University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill Top Questions

Advice that I would give to a parent or student is know what size school you are looking for, know what type of career path they want to pursue. I would also investigate what type of security system is in place at the college. Know what type of activites the student is looking for at the school. I think they should look at the student composition of the school. Another main thing is how many graduates are employed in their degree area upon graduation.

It is important to remember that college is not solely about succeeding accademically. It is important to choose a college which supports social, cultural, and educational growth in a way that makes a student feel challenged but comfortable. Remember that the highest ranked academic schools will provide you with abundant knowledge, but may hinder social growth as there is little time to focus on anything but schoolwork. Conversely, a socially popular school may provide you with a fun experience, but might not challenge you enough academically in order to prepare you for life after college. It is, therefore, crucial to find a middleground where social experiences and academic learning can coexist so that a student can get the most out of his/her college experience and graduate feeling prepared to take on the challenges of life after college.

I would say choosing a college that has a friendly enviroment is the most important of all. It is easy for students to fall into depression for having to adapt to a completely new environment, getting away from home and being independent, and making new friends, but if the campus is lively and students are full of enthusiasm, the chances are that they will enjoy their college life to the fullest. Academics and careers are important too, but I think those four years in college is when you can learn the most about life. It's more important to learn it well now than to struggle later on in your life, because your grades and careers are not the only factors that will affect your life. I also think you should check to see if the school has good alumni or not. Networking is very important, and it is so much easier to get a job through people you know than to find it yourself. Usually small schools are good for this, because alumni are very loyal to their school. In whatever the case, choosing a school that you could fit into easily is the most important thing.

As an Admissions Ambassador I get asked both these questions frequently, especially when those on my tours learn I am an out of state student at a state supported college. Many recognize the names of the excellent colleges I passed on that are in my home state. What I tell them is after narrowing my choices, I visited each campus and arranged to stay with a student so that I could talk to and interract with current students and have them share what they liked or did not like about their campus. I feel in- depth visits are critical in the decision making process. I also encourage anyone to make a comparision chart of each school they are considering. Often when you see costs, location, etc. side by side, the choice becomes very clear. And lastly, if all things being equal, go with your heart. Choose the one that you felt the happiest at during your visit. Join organizations! It is awesome to meet and interact with so many diverse people and be exposed to new opinions and cultures and activities. My number one suggestion though is to get to know your professors! Visit them often during office hours.

Visit a college, and stay overnight. Even visit a few times during the year to see the atmosphere. You cannot judge the college by one visit. Make sure you know the type of people that go to the college, and try to imagine yourself fitting in there. If you cannot see yourself at that college, then that means it is not a good fit for you, but you will never know until you try. Make the mistake while applying not after you have started to attend the college. College is the most important part of your life, so you want to make it count, and be the best experience possible, for you and no one else.

Walk around the campus and/or town before you decide to go. Do you feel like you could be friends with some of the people you meet or see walking around? Could you live there for four years? Do people generally seem happy? You would probably be happy at several colleges. I visited quite a few and most of them were perfectly fine but didn't quite feel right. When I visited the school I ended up attending, I left with the feeling that I definitely wanted to come back. Before I started college, I considered myself shy. Put yourself out there. Talk to strangers. You are going to meet people you think are smarter, funnier and more talented than you. In reality, they are probably thinking the same thing when they meet you.

Finding the right college: go with what feels like home. Making the most out of college: Study hard & party hard!

In choosing the right college I would tell student and parents to take a thorough tour of the school. And along with that tour asks current students about both the education and social life of the school, because often college tours are not reflective of the actuality of the school. You also would want to attend a college that can foster your needs, if your need can't be fostered by a certain school then its not the right one in my opinion. In regards to making the most out of the college experience--You only get to attend college once. I myself feel that I haven't accomplished as much as I am capabale of through my first two years. Continue to do the things that you enjoy and change for the better not for the worse. Alot of people say that the most important thing in college is to get an education, but I feel that the most important things is to "grow" as a person. By the time you graduate you should be someone quite different from the entering student, someone whos is brighter, wiser, and able to make important decisions in regards to your life.

I would advise parents and students to visit a college or university before enrolling, especially if that school is out-of-state. Walk through the campus, sit in on a class, talk to some students, just try to get a general feel for the school and the community to make sure it's a good choice for you. Also, don't pay such close attention to rankings guides. The most competitive students tend to become obsessed with US News and World Report around senior year, but those guides cannot take into consideration factors like class size and assimilation into the student body, or whether a student will feel comfortable as part of the learning environment. The education received at a school is what each student makes it. You can take the most challenging courses at almost any school, get to know the professors and do research, and get an education of the highest quality. But doing that will be more difficult if you feel out of place, so make sure you attend the right school for YOU. Also, don't forget to check the price tag. As a recent college graduate, trust me - loans do not disappear.

Parents and/or students should choose their college based on which place makes them feel most comfortable and at home rather than basing the decision on college rankings, sports statistics or a prestigious reputation. Everyone's college experience can be very different and should reflect that person's qualities and interests. However, each student should try and give back to their college and the surrounding community in any way they can.