let alone what they want to do after they get out. Choosing a college is a huge decision and it is the perfect time for teenagers to decide what type of person they are and want to be. As for the incoming freshman, I would say congrats on making it this far. Some people aren't even able to consider college and I don't think that is recognized enough by high school students. When it comes to looking for colleges I think it is important to look at many different types, small, big, private, state, near, far... even if you don't think you will like the campus, go in with an open mind because you may find yourself feeling at home in an unexpected place. For myself, I thought I wanted to escape the midwest and move east, but when it came down to it the burger eating, football loving UofM was home :).

If you are clueless about your major, a large university with many academic paths and extracurriculars may be ideal for exploring your interests. A big school can also be daunting. Mentors are a must. Create lasting bonds with an advisor or professor you like. Seek advice from upper-classmen; they are a goldmine of information?whether it?s concerning particular professor or class, the strength of an academic department, or where to get the best coffee on campus. If you know your major, look for schools that are strong in that department. Consider location, weather, distance, and, of course, cost. Visiting a school will give you crucial insight into its environment and culture. Remember: the name isn?t all that matters. ?Bumper sticker? schools like Harvard and Princeton, though highly distinguished, may not be the best fit for you. Choose a school that will challenge you and allow you to uncover your passions, not one that will make you feel inadequate. College is a time to discover who you are and how you can best impact the world. Managing your time well and building strong relationships--both professional and personal--are essential keys to happiness and success.

Making the most out of one's college experience is largely dependent on what a student chooses to do with it. I have come to learn that college is not just four years of studying and getting by to the next stage in life, but that it's an experience that changes you and helps to shape you in all aspects--not just academic--for the rest of your life. The most important thing about making a decision when going to college is if you have that gut-feeling that the school you choose will aid you in this process. Don't just base your decision on academics, but be cognizant of the community that you are inserting yourself into, because that will ultimately be one of the most important things that you will look back on and remember.

When I was finding the right college there were four main factors that influenced my decision. First would be to determine the colleges that provide the student's intended area of study. The distance from home and size of the school are two important factors for students to evaluate. Lastly, the student should look at what the schools have to offer for extracurricular activities and the surrounding area. These general guidelines to finding the right college assisted me in my decision to attend the University of Michigan; however making the most of a college experience is dependent upon different factors. In retrospect when looking back on my college experience, time management and my friends were the two most important factors. Time management is crucial for academics, both short and long term; managing assignments and exams every day allowed me to have time with my friends and avoid being overwhelmed academically. Since I knew my freshman year that I wanted to go abroad, I was able to manage my schedules each semester accordingly. Balancing friends and academics allowed me to be more successful and make the most of my college experience.

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