University of Minnesota-Twin Cities Top Questions

Do as much research aboutthe schools as possible, and make sure to visit the campus and get a feel for it. You can't tell if a college is right for you if you have never been there to experience it.

First - try to figure out what size college fits you -- "the bigger - the better" isn't for everyone. Know if you like large crowds, a lot of people all the time, and a lot of choices and opportunites to try new things. Decide if it would bother you to take a shuttle to get to each class, that walking (especially in bad weather) is not an option. Do you want to be able to come home and visit during the semester? Think about what you want to do after college. You may not have the answer to any or all of these questions. But you may be able to narrow it down. Many students don't know what they want to do after college, so try to find a college that fits you - how you study, what you like. You may want a small college where you can walk to all of your classes, be able to talk to all of your professors face-to-face, or may want to go home every weekend. At least try to find a college that fits part of your life. The rest will fall into place. Changing majors is easier than changing colleges.

There are three things that are good to remember when choosing and going through the college experiance. First, do not get stressed out about getting into the most exclusive college. You want to find a school that has a strong program in your area of interest or that is generally well known, but don't feel like you have to get into an Ivy League school to get a decent job. You don't. Second, it is a very good idea to visit a campus before committing to it. Colleges may match your specifications on paper, but going to the school allows you to see what it is really like. A tour of the campus may be useful, but you should also explore on your own and talk to some students while you are there, since the tour will be biased. They are trying to sell the school, after all. Third, take advantage of the opportunities your college provides you. There are a lot more clubs, activities, resources, internships, volunteer opportunities, and field-related work options available than you may think. Don't wait until after you're an upperclassman to figure out what you enjoy professionally or personally.

Choose a college where course work and having fun can be balanced.

Go with what you think is a good fit, not what your parents want you to do. Don't go with the cheapest, either. Don't go with the school everyone is going to, either. Go with the school that has lots of opportunities to indulge your interests and passions. Make friends with everyone and anyone, including your advisor and professors. Don't let opportunities to try new things slip through your fingers. Do all the trainings you can, but don't over-commit to tons of student groups. Keep time for yourself and time for hanging out.

If you're going to need to go back to school for a liberal education, such as psycology or sociology DON'T choose an expensive private college if you can't afford it. I have friends who are in $93,000 debt and can't do much with their degree. Make sure you can find a place that will help bring the jobs to you because it's hard to find a job when you don't have connections. Get involed in school and have fun. Don't work too much and enjoy your college days. Find a place where you're comfortable and if you're a big family person don't go too far away because you will want to come home often. School is uncofortable until the end of October and you'll want to give up but just stick through it and you'll be proud and thankful you did.

Base your decision on your inner desires and personal feelings. Pick a place where you feel like you will thrive and not be held down at all. Once you are there, don't hold back. Do as much or as little as you need to feel like you are being true to yourself. Don't be afraid to meet anyone new that can give you a new perspective on life, as this is an opportunity to grow and expand your mind. Stay in touch with those who have helped you along the way, and learn more about yourself by finding how you respond to the world around you (both internally and externally). Blow off steam when you have it, and work your hardest when you feel most motivated. Keep in mind that everyone is different and everyone is the same, depending on how you look at it. Let yourself learn, broaden, unwind, and have a great time whenever possible.

See if it is possible to sit in on some classes to see how material is presented and how the professors treat their students. Spend significant time on campus both day and at night. Check into safety procedures used on campus. Also, outside of cost and reputation, it is very important when doing your research to speak with some students who are students in your intended major. See what their exierience has been. Don't just rely on student ambassadors or program administrators and advisors - talk directly to the professors and the student body. This will give you a very clear idea of what to expect.

One of the best ways to see a college and experience college life, is to schedule a campus visit/tour. When I was a junior in high school, I attended my first information session for the College of Liberal Arts at the Twin Cities campus at the University of Minnesota. The session was limited to about 30 people so there was alot ot attention given to perspective students and parents and we had plenty of time to ask our questions. We even were able to visit dorms and talk to students about their experiences living on campus. After this campus visit, I visited the Duluth campus of the University of Minnesota. The Duluth campus is a small town college feel compared to the UofM- Twin Cities and I knew after a few hours, I preferred the bigger campus. One of the biggest considerations when choosing a college is what size campus. I knew I liked to feel of a big campus and I knew watching Big 10 sports competitions would be an added bonus.

In picking the right school you just have to follow your heart. College is the next step in the evolution of your life. Your faith will guide you in the right decision, wither it is the right school or not. You will adapt, and overcome. This is only the next stage in the journey of life. If the college your heart lead you to believe was the right one, and was not.. you will only evolve again with a stronger understanding of yourself and the path you must take. Transferring schools is only one of the options when the route you thought was right is leading you the wrong way. Being active and involved in campus spirit and co-curricular is endless to your own desire. Make the most moment and oppertunity you get. Attend every informational meeting of a group or organization that you have even the slightest thought about joining. Get to know and experience everything you can, open yourself to any and everything. That is my advice. You are about to be in college, love the times and make the best of it. Do not hold back, and experience all the world has to offer you. -McKenzie_Kane