University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill Top Questions

Students need to find a school that's right for them - not for their parents or their friends, but for them. I used a collegeboard.com college search that was extremely helpful. It made me think about aspects of each school that I hadn't even considered yet, like how big of a school I wanted to go to, whether I wanted to go to a liberal or conservative school, etc. Once you get to school, you just need to get out and meet people. The people I've met in college are so different from the people I knew in high school. In general, when you go to college, you're amongst people that have a lot in common with you, starting with the fact that they chose the same school that you did, and that they could get in in the same school. At UNC-Chapel Hill, I usually find myself surrounded by people of the same intelligence level, people with the same interests that I have. Find a school that fits you, and once you get there, get out and meet people. That's the best you can do.

Just be open for anything, but everything in moderation.

Can you do what you love? Will it open your mind and bring you new experience? If you can answer affirmatively to these questions, then you've found the right college. Be careful to not automatically assume that rumors of a college are true: a preppy college will have its artsy niche, and tough academics will be easier if you're doing something that excites you. When I graduated high school, I had no idea what I wanted to do or where I could go to do it. However, I loved writing and always wanted to be able to walk to school, so I selected a college with a good English department, a beautiful campus, and a lot of opportunities. I am now an English and Environmental Studies double major, a leader of a student environmental organization, and I just completed one summer study abroad (about to go on another!). Choosing the "right college" may seem like a daunting task, but if you remember to look for what you love and trust your instincts, it can be an easy and enjoyable experience.

Make sure its somewhere where you feel like you will fit in. Then GET INVOLVED. It is absolutely necessary to get involved in order to have a good experience. Find waht you like to do then find the club or organization that does that and get as involved as you can. Try out new things and find what you like to do, but dont just sit around and do nothing. Get involved and make friends.

Visit the campuses before you decide

It is important to read between the lines when looking at the "numbers" when finding the college. Accordingly, it is crucial to acknowledge that both sides have their ups and bads, and personal preference should be the major factor. Large student bodies may provide a microcosm of society, a beneficial experience, but smaller ones may give a closer, more intimate community experience. Large cities may provide more internship opportunities and entertainment, but suburban places may be an ideal environment to make friends and focus on academics. The neighborhood, various educational facilities, transportation availability, accessibility of internship/career fair/research opportunities, student organizations, recreation and diversity also have a large impact on the quality of college life, the bulk of college memories. Deciding between engineering, arts, sciences, etc is also a big step to make before deciding on which college. Once in college, exploring and deciding on your interests and developing a proactive attitude will be the best way to enjoy college as well as prepare for the real world. Actively research and decide on what courses, job, student group you want to get involved in and consider time management as well. Be open, eager, experimental, responsible, decisive and have fun!

VISIT, VISIT, VISIT! The feel of a college is very important for a student.

Go look at the campus, take a tour, walk around and try it out. When you return for school, make sure you know what you want. It is not cheap to get a quality education, and college is what you make of it. Don't lose focus on what really counts, your grades and your activities. Try not to get bogged down in the social whirl of parties and binging.

Do research. Really.

Definitely visit! Do not base a school on financial reservations, there are numerous packages and scholarships available. Do not go too far from home.